Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche

[hope rainbow]

Zawa Tulku Rinpoche’s previous incarnation’s root gurus were Trijang Rinpoche and Zong Rinpoche.
And his current incarnation, while he was still a child, went to Ganden Shartse following a direct instruction by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche himself who gave him the name: Tsering Dorje.

There is a picture of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche on the following webpage http://dorjeshugden.com/wp/?p=214   (7th picture from the top).
The picture was taken at the occasion of His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s 25th Birthday Celebration in 2007, in Vermont, USA.
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche is the re-incarnation of the previous Trijang Rinpoche.

Throughout two lifetimes (at least), Trijang Rinpoche and Zawa Tulku Rinpoche‘s paths have crossed, in meaningful ways.
What we are looking at here is an historical opportunity for a buddhist renaissance.

Here are some more detailed info about Zawa Tulku Rinpoche from http://www.khenrab.org/zawatulku.htm

The previous incarnation of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche:
The previous incarnation of Zawa Rinpoche was born in the Province of Kham in the region of Chating. He became a monk at the Ganden Shartse Monastery in Tibet and was guided by his Root Gurus, the previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. There, he achieved his Geshe Lharampa Degree. This entailed countless hours of study and debate, passing through the various levels of increasing profundity of Buddhist philosophy and practice. After he had accomplished this superior training, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche sent him back to the Chating area in order to care for the spiritual needs of that community.
Using the meditation house of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and with his blessings, he began many years of rigorous retreat practice. Having engaged in Nyung-nye and Chabtrul purification countless times over months and years, he developed the power of healing others. Never sleeping very much, only eating meditation pills and devoting himself to the Bodhisattva practices, he helped many recover from various illnesses merely by blowing on them and giving them blessing pills. Much loved and respected by those who lived in Chating and elsewhere, he stayed within this region of Tibet until he showed impermance at the age of 73, on the eve of the special holy day of Zaga Dawa. At that time, he entered into meditation on the clear light of death and remained in this state for days, the body retaining heat and showing certain signs of accomplishment. At the time of his cremation, many ribus (sacred relics) were discovered. His devoted community, torn by their loss, wished to quickly find his rebirth. But due to conditions in Tibet, this was very difficult.

The current incarnation of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche:
The people of Chating contacted Ganden Shartse Monastery in India for help. His reincarnation was discovered in India, born of his Mother, Lhamo and his Father, Ngawang. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche instructed his Father to send his young son to Ganden Shartse and he gave him the name, Tsering Dorje. Then as a gesul (ordained monk), he received his ordination from the illustrious teacher, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche and was given the name Jangchub Ngawang by Venerable Lati Rinpoche. From that time in 1982, being recognized by various Yogis and high Lamas as the incarnation of the previous Geshe Zawa Rinpoche, he started intensely his monastic studies. In 1997 during an elaborate and large ceremony at Ganden Shartse Monastery, he was enthroned and the title bestowed upon him was Zawa Tulku Lobsang Dorje Tenzin Yarpel Rinpoche. He had achieved the highest levels of oral philosophical debate during his final examinations. Then, in 2001, because of frequent requests from the people of Chating and the monks from Chating monastery, he visited his old homeland in Tibet. There again an enthronement ceremony was performed by his devoted community of monks and laypeople. This was a happy and melancholy visit for Rinpoche because of his past history and the current conditions in Tibet which had changed so much for his old community of friends and students.

Returning to the world outside of Tibet and at the request of many Dharma centers he has traveled extensively giving teachings, empowerments and constructing sacred sand mandalas. Following the directions and advice of his teacher, Geshe Tsultrim , he is now residing in Chang Chub Choling, Temple Bouddhiste Tibetain in Montreal, along with his assistant, Gen Lobsang Tashi . As Resident Teacher he has taken in hand responsibility for Temple affairs and he has given advice to its members. Further due to his presence and active participation many dharma activites are now being offered: teachings, initiations, ceremonies and the publication of Buddhist practice texts (sadhanas) which are available for all.

[beggar]

What a beautiful post to see us through the weekend and welcome a new week! A double bonus - not just a sharing of a high lama but of TWO LAMAS and how they are so connected.

