Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche (Tibetan: གྲུབ་དབང་པདྨ་ནོར་བུ་, Wylie: drub bang pad ma nor bu,1932 - March 27, 2009) or Penor Rinpoche was the 11th throne holder of the Palyul Lineage of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, and said to be an incarnation of Vimalamitra. He was widely renowned in the Tibetan Buddhist world as a master of Dzogchen. He was one of a very few teachers left from his generation who received all his training (in the traditional sense) in Tibet under the guidance of what Tibetan Buddhists consider to be fully enlightened teachers.
BIOGRAPHY
Prediction of the 5th Dzogchen Rinpoche Thubtan Choskyi Dorje
Lord Samantabhadra is the origin of all the Buddhas in primordial space. His display of innumerable manifestations and activities towards the infinite beings are beyond our expression. One of these emanations, meant to tame the mind of the living beings, came to this world as prophesied by The Great Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche Thubten Chokyi Dorje: “In the upper expanse of sacred Powo, At the base of a splendid hill, Surrounded by beautiful trees and lakes, And cool river flowing in the south— To a couple bearing the names Sonam and Kyid, A venerable child will be born in the Water Monkey Year, Possessing great qualities, he will benefit the doctrine and the beings; I, the fifth Dzogchen, foretell this.” In accordance with this prophecy, His Holiness was born with numerous auspicious signs in Powo in Dokham Province of Tibet in 1932, the Water-Monkey Year of the 16th Rabjung Cycle. His father was Sonam Gyurme and his mother Dzomkyid. At that time he was called Tenzin. Tulku Tsultrim of Ragchab and the personal attendant of Rinpoche's previous incarnation had gone in search of the new incarnation in accordance with the prediction. They found everything as foretold. But when they returned with the news, Thubtan Choskyi Dorje had passed away. So at their request, Khenchen Nag-gi Wangpo Padma Ledrel Tsal recognized the infant as an authentic and genuine incarnation of the second Drubwang Palchen Duspa, and then composed his long life prayer. At the time His Holiness was born, flowers appeared at the right and left side of the house even though it was winter. One day, when Rinpoche was just two or three years old, he turned water in a large copper container into milk. Though very young, Rinpoche was endowed with many qualities that excelled other ordinary beings. All and sundry proclaimed that he must be the reincarnation of a great saint. The tip of his nose bore a sign of the syllable AH, symbolizing that he was the incarnation of the Pandit Vimalamitra.
Enthronement
At the age of five, His Holiness was invited to dPalyul rNamgyal Byang Chub Chos Ling, the main seat of the Palyul Tradition. He offered the hair from the crown of his head to Khenpo Ngag-gi Wangpo and received the profound empowerment of Manjushri Jnanasattva, and a highly sacred statue as the first asset of auspicious occurrence.
Miraculous Signs of Accomplishment
As a small child, he displayed many miraculous signs of accomplishment. One day he accidentally broke a vajra. Out of fear of being rebuked by his master, he glued the pieces back together with his own saliva. This vajra is kept in a case in the Palyul Monastery as a sacred object of veneration. On another occasion, during the Tsa Cham ceremony, he accidentally dropped his ritual bell onto the stone floor. Everyone present assumed that the bell had broken. Yet, when Padma Norbu Rinpoche picked it up, the ring was much more melodious than before. At Dokar cave in Dago Odsal Gang hermitage in Tibet, Rinpoche left his footprint in stone. On another occasion, he threw his porcelain teacup from the top of the two-storey temple; although it was filled to the brim, it landed on the ground without spilling a drop of tea and without any breakage.
Great Saint of Profound Realization
In 1943, he received the Upasaka vows of taking refuge in the Three Jewels from Chogtrul Thubten Choskyi Dawa and was named Thubten Legshed Choskyi Drayang, Upholder of Buddha's Teachings with the Eloquent Speech of the Melodious Dharma. Subsequently, in the presence of the root guru Chogtrul Rinpoche, Kuchen Rinpoche, Karma Thegchog Nyingpo, and many other representatives of monasteries near and far and the government dignitaries, His Holiness was formally enthroned as the eleventh throne holder of the Palyul Lineage and the elaborate enthronement ceremony was performed. Chogtrul Rinpoche bestowed upon him the empowerment of Longevity, while Kuchen Rinpoche conferred the oral transmissions and offered the formal presentations. Once during an empowerment, while His Holiness was contemplating the meaning of empowerment, Khenchen Ngagchung praised him in the midst of the assembly saying that in the future he would become a great saint of profound realization.
