H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche (1904-1987)
Prediction on His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche
It was predicted by Urgyen Dechen Lingpa that "in the future in Tibet, on the east of the Nine-Peaked Mountain, in the sacred Buddhafield of the self-originated Vajravarahi, there will be an emanation of Drogben, of royal lineage, named Jnana. His beneficial activities are in accord with the Vajrayana although he conducts himself differently, unexpectedly, as a little boy with astonishing intelligence.
He will either discover new Terma or preserve the old Terma. Whoever has connections with him will be taken to Ngayab Ling (Zangdok Palri)."
His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche's Birth
His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche was born in the Wood Dragon year of the 15th Rabjung Cycle (June 10,1904), into a noble family in the southeastern Tibetan province of Pemakod, one of the four "hidden lands" of Guru Rinpoche. He was of royal Tsenpo lineage, descended from Nyatri Tsenpo and from Puwo Kanam Dhepa, the King of Powo.
His father, Kathok Tulku Norbu Tenzing, was a famous tulku of the Pemakod region from Kathok Monastery. His mother, who had descended from Ratna Lingpa and belonged to the local members of the Pemakod tribe, was called Namgyal Drolma. His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche has always been specially connected with the Kathok Monastery, as can be seen from his previous incarnations: his ninth manifestation was Dampa Dayshek (1122-1192) who founded the Kathok Monastery, and his fifteenth manifestation was Sonam Detsen who was responsible for the revitalization of the Kathok Monastery.
"Whoever has connections with him will be taken to Ngayab Ling (Zangdok Palri)."
Prediction by Urgyen Dechen Lingpa
Conditions for His Holiness' Rebirth
His Holiness was recognized as the incarnation of Dudjom Lingpa (1835-1904), the famous discoverer of many concealed teachings or "treasures" (Terma), particularly those related to the practice of Vajrakilaya (Dorje Phurba), amounting to twenty-one volumes. It had been Dudjom Lingpa's intention to visit southern Tibet to reveal the sacred land of Pemakod, but being unable to do so, he predicted that his successor would be born there and would reveal it himself. Za-Pokhung Tulku Gyurme Ngedon Wangpo and Lama Thubten Chonjor of Ling came to Pemakod and enthroned him.
His Holiness' Intensive Studies
His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche studied with the most outstanding lamas of his time, beginning his studies with Khenpo Aten in Pemakod. He studied many texts and commentaries, such as the Dom Sum (Three Precepts), Chod Juk, etc. It was said by Lama Konrab that at the age of five, His Holiness started discovering Ter. When he was eight years old, he began to study Shantideva's "Bodhicaryavatara" with his teacher Urgyen Chogyur Gyamtso, a disciple of the great Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887).
He studied for sixteen years with Za-Pokhung Tulku Gyurme Ngedon Wangpo and had great revelations on the teachings of Dzogpa Chenpo. In his teens, His Holiness attended the great monastic universities of Central Tibet, such as Mindrolling, Dorje Drak and Tarje Tingpoling. Thus it was from the Mindrolling Vajracarya, Dorzim Namdrol Gyamtso, that His Holiness learned all the rituals, mandalas, songs, dance and music.
World Famous Writings
Celebrated for his encyclopedic knowledge and poetic beauty, His Holiness had a special genius for expressing the realization of Dzogpa Chenpo with crystal-like lucidity. His "History of the Nyingma School" remains a cornerstone of Buddhist scholarship.
Explore the SungbumSpreading the Holy Dharma
Unique in having received the transmission of all existing Nyingma teachings, His Holiness was the leading exponent of Dzogpa Chenpo and a Great Terton. Indeed, His Holiness was regarded as the living embodiment of Guru Rinpoche and His Representative (Regent) in this contemporary time.
His Holiness' Family Life
His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche manifested as a householder with family, married twice. His first wife was called Sangyum Kusho Tseten Yudron. His second wife was Sangyum Kusho Rigdzin Wangmo. He had many children who became great scholars and masters in their own right, continuing his lineage and teachings across the world.
The Final Passage
"Mopa Od Thaye (His Holiness' future incarnation) will have the activity of one thousand Buddhas."
His Holiness entered into Mahaparinirvana on January 17, 1987. His influence as the Supreme Head of the Nyingma School continues to illuminate the path for practitioners worldwide.