Phurpa Lhamo | Punakha

His Holiness the Je Khenpo conferred ceremonial scarves to three lopons of the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body) appointing them as Tsugla Lopon, Yonten Lopon and Gaytsho Lopon at the Pungthang Dewa Chhenpoi Phodrang yesterday morning.

The newly appointed Tsugla Lopon Khenpo Karma Rangdrol, 53, is from Tormazhong under Tsakaling gewog in Mongar. Prior to the appointment, he served as Lam Neten of Trashigang Rabdey.

He joined the Mongar Dratshang at nine. At 16, he came to Phajoding, Thimphu to receive his vows and teachings from His Holiness the late 69th Je Khenpo. Later in 1988, he further received teachings from Khaewang Lekshay Jamtsho and also served as the Chorpoen (revision teacher).

He then received his novice monk vows and teachings of the Drukpa Order from His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choeda.

In 2003, he was appointed the Khenpo of Kanglung Zangdopelri Thubten Choekhorling Shedra after which he became the Trashigang Lam Neten.

As the Tsugla Lopon, he is responsible for the activities pertaining to the study and contemplation of the scriptural traditions along with five sciences.

The newly appointed Yonten Lopon Trulku Namgyel, 48, is from Kazhi in Wangdue Phodrang. He previously served as the Gaytsho Lopen of the Mitrup Lhakhang in Thimphu.

He joined the Central Monastic Body in Phuentsholing after he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 65th Je Khenpo, Jamyang Yeshe Singye.

At 15, he approached and received teachings from Khaewang Lekshay Jamtsho at Phajoding. At 25, he received teachings from the 68th Je Khenpo, Jetsun Tenzin Dhoendup.

He then meditated and practiced at several mountains like Tokchu and headed onto become the Drubdey Lopon (Meditation Master) of Shar Dechencholing and Tsamdrak Monastery and also served as the Gaytsho Lopen.

Yonten Lopon is incharge of religious activities like practicing and learning of all categories of Vajrayanan rituals and mudras.

Newly appointed Gaytsho Lopon Tenzin Norbu, 52, is from Talog gewog in Punakha. He joined the Zhung Dratshang at nine and received his early teachings from the former Yonten Lopon Tandin Tshewang and Laytshog Lopon Sangay Dorji at Dodeydra Shedra in Thimphu.

Among many others, he received teachings from Drubwang Sonam Zangpo, the 68th Je Khenpo, Nyizer Trulku, His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Dorji Lopon Kuenley, Drubwang Karma Jurmey, and from Dzongchen masters like His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse, Choeying Rinpoche and Gangteng Tulku.

He underwent three years retreat at Pangkarpo, Chari, and Pel ghi Ri meditation centres three times. Prior to the appointment, he served as the Chari Umzey, the Lam of JDWNRH, and the Genzup Neten of Thimphu Tashichhodzong. He also served as Jala Umzey for past 15 years.

Gaytsho lopon is responsible to preside over the cremation rituals at Thimphu durthroe (cremation ground).

Advertisement