Receiving Teachings and Instructions in Childhood
In 1944, in the manner of the omniscient Shakyamuni Buddha, at Dago Retreat Centre His Holiness received the Novice vows from his root guru Chogtrul Rinpoche along with the appropriate number of sangha members and conferred on him the name Dongag Shadrub Tanzin Choglas Namgyal Palzangpo, All Victorious Doctrine Holder of Expounding and Practice of the Sutras and Tantras. From the root guru Chogtrul Rinpoche he received the Terzod Empowerment along with the seal of secrecy preceded by the empowerment of Kagye Dojang (the Perfect Discourse on the Eight Herukas). In addition, he received the complete set of empowerments of Namcho Cycle and Ratna Lingpa Revelations, the long and the succinct version of Karling Zhitro (the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities of the treasure revealer Karma Lingpa), the instructions on the Preliminary Practices of Namcho and many other profound and extensive teachings. His root guru said "If you come to Dartang Monastery, I will bestow upon you all the teachings and instructions I hold."
In 1945, at the age of 14, Tulku Longyang Dorje Rinpoche of Garlong and his group came to Palyul Jangchub Choling. He invited His Holiness to come to Darthang Monastery in Golog. There, Chogtrul Rinpoche bestowed upon him the Namcho Preliminary Practices, Tummo Dedro Rangbar (Practice of Generating Mystic Heat called Heat of Self-Blazing Bliss), Dzogchen Sangye Lagchang (Buddha in the Palm of the Hand), Thugchen Mar-trid (The Naked Instruction of the Great Compassionate One) and all the rest of the teachings passed down from the previous incarnations. Afterwards, His Holiness retired into strict retreat at Darthang Monastery for three years with his spiritual root guru. During that time he diligently practised the instructions beginning with the accumulations of the preliminaries through the Tregchod and Thogyal Dzogchen, the Great Perfection. His Holiness soon attained profound realization and became equal to the former great masters. His Holiness spent many years in Palyul studying and receiving teachings from numerous masters and scholars including H.H. Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, the tenth throne-holder, who carefully prepared him as his successor. Since his childhood, his noble conduct was exceptional and wondrous in everybody’s eyes. Padma Norbu Rinpoche studied with many lamas, but benefited deeply from his great master Chogtrul Rinpoche.
Dharma Practise
While His Holiness was practising channel and wind practices, flowers emerged on the right and left hand side of his cushion. From that day, he never wore clothes with long sleeves but rather simple robes, even in winter and cold places. He said that it was a sign of having accomplished the practises of channel and wind. After the retreat, as directed by his root guru, His Holiness visited monasteries in Gyalrong region and brought immense benefit to the people and monks there. They requested him to bestow the Avalokiteshvara empowerment and all arrangements were made. But he had not brought the text of the empowerment with him, and his Lama Jamyang rebuked him. However, after resting for a while in meditation, His Holiness bestowed whole of the empowerment by heart. This amazed his master and the people present, who then gave birth to deep faith in him. During that time, a rich person, being deluded by mental afflictions, offered him a poisoned drink, but it was extirpated by flames that shot up around it when Rinpoche gazed at it. His Holiness Padma Norbu Rinpoche wove intricate knots in blessing cords with his tongue. Later in Namdroling, Rinpoche gave his assistant Lama Kunzang such a thread with knots made with his tongue to protect him from attacks with weapons and asked him to wear it around his neck. That thread is still preserved by Khenchen Namdrol who reports that the knots are still intact. On another occasion, Padma Norbu Rinpoche embossed the syllable 'Ah' with his tongue on a white conch shell. This shell, cherished as an object of veneration, is presently kept in Palyul Monastery. There are also two small shining relics called ringsel, which appeared from Padma Norbu Rinpoche’s extracted tooth, which were shown to H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche who honored them with great respect. Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche said that the appearance of ringsel was a sign of that Padma Norbu Rinpoche had attained the stages of ultimate realization. Likewise, there are so many events of such miraculous display of his great accomplishment. His Holiness twice completed the full retreat of the Illusory Body of Manjusri (a mind treasure of Mipham Rinpoche). At the conclusion of his second retreat, a very melodious sound could be heard coming from his shrine room and a brilliant light radiated from the mirror on his altar.