We must never forget that almost all the highest lamas, recognised in every smallest corner of the world, the ones with the largest organisation and bringing dharma to most people (in the most unlikely places sometimes), HAVE BEEN CONNECTED TO THE MOST HOLY LAMA TRIJANG RINPOCHE (not forgetting the 14th Dalai Lama himself, of course, who is in turn guru to millions). Almost all of them were his disciples, or at the very least just one or two generations down the same lineage.

Many of the central practices of all these lamas came from Trijang Rinpoche. So is it that he is correct about all these practices but made a mistake with one particular practice? Trijang Rinpoche relied very much on Dorje Shugden and made many prophesies about Dorje Shugden's practice in the future (which is where we are now). It is illogical that his teachings are "right" except for one - and the one who denounces it as "wrong" or "bad" or as a "mistake" is his student, the dalai lama. How is it logical that a student declares that a practice given to him by his teacher is wrong? in this case, any of us can also claim that by our own understanding, our guru's teachings are also right or wrong, or maybe, or in between. Then what is authentic?

I choose to believe: it cannot be that ALL these lamas, that connect back to the most holy Trijang Rinpoche, who is one with Vajrayogini, can be all wrong. Impossible!

[hope rainbow]

Hi Beggar, Indeed Trijang's Rinpoche tireless spreading of the Dharma is extra-ordinary.
The extracts from the websites below show the connection between another highly realized master, Zasep Rinpoche, and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche.
I find it remarquable that Trijang Rinpoche spent his life giving teachings and initiations to monks and tulkus that would prove to be remarquable teachers on their own ground.
And Zasep Tulku is certainly one remarquable teacher, check it out:


AN OVERVIEW OF ZASEP TULKU RINPOCHE:
From: http://www.gadenforthewest.org/rinpoche.html

The Venerable Acharya Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, a highly realized and internationally respected teacher of Gelugpa Buddhism, was born in Tibet in the province of Kham in 1948. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche was recognized as the 13th incarnation of Lama Konchog Tenzin of Zuru Monastery. In 1959, during the Chinese invasion, he escaped from Tibet and continued his education for sixteen years in India under the tutelage of many of the greatest teachers of Mahayana Buddhism. In 1975, Zasep Rinpoche left India to study in Thailand where he joined the monks of a forest monastery. For eighteen months he studied and practiced with them. He then traveled to Australia and translated for Tibetan speaking Lamas for a number of years. Since 1976 he has taught western Dharma students in Australia, Canada, and the United States and has developed Dharma centers in each of these countries. Rinpoche regularly visits these centers and offers extensive teachings, initiations and retreats which his many students enthusiastically attend. In 1999, Rinpoche and his students created the Gaden for the West umbrella organization to more effectively support and nourish the study of Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhism in the West.
   

HOW AND WHEN HE MET WITH TRIJANG RINPOCHE:
From: http://community.palouse.net/lotus/biop4.htm

In 1958, Sera Ngapa Tratzang (the Tantric College) invited Yongzin Trijang Dorje Chang to the college to give initiations. From this holy lama, Zasep Tulku -- then ten years old -- received Guhyasamaja Akshobhya Vajra, Heruka Tilbu Lhanga, Thirteen Deities of Yamantaka, and Kunrig Yoga Tantra initiations.
[…]
In 1961, he went to Dharamsala in north India. Here he rejoined his kind and holy teacher, the Venerable Trijang Dorje Chang and met Yongzin Ling Rinpoche again. In the same year he took Getsul (novice monk) ordination from Trijang Rinpoche.

[DSFriend]

Young tulkus returning are residing all over the world, continuing their work! It's just a matter of time, that the Buddhadharma will spread throughout. I pray that the older/senior lamas will live long to teach, nurture and pass on the lineage teachings to the young tulkus.

[triesa]

Thankyou Hoperainbow for sharing Zawa Tulku Rinpoche's brief biography. I didn't know about Zawa Tulku Rinpoche until I read your post.  Lineage masters like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, and not to mention, Pabongka Rinpoche all have played significant role in nuturing young tulkus and high lamas. It is amazing to see how their lives crossed over and interplayed with each other, like a never ending succession plan.

