Dilgo Khyentse
Tibet·Nyingma School and Rime tradition·Male·20th century
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was a highly revered Vajrayana master, scholar, poet, and teacher, recognized as one of the greatest realized masters in Tibetan Buddhism. He was the head of the Nyingma school and a prominent proponent of the Rime tradition, playing a crucial role in the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist teachings after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. His extensive teachings and discovered treasures (termas) significantly influenced the transmission of Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Key Facts
- ›Born around 1910 in Kham, Eastern Tibet, he was recognized as the reincarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.
- ›He was a Terton, discovering numerous spiritual treasures (termas) throughout his life.
- ›Dilgo Khyentse was a principal teacher to the 14th Dalai Lama and Chögyam Trungpa.
- ›He was instrumental in preserving Tibetan Buddhist lineages and teachings during and after the Chinese invasion of Tibet.
- ›He served as the head of the Nyingma school from 1988 until his death in 1991.
- ›He established the Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Important Relationships
- 14th Dalai Lama
- Chögyam Trungpa
- Khandro Lhamo (wife)
- Shechen Gyaltsap Rinpoche (root guru)
- Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (spiritual master)
- Trulshik Rinpoche (senior student)
Pema's Heart Essence of Longevity, Nyak Kilaya, the Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse
Derge, Kham, Eastern Tibet, Shechen Monastery, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Dordogne, France
Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Ju Mipham, Jamgon Kongtrul, Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro
Tibetan
Novice Vows
About Dilgo Khyentse
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (born Tashi Paljor, c. 1910 – September 27, 1991) was a preeminent Vajrayana master, Terton, scholar, poet, and teacher, widely recognized as one of the most realized masters in Tibetan Buddhism. From 1988 until his death, he served as the head of the Nyingma school, the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He was also a significant proponent of the Rime movement, which sought to preserve and transmit the teachings of all Tibetan Buddhist schools without sectarian bias.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Kham, Eastern Tibet, Dilgo Khyentse was declared a reincarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo by a disciple of the latter. He received extensive training and empowerments from numerous masters across various lineages, including the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Sakya schools. His root guru was Shechen Gyaltsap Rinpoche, and Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro was another principal spiritual master. Dilgo Khyentse took novice vows at Shechen Monastery in 1919 and was formally enthroned as the tulku of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo in 1925.
After spending years in solitary retreat and extensive study, he was encouraged by his teachers to transmit the vast body of teachings he had received. Dilgo Khyentse became an active Terton, revealing numerous spiritual treasures, and also travelled extensively, teaching and strengthening connections with various lineages. He married Khandro Lhamo, with whom he had two daughters.
Escape from Tibet and Teachings in Exile
Facing persecution during the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Dilgo Khyentse and his family escaped to Central Tibet and later, during the 1959 uprising, fled to Bhutan and then India. In exile, he dedicated himself to the preservation and dissemination of Tibetan Buddhist teachings. He became a principal teacher to the 14th Dalai Lama and Chögyam Trungpa, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism without partiality.
Dilgo Khyentse established the Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal, and made frequent visits to India and Bhutan. He also traveled to the West, establishing a retreat center in France. His work included extensive scholarship, the composition of numerous texts, and the publication of over 300 volumes of Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Legacy
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche is remembered for his profound realization, his impartiality in preserving all Buddhist lineages, and his dedication to transmitting the Dharma. His teachings and writings continue to inspire students worldwide. The film "Spirit of Tibet: Journey to Enlightenment" chronicles his life, and his reincarnation, Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, continues his lineage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche?
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (c. 1910–1991) was a highly esteemed Vajrayana Buddhist master, scholar, poet, and teacher. He is considered one of the greatest realized masters of Tibetan Buddhism and was the head of the Nyingma school.
What is Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche known for?
He is known for his profound teachings, his role as a Terton (discoverer of spiritual treasures), his impartiality in preserving all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, and his significant contributions to the survival of Tibetan Buddhism after the Chinese invasion. He was also a key teacher for many prominent figures.
What was Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's role in preserving Tibetan Buddhism?
Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's efforts were crucial in safeguarding Tibetan Buddhist teachings. He traveled extensively, taught numerous students, and was instrumental in preserving the vast collection of teachings and traditions of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Who were Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's most important students?
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche taught many eminent teachers, including the 14th Dalai Lama and Chögyam Trungpa. After his death, many of Chögyam Trungpa's students became his students as well.
What is the Rime tradition?
The Rime tradition is an approach to Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the impartial preservation and transmission of teachings from all schools. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was considered an eminent proponent of this non-sectarian movement.
Did Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche have a reincarnation?
Yes, the reincarnation of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche is known as Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche. He was born in Nepal in 1993 and his recognition was confirmed by the 14th Dalai Lama and Trulshik Rinpoche.
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