Longchen Rabjam

The Longchhen Rabjam Online Shedra, also known as the Longchhen Rabjam Online Dharma Academy, is named in honor of the great omniscient Longchhenpa. This designation signifies our deep respect and acknowledgment of his profound teachings and authored texts as the foundational source of wisdom and guidance within our online Dharma Academy. Longchenpa (1308–1363) was a highly esteemed Tibetan Buddhist master, philosopher, and prolific writer. He was a central figure in the Nyingma School, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Longchenpa is particularly renowned for his profound teachings on Dzogchen.

His works, including "The Seven Treasuries" (Dzödün), are considered among the most important and authoritative texts in the Nyingma tradition. Longchenpa's contributions to Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the fields of philosophy, meditation, and Dzogchen, have had a lasting impact, and his teachings continue to be studied and revered by practitioners and in all the Nyingma Institute as well as in other sect of Buddhism. It's worth noting that the choice of naming the program after Longchhenpa is also influenced by the recognition that he is the previous incarnation of PemaLingpa. PemaLingpa's teachings constitute the main lineage of this school, further anchoring our program in a rich tradition of wisdom and spiritual guidance.



Gangteng Rinpoche

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Incarnations of HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche

The lineage of HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche traces back to the noble rebirths of enlightened masters who played significant roles in the spread and preservation of Buddhism. His incarnations span from the time of the Buddha to the present, each contributing profoundly to the Dharma.

Early Incarnations Before Bhutan

  1. Genyen Chundha – The first noble rebirth in this lineage, Genyen Chundha was the devoted lay disciple who offered the Buddha his last meal before Parinirvana. At his request, Buddha lived three more months, exemplifying the path of devotion and service.
  2. Dhenmang Tsemang – One of the twenty-five great disciples of Guru Padmasambhava, he played a crucial role in transcribing and preserving the sacred teachings brought to Tibet.
  3. Lha Lam Yeshe Yö – A devoted practitioner who sacrificed his life to bring the great Indian master Atisha to Tibet, thus facilitating the spread of the Dharma.
  4. Khechhok Künzang Drakpa – A realized master renowned for his vast knowledge and exceptional efforts in propagating Buddhism.
  5. Tenzin Yönten – The son of the great Tertön Nyangrel Nyima Özer, he was venerated for attaining the same level of realization as his father.
  6. Gyana Vajra, 
  7. Dharma Dhaza, and 
  8. Gyana Deva – These incarnations carried forward the legacy of Dharma, each making significant contributions in their respective lifetimes.
  9. Gyalsey Wangchuk Pelbar – The principal disciple of Tertön Pema Ledrel Tsel, instrumental in upholding and transmitting treasure teachings.
  10. Jamyang Chenpo Chhapdhel Lhundrup – A highly accomplished master who received both Sutra and Tantra teachings directly from Longchenpa. He attained the same realization as Longchenpa himself, demonstrated supernatural abilities, and was protected by the three great guardians of Dzogchen.
  11. Tertön Drimé Lingpa – A great treasure revealer (tertön) known for discovering profound spiritual treasures and mastering the Phowa Drakjyug practice.
  12. Khenchen Tsultrim Peljor – One of the foremost disciples of Tertön Pema Lingpa, contributing significantly to the continuation of the Pema Lingpa lineage.
Incarnations in Bhutan as Gangteng Tulkus

With the birth of Gyalsey Pema Thinley, the grandson of Tertön Pema Lingpa and son of Thuksé Dawa Gyeltsen, the lineage of Gangteng Tulkus was firmly established in Bhutan. Since then, the successive reincarnations of Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche have served as torchbearers of the Pema Lingpa tradition, guiding countless beings on the path of Dharma.

  1. First Gangteng Tulku – Gyalsey Pema Thinley (The grandson of Tertön Pema Lingpa and son of Thuksé Dawa Gyeltsen)
  2. Second Gangteng Tulku – Tenzin Lekpai Dhendrup
  3. Third Gangteng Tulku – Kunzang Thinley Namgyel
  4. Fourth Gangteng Tulku – Sizhi Namgyel
  5. Fifth Gangteng Tulku – Ugyen Gelek Namgyel
  6. Sixth Gangteng Tulku – Tenpai Nyima
  7. Seventh Gangteng Tulku – Tenpai Nyinje
  8. Eighth Gangteng Tulku – Ugyen Thinley Dorji
  9. Ninth and Present Gangteng Tulku – HH Kunzang Rigdzin Pema Namgyel

This unbroken lineage of enlightened masters has played a vital role in preserving the teachings of Tertön Pema Lingpaand the Nyingma school of Buddhism. Through successive incarnations, each Gangteng Tulku has safeguarded the profound spiritual heritage, ensuring its continued relevance in the modern world.