Extending the Norm of the Vinaya Far and Wide
In 1952, at the age of 21, His Holiness returned to Darthang Monastery where he requested his root master Chogtrul Rinpoche to bestow upon him the full ordination of a monk. The root master said, "I was thinking of coming to Palyul Monastery and conferring the vows on you with the help of the abbots from Kham region". He admitted, "You were not supposed to come here, and, of course, I did not know that you were coming here." Saying so, the master expressed his gladness and showed great kindness towards His Holiness. For two months, His Holiness received numerous profound instructions on Dzogchen and clarified all doubts and enhanced his understanding on the view and meditation of Dzogchen. Chogtrul Rinpoche gave His Holiness the full ordination of a monk on a particularly auspicious occasion with the appropriate number (ten) of the Sangha (monastics). At that time, Chogtrul Rinpoche removed his own namjar (a special kind of robe worn only by Bhikshus), which had actually been worn and passed down by the precious guru Zitrul and many other previous incarnations of Chogtrul Rinpoche, and gave it to His Holiness. After that, Rinpoche never parted from that namjar for a single night, not even during his escape from Tibet when it was inconvenient even to carry along one's own cup. Due to that particular occurrence, His Holiness was able to raise high the banner of monks’ robes through his own observance of pure morality and conferring the vows on others. During this degenerate age the number of monks who abide by the monk's vows and wear the maroon-robes extended and multiplied just as the seas swell during the monsoon. During his lifetime, His Holiness bestowed full ordination to more than 8,000 monks extending the norm of the vinaya far and wide. On many occasions and in every teaching, speech and advice he ardently preached the importance of keeping of the monastic vows in a pure way, and beseeched the monks to observe the vows, the foundation for the building of all knowledge. He appealed to them to seek the actual meaning of the Dharma through study and contemplation, and assimilating it in the mind.
Responsibility of Administration
From the age of 21, His Holiness started to shoulder the responsibility of administration of Palyul Monastery. In addition to his studies and overseeing the development of the monastery and welfare of the monks, he visited many monasteries in Gonjo region bestowing empowerments and other precious teachings. In Gonjo Kyidpo Monastery, he bestowed the empowerments and oral transmissions of Namcho Cycle and Ratna Lingpa treasures. All the substances received as offerings from the monasteries and devotees were distributed to respective monasteries. He restored Rabchab Monastery (at that time was almost in ruin), furnished it with sacred objects, and firmly established the principles of the monastery in accordance with the vinaya. Thus, bestowing empowerments and establishing dharma supports, making generous offerings of money and tea to the monks, conducting sadhanas and conferring ordinations and so forth, His Holiness restored the continuity of the Buddha dharma, enhanced the study of the profound and extensive teachings, and reintroduced the practice of rituals that had vanished in many monasteries.
