Birthday Message For Rinpoche from Phub Dorji Wang
A Very Happy Birthday Tashi Delek to His Holiness Khenchen Lama Rinpoche.
His Holiness Khenchen Parchhimbha Dorjee Rinpoche, also known as Khenchen Lama Rinpoche, exhibited extraordinary compassion and a deep affinity for meditation from a very early age. At the tender age of three, the head of the Nyingma lineage, His Holiness Sera Yangtrul Rinpoche, formally recognized Khenchen Parchhimbha Dorjee Rinpoche as the authentic reincarnation of Padma Dagnag Lingpa. Padma Dagnag Lingpa, himself a reincarnation of Nupchen Sangye Yeshe—one of Guru Padmasambhava’s five closest disciples and the founder of the Yogi lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
His Holiness Khenchen Lama Rinpoche’s teachings predominantly revolve around the profound wisdom of Buddha within the hidden treasure teachings of Padma Dagnag Lingpa. Renowned as a master of dream yoga, he dedicates himself to meditation day and night. Rinpoche’s teachings seamlessly blend meticulous scholastic knowledge with practical meditation advice, tailored for both ordained and lay practitioners. His distinctive emphasis on the significance of practice is accompanied by specific meditation requirements in his teachings. A teacher of such caliber, possessing advanced academic training and extensive meditation practice, is truly rare. Being in the presence of his compassion and wisdom is considered a genuine blessing.
His Holiness Sera Yangtrul Rinpoche prophesied that Khenchen Lama Rinpoche would bring particular benefit to students in Europe and the USA in this lifetime. Despite the early pressures to assume leadership roles in four monasteries, Khenchen Lama Rinpoche was guided by his mother to undergo rigorous study and practice.
Rinpoche’s Buddhist education includes the study of the Text in 30 verses by Sambhotra with Khenchen Jigme Namgayal, preliminary practices by Patrul Rinpoche, and the study of the nine successive vehicles to enlightenment with Khenchen Padma Tsewang Rinpoche. He pursued Sutra and Tantra studies at Ahrik University and Larung University in Tibet under the guidance of his root teacher, H.H. Jigmed Phuntsok Rinpoche, covering Buddhist philosophy, meditation, logic, medicine, astrology, languages, grammar, lexicography, dance, and drama.
Additionally, Rinpoche engaged in two years of Sanskrit study with Khenchen Pema Tsewang, receiving numerous teachings, transmissions, and empowerments from leading masters across all main lineages of Tibetan Buddhism—Nyingma, Sankya, Kagyu, Gelug, Jonang, and Bonpo. He is a lineage holder and Tulku in the lineage of Padma Dragnag Lingpa, including Dzogchen Kalachakra terma, and has received key transmissions, empowerments, and teachings such as Dudjom tersar, Nyingtik Yazhi (Khandro Nyingtik, Longchen Nyingtik, Vima Nyingtik, Dzamo Nyingtik, Rinchen Terzod, etc.), Six Yogas of Naropa, and Mahamudra.
At the tender age of 17, Rinpoche was granted the esteemed Khenpo title by Ahrig University, The Great Buddhist Institute for Higher Learning in Kham, Tibet. Continuing on this path of academic excellence, at the age of 21 in 1999, he was honored with the Khenchen title from the same distinguished institution. Further accolades followed in 2001 when H.H. Drigung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, from Phagdru Institute in Kathmandu, Nepal, also bestowed upon Rinpoche the revered title of Khenchen.
Beyond his profound spiritual pursuits, Rinpoche embarked on a journey to master the English language, undertaking studies at Coleg Menai in Bangor, Gwynedd. He not only completed the Cambridge English Entry Level award in ESOL Skills for life but also excelled in the Grade 5 examination in English for life in the United Kingdom, a testament to his commitment to holistic learning.
Rinpoche’s specialization lies in the teachings of preliminary practices, delving into “The Words of My Perfect Teacher” by Patrul Rinpoche, and expounding on Padmasambhava’s Natural Liberation (Six Bardos) cycle of teachings and Jigme Lingpa’s Yeshe Lama. His expertise extends to the profound teachings of the Padma Dragnag Lingpa Dzogchen cycle. Amidst his studies, Rinpoche devoted two to three months each year to silent solitary retreats, accumulating a remarkable total of about four years in retreat.