Biography of HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche

Early Life and Recognition
His Holiness Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche was born on December 17, 1955, in Nubi, Trongsa, Bhutan, to Yab Tse Ring Dorji and Yum Tse Ring Palmo. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary spiritual qualities. At the age of four, he spoke of his previous lives, though the details of these memories remain undocumented. His exceptional nature was further revealed when, at five, a prophecy was made about his future as a tulku. This prophecy set in motion a search for his reincarnation, and at the age of seven, he joined the Trongsa Chötré Monastic School, beginning his formal education in Buddhist teachings and practice.

At twelve, he was recognized by Dzogchen Pönlop Kunzang Gyaltshen Rinpoche, and later, at thirteen, he received the formal recognition of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, and Kyabje Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje. This recognition solidified his position as the ninth Gangteng Tulku, and he was enthroned as the spiritual leader of the Gangteng Monastery.

Education and Spiritual Training
At the age of fourteen, HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche began intensive training under some of the greatest Buddhist masters of his time, including Kyabje Tenzin Döndrup, Gendün Rinchen, and Yanglop Shakdor. He delved deeply into the study of common Buddhist sciences, monastic disciplines, and the profound teachings of Vajrayana practices. His spiritual education continued under the guidance of many esteemed masters, including Kyabje Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kyabje Penor Rinpoche, Kyabje Dodrup Rinpoche, Kyabje Jadrel Rinpoche, Nyoshul Lungtok Rinpoche, Khenpo Noryang Rinpoche, Khenpo Dhazer Rinpoche, and Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche. His training at Tharpaling Monastery under Khentrul Thekchhok Tenpai Gyeltshen, where he received the complete cycle of Rinchen Termed teachings, further shaped his spiritual development.

By the age of eighteen, he was formally enthroned at Gangteng Monastery, where he undertook the responsibility of reviving the monastic traditions and educational systems. His contributions were crucial in ensuring that the teachings of the Nyingma tradition continued to flourish.

Religious Contributions and Achievements
At the age of thirty-one, HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche established the Gangteng Shedra, a higher Buddhist philosophical institute that became a beacon of academic and spiritual excellence. He dedicated his efforts to the restoration of ancient monasteries and monastic educational institutions throughout Bhutan, ensuring that sacred Nyingma teachings, especially those from the Peling tradition, were preserved for future generations.

Rinpoche’s influence spread well beyond Bhutan. He conducted teachings and empowerments in countries such as India, Nepal, Taiwan, Europe, and the United States, introducing Vajrayana teachings to a global audience. Under his guidance, numerous monastic institutions, retreat centers, and study programs flourished, ensuring that the practices of the Nyingma school were accessible to practitioners worldwide.

Legacy and Influence
HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche’s life has been one of profound dedication to the preservation and propagation of Buddhism. His tireless efforts have not only ensured the continuity of the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava but have also made significant contributions to the global Buddhist community. His wisdom, compassion, and commitment to the spiritual welfare of both monastic and lay practitioners have inspired countless individuals around the world.

Through his work, HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche has played a crucial role in safeguarding Bhutan’s spiritual heritage while nurturing the growth of Buddhism beyond its borders. His legacy is one of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to preserving the teachings of the Nyingma tradition, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from his guidance and vision.

Recognition and Lineage
The lineage of the Gangteng Tulku is traced directly to Pema Lingpa, a revered tertön of the Nyingma school. Each successive Gangteng Tulku has upheld the profound teachings of Pema Lingpa, preserving a rich spiritual heritage for over several centuries. As the ninth incarnation of this sacred lineage, HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche continues to play a pivotal role in guiding new generations of practitioners on the path of wisdom and enlightenment.

Teachings and Global Outreach
Throughout his life, HH Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche has established numerous Dharma centers around the world, emphasizing the core principles of Vajrayana Buddhism: compassion, wisdom, and the transformative power of meditation. He has authored several texts on Buddhist philosophy and practice, making profound spiritual insights accessible to a global audience.

His influence continues to grow as he nurtures future generations of Buddhist scholars, practitioners, and teachers, ensuring the vitality of the Peling tradition and contributing significantly to the global spread of Vajrayana Buddhism. His teachings and example stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those who seek the path of awakening.