Visit of Central Tibet
In 1955 at the age of 24, His Holiness travelled to Central Tibet with a large entourage. He visited numerous centres like Sera, Drepung, Gaden, Drigung, Samye, Yarlung, Dormin, Tashi Lhunpo and others, without discriminating between any of the sects or traditions. He made donations and tea offerings, established religious dharma supports and made extensive offerings of substances to all the monasteries. He then came to the feet of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at his winter palace, Potala, and received a long-life-empowerment. The Lhasa Monlam Chenmo, attended by tens of thousands of great masters, monks, nuns and lay-practitioners, was in progress and Rinpoche paid his respects to all of them with tea and monetary offerings. He made extensive prayers at all the sacred places, especially in front of Jowo Rinpoche, the sacred statue of Lord Buddha in Lhasa, for the welfare of all motherly sentient beings, and particularly for the people of Tibet. In many sacred places, which are testament to the sanctity and glory of Tibet’s past, His Holiness conducted ganachakra offering ceremonies and did retreats. Especially, in Samye, he stayed in retreat and displayed the miracle of living seven days without any food or drink in one continuous session of clear light meditation (the ultimate point of view of Dzogchen). At the cave, from where Terton Ratnalingpa revealed a treasure of longevity, he pressed his finger against the rock and a majestic and brilliant image of Amitayus appeared from the cliff, which amazed all those present. As the Tibetans at that time were deprived of good fortune, the Chinese armies invaded Tibet and the people became restless. In 1957, ignoring the deceptive restrictions of the barbarians who were ignorant of the supreme dharma, His Holiness secretly left his residence and journeyed for two months to reach Lhasa. At that point he decided to flee the country to India with a handful of others. However, owing to some unfavourable circumstances, he first had to return to his homeland, Powo, where he benefited many beings by bestowing empowerments and teachings.
Journey to India
Meanwhile, deities and dharma-protectors made prophecies about going to India. Acting accordingly, His Holiness started his journey through the valleys of Pawo with a large group. They had to cross the river (which was swollen) that very night lest they be ferreted out by the Chinese army. Everybody was urging Rinpoche to stop. Suddenly there appeared straight across the river a white line like a path in the garden, which enabled them all to cross the river to safety. They reached Padmakod in Arunachal Pradesh, after a month-long arduous journey. All through his journey, he was constantly befriended and safeguarded by the meditational deities and dharma protectors.
Establishment in India
In 1960, His Holiness left Assam Trutring to Baling Pur where many refugees were gathered. During his four-month stay in the area, he presided over the ritual of Attainment of the Mandala-Clusters of Avalokiteshvara Duhkhat Svamukta and successfully completed the recitation of the six syllables one billion times. Hundreds of practitioners and devotees attended the rituals; Rinpoche granted audiences to them all and bestowed his blessings upon them. In 1961, at the age of 30, His Holiness moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore district, South India along with 600 followers who had taken refuge and placed their trust in him. In the first settlement camp, he conducted the accumulation of one billion recitations of Siddhi (Vajraguru) mantra. In addition, he acted as the abbot, initiating the tradition of the three practices of Vinayana and conducting the Summer Retreat (Yarney). More than four thousand Yangbums (sacred vase of power and wealth) were prepared which helped many others and local Tibetans in exile in terms of increasing wealth and fortune.
First Tibetan School in Exile
The Namdroling Junior High School, which was the first Tibetan school in exile, was established in 1962. His Holiness tirelessly took the responsibility of teaching and instructing the students during the initial years. Presently the school has more than 1,170 students. They come from Tibet, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Mongolia, Taiwan and other foreign countries, especially to study the Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and literature. In 2004, His Holiness gave the school the name Yeshey Odsal Sherab Raldiling.
A Mare 300 Indian Rupees as the initial fund
Always being concerned about the fact that the priceless Nyingma tradition had been endangered by the savagery of Dharma opponents, His Holiness started building the first temple, although he had with him a mere 300 Indian Rupees as the initial fund. In 1963, on the tenth day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, at the age of 32, His Holiness laid the foundation stone of Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dhargyeling. His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the monastery to consecrate it and bestowed the name Namdroling. Likewise His Holiness Jadrel Rinpoche named the monastery Thegchog, while Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche named it Shedrub and Rinpoche himself added Dargyeling. Thus the complete name of monastery came to be known as Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling (Land of Increasing Practice and Teaching of the Utmost Yana that achieves spontaneous Liberation). At Namdroling monastery, His Holiness initiated the ritual of Terton Karma Lingpa's One Thousand Offerings to the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities, the Vajrasattva accomplishment offering, the Great Accomplishment of One Hundred Million Recitations, using different mandalas each year, the Great Dharma Medicine Accomplishment Ceremony and many others. This annual accomplishment ceremony is conducted in the first month of Tibetan Calendar and is still continuing every year. Since then the month-long retreat, popularly known as Ngon-Tsa-Dzog Sum (the Preliminary Practices, Wind and Channel, and Dzogchen), has been held annually. The retreat is based on the Namchoe Cycle, and begins every year on the eighteenth day of the first Tibetan month. His Holiness used to give teachings in the morning from 7:00 am to 8.30 am and the practices were carried out with four or five sessions a day. Until 2007, except when there were empowerments or other events, His Holiness would personally give the teachings. From the founding of the monastery until 1969, His Holiness went through great hardships to finance the work since during those days there were no organizations or private sponsors to offer support. During those days, bearing all hardships and weariness, Rinpoche himself engaged in manual work with the ordinary monks even in the most searing sun, continuously day after day, with the skin of his hands cracked and bleeding. He did all menial and basic tasks, such as procuring milk, and went to perform pujas in the villages whenever requested, night or day. The work he carried out simply cannot be imagined by ordinary beings. Tibetan people from the Fourth Camp also came to assist His Holiness of their own accord without being requested. There were only about ten monks at the time that the monastery was established but the numbers gradually grew year by year as followers from Tibet, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Mongolia and other countries started to flood in. To date, there are more than 8000 monks registered with the monastery, of which there are more than 4,000 monks present and engaged in studies. Food, clothing, accommodation and teachings are provided free of cost.