Having attained the titles of Khenpo and Khenchen, Rinpoche generously shared his knowledge by teaching debate, astrology, sutra, and tantra at numerous monasteries and centers across Tibet, Nepal, and India. His annual teachings at Jewo Monastery in Kham, Tibet, and Ahnye Monastery in Kham, Tibet, have become a cherished tradition.
Rinpoche’s roles include Head Lecturer at Palden Phagdru Institute Trust in Kathmandu, where he supervised the completion of studies for 16 Khenpos. He serves as the Spiritual Director of Dzogchen Kalachakra Retreat Center in Bangor, Wales, UK, Awam Tibetan Institute in Tucson, Arizona, USA, Awam Tibetan Heart Center in Sedona, Arizona, USA, Awam King Gesar Monastery in Slovenia, Awam Ogmin Yoga Center in Hong Kong, and Awam Foundation in Tibet, China.
In addition to his extensive teachings on meditation, retreats, and empowerments at various Buddhist centers in Asia, the United States, and Europe, Rinpoche dedicates significant efforts to philanthropy. His primary focus centers on building and sustaining an orphanage in Tibet, providing essential support such as accommodation, food, clothing, and education to 150 children. Rinpoche aspires to establish a retreat center for yogis in Tibet in the future, embodying his commitment to both spiritual teachings and compassionate action.
Rinpoche’s literary contributions encompass a rich tapestry of wisdom and poetic expression:
1. Khenchen Lama, P.D. (2008 – present): A prolific creator, Rinpoche has woven numerous poems and insightful commentaries on the canvas of a Dharma blog, a testament to his ongoing dedication to spiritual discourse and expression, all meticulously articulated in Tibetan.
2. Khenchen Lama, P. D. (2009): Delving deeper into the sacred, Rinpoche graced the literary realm with a profound commentary on the 21 Taras, an offering encapsulated in the eloquence of Tibetan language. Published by Gansumz Publications in Ladu, Tibet, this work stands as a testament to Rinpoche’s commitment to sharing the depth of his spiritual insights.
3. Khenchen Lama, P. D. (2009): In the pursuit of exploring the heart of meditative practices, Rinpoche gifted the literary world with “Heart of Yoga Meditation,” a poetic exploration of the profound, expressed in the richness of the Tibetan language.
4. Khenchen Lama, P. D. (2010): The melodic harmony of meditation finds expression in Rinpoche’s “Songs of Meditation,” a three-volume masterpiece comprising “Dhalu Pedma Gesar” (vol.1), “Dhonlu Yidzhin Norbu” (vol. 2), and “Taklu” (vol. 3). These volumes, steeped in the Tibetan tradition, resonate with the soulful cadence of contemplation.
5. Khenchen Lama, P. D. (2015): Embarking on a lyrical exploration of the Nature of Phenomena, Rinpoche shares profound insights through his Dharma Songs, each word echoing the depth of Tibetan wisdom and the essence of spiritual understanding.
6. Khenchen Lama Rinpoche (2016): In a self-published opus, “Tibetan Meditation Yoga: Ancient Teachings Living Today,” Rinpoche encapsulates timeless teachings in a modern time, bridging the ancient and the contemporary with grace and wisdom.
Through these publications, Rinpoche not only imparts spiritual knowledge but also weaves a literary legacy that resonates with the beauty and depth of Tibetan tradition, offering a tapestry of insight and inspiration for all seekers.
Rinpoche consistently imparts the sacred wisdom through his Facebook page, graciously offering regular oral transmissions on special occasions, with the Four Roots Practice serving as the key.
The Awam Molam Chenmo, a profound practice, has resonated an astonishing 124 times, extending its reach through online transmissions to benefit numerous individuals globally. As one of many fortunate recipients, I am deeply grateful for this enriching experience.
Notably, throughout these teachings, Rinpoche’s altruism shines brightly; never once have I witnessed him soliciting donations, exemplifying the selfless nature of his guidance.
On this auspicious occasion, I extend all my accumulated virtues in heartfelt dedication to Rinpoche’s enduring well-being and the continued dissemination of Buddhism for the liberation of all beings from the cycles of samsara.
Tashi Delek.
With unwavering devotion,
Phub Dorji Wang
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