May the current incarnation of Pabongka Rinpoche, Trijang Rinpoche, and Zong Rinpoche all live long and continuously turn the wheel of Dharma For all beings.

Triesa

[Big Uncle]

Thank you for the wonderful story of Zawa Rinpoche's previous life with Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. It is amazing what a Lama is Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, he just simply blesses everybody and so many great Lamas achieved greatness through his blessings. I have read of how a man from Chatreng called Gonche who just receive teachings once on karma, turn from a whole lifetime of negative actions and devoted the rest of his life in contemplations and meditation on Vajrayogini. How blessed! In fact, he passed away and his funeral was beset with rainbows - a sign that he had achieved Kechara Paradise!

[Carpenter]

Initially i thought those High Lamas are born with 'super power', they can see what's happening next and to take appropriate action, they are the enlightened ones with already obtain ultimate wisdom and they just came to samsara world in human form only, but it is with full knowledge already.

not until i get to know about Tibetan Buddhist which introduced by my friend, when i read through few High Lamas Biography, I realize that even High Lama who are very successful / famous today, when they are young, they actually study very hard, they work very hard, they will fall sick, etc, etc. they are just like a normal person.

This is really inspiring as they are working tirelessly everyday but not doing it for themselves, it is to help us to come out from suffering.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, it clearly shows that their achievement today is not because they are enlighten one and know everything, and can do everything, but they work hard and they work all the way through until who they are today.

with great respect

Thanks

[Big Uncle]

Initially i thought those High Lamas are born with 'super power', they can see what's happening next and to take appropriate action, they are the enlightened ones with already obtain ultimate wisdom and they just came to samsara world in human form only, but it is with full knowledge already.

not until i get to know about Tibetan Buddhist which introduced by my friend, when i read through few High Lamas Biography, I realize that even High Lama who are very successful / famous today, when they are young, they actually study very hard, they work very hard, they will fall sick, etc, etc. they are just like a normal person.

This is really inspiring as they are working tirelessly everyday but not doing it for themselves, it is to help us to come out from suffering.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, it clearly shows that their achievement today is not because they are enlighten one and know everything, and can do everything, but they work hard and they work all the way through until who they are today.

with great respect

Thanks

Thanks Carpenter,

Actually, high Lamas of the past manifest a lot of miracle powers to subdue and bring many people to the Dharma. But these days, people are more unruly and a show of power may make many people develop wrong views and some may even try to exploit the high Lama's powers for personal gain. Hence, more and more High Lamas are manifesting their enlightenment in a very different way.

They are teaching more and subjugating the minds of their students with pure determination, hard work, living an exemplary life so students are inspired to practice the Dharma. Most high Lamas do not have an easy life and the pressures of being recognised adds onto expectations and their own previous lives prayers. However, a real Tulku will never stray from the Dharma no matter how distracted or difficult their lives are. It is somewhat like brave peacocks who thrive in the forest of poisons - as metaphor used in The Wheel of Sharp Weapons give a apt description of such holy beings. We are very fortunate if we have one as our Lama and it is the goal of our practice to assume their esteemed qualities.

[Mana]

It is our true hope by understanding Dorje Shugden better, it removes the 'faults' of the lineage lamas. By the lineage lamas having no faults as wrongly described by the TGIE, people will gain faith in them and congregate to them for teachings. This is our hope. What prevents people from going to these lineage lamas is that they practice/teach Dorje Shugden. So if Dorje Shugden's practice is made clear, it will exonerate the holy lineage lamas. Then people will not criticize the lineage lamas. The lineage lamas alive today will not be seen as deviant, hence many will flock to recieve teachings from them. Far from being deviant, the lineage lamas are perfect vessels of BuddhaDharma. This website definitely promotes BuddhaDharma via Dorje Shugden.

We are very happy you can make Dorje Shugden well known in the world as it will definitely help the Lineage of Tsongkapa expand in this degenerate age.

Mana

[shugdenprotect]

It is joyful to know about more and more attained masters who are residing all over the world planting the seeds of Dharma to create the cause that ensures pure Dharma remain with us for the lifetimes to come.

In the past, Dharma students would travel far and wide under dangerous conditions just to hear Dharma teachings. Dharma was cherished and pursued. Therefore, like Big Uncle mentioned, Great Masters were able to practice miracle and stringent discipline standards to transform students’ minds quicker. Sadly, conditions are quite different today for majority of Dharma students.

Today, with endless glitzy distractions, Dharma has to be made abundant and accessible so that students would not quit their Dharma journey. I was taught that this is why “now” is often referred to as “degenerate times”, which was predicted by Lord Buddha himself.

In adapting to the degeneration, methods have to change. For example, our wise and skilful spirituals masters are casting very large nets (by using new methods like the Internet, easy Dharma texts in the form of comics and cartoons) so that as many mind streams as possible are touched with the seed of Dharma. These brief contacts with the Dharma will give these “lucky” mind streams the 1) activation of an existing dormant Dharma affinity or 2) the opportunity to come across Dharma again in future lifetimes.

Therefore, as the lucky individuals who have been blessed with Dharma in this lifetime in the human form, we need to do our part in appreciation and with gratitude towards the great beings who dedicated their lives to benefit us. We should generously share any form of Dharma with people around us be it: sharing an inspiring link on Dharma on our Facebookor Twitter, giving Buddha images, Dharma books etc as gifts…the list is endless as so many handy tools have been created for us (dorjeshugden.com has a rich collection of such tool ? )

This is because these enlightened beings have nothing more they want other than to free all sentient beings from the suffering of samsara.

[hope rainbow]

Trijang Rinpoche seems to be there, always, not that he is having a front seat every time, in fact, he rarely has the front seat (not that he couldn't), but he is there, like a peaceful and protective figure, like a thread, like a link, like a light! Like and enlightened light that is!

[Positive Change]

3 years now since this post was shared. Here is an update on H.E. Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and his incredible resolve and mission towards dedicating his life to the Dharma and the spread of Dorje Shugden. How wonderful and blessed we are to have such masters in our presence that personify the traits that we all aspire to have. Rejoice!:

http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/a-master-with-a-mission-ven-zawa-tulku-lobsang-dorje-chokye-gyaltsen/

[vajrastorm]

The current incarnation of Zawa Rinpoche joins the ranks of a generation of high Lamas, whose previous incarnations were influenced directly by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, the root Guru of the 14th Dalai Lama. This group of High Lamas are poised to enact a renaissance of Tibetan Buddhism.

The previous incarnation of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche, born in Kham, went to Gaden Shartse, where he spent hours in study and debate.His root Gurus were Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. When he attained the Geshe Lharampa Degree, he was sent by Kyabje Zong Rinpoche to Chatreng, where Zong  Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche had their monasteries.

Zawa Tulku Rinpoche was also instructed by Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche to go to Gaden Shartse Monastery. There he became involved in intensive studies and achieved the highest level of philosophical debate.in his final exams.

He now resides in Montreal, Canada. As resident teacher of a temple in Montreal, he is actively engaged in teachings, initiations and ceremonies, as well as publications of Buddhist practice texts.
His path has crossed once more with the current incarnation of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche - Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche, with whom he appears to be close.



 

     

[samayakeeper]

It is awesome to hear the names Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche connected to most, if not almost all of the other lamas who are connected to Dorje Shugden. Even HHDL is directly and indirectly connected to these two great masters. Unfortunately with the so called ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden, the meaning of guru devotion looks like a thing of the past, at least for some people who jumped onto the CTA political bandwagon to enforce inhumane edicts on its own people. I thought monarchism is almost a thing of the past but no.

[icy]

I don't agree that the meaning of guru devotion looks like a thing of the past.  High lamas appear this way but they are all connected heart to heart no matter what happens.  Because of their stainless guru devotion they do not break guru samaya and this explains why are reconnected lives after lives to benefit many beings.  This is indeed immensely moving.  May great beings like Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Zawa Rinpoche, Zong Rinpoche and many other great lamas live long to accomplish their mission.