Establishment of Ngagyur Nyingma Institute
In 1978, at the age of 47, His Holiness established the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute. His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche gave it the name sNga-'Gyur-mTho-slob-mDo-sNgags-Rig-pa'i-Byung-gNas-gLing. There are fourteen classrooms and dormitories with good facilities. At first there were only 14 students at the Institute but the number grew gradually over the years to over 1,000 students at present. These students from around the world have the good fortune to study the complete Buddhist Philosophy here as well as the uncommon doctrines of Ngagyur Nyingma, and Tibetan literature. They are provided with a set of robes each year and 50 rupees monthly. Everything – food, shelter and dharma – is provide totally free of cost, thanks to the generosity of His Holiness.
In 1989, in the presence of scholars from the four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness conferred the degree of Khenpo on five of the nine graduates from the institute. These were the first to graduate in accordance with the rules and regulation of the institute that state, “after the completion of a three-year research on Buddhism, the graduates are qualified to receive the degree of the Doctor of Tantric Philosophy.” On many occasions His Holiness addressed the assembly, saying that the institute not only provided the opportunity for studying the unique doctrine of Palyul but was also a centre for studying the general philosophy of Ngagyur Nyingma. He appealed to them to study properly and bring benefit to beings by rendering unwavering service to the Ngagyur Nyingma tradition. So far, 2,091 students have gained admission to the institute. Over the years 105 graduates have been enthroned as Khenpo (the Doctor of Tantric Philosophy). In addition, three Tulkus also have been enthroned as Khenpo, thus becoming 'Khentrul'. Over 355 graduates have become lecturers. By the end of 2009, a total of 503 students had successfully completed the nine-year course in Buddhist Philosophy. Starting in 1989, His Holiness sent over 125 teachers, lecturers and khenpos to teach in 90 Buddhist centres and monasteries in Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and India. Owing to the kindness and support of His Holiness, those centres and monasteries themselves have succeeded in producing many scholars of Buddhist Philosophy, who uphold, propagate and sustain the unique norm of the view, conduct and meditation of Ngagyur Nyingma. In this way His Holiness accomplished infinite service to the propagation of the Buddha Dharma as a whole and the Nyingma Tradition in particular.
In 1984, the accumulation of Preliminary Practice was initiated. Each year, more than 150 monks and 50 lay practitioners take part in the practice which lasts up to six months. During the final week they conduct the practice of Phowa.
Retreat Center
In 1985, the Samten Odsal Ling Retreat Centre was established. The retreatants follow the instructions established by the previous Drubwang Rinpoche. During the three-year retreat the recitation of wisdom deities of Ngagyur Nyingma, Vajrakilaya of Ratnalingpa and the one hundred peaceful and wrathful deities are completed. In addition, the practice of the Great Perfection is also taught and practised in accordance with the tradition of Palyul Monastery. Over 200 retreatants had completed the three-year retreat by 2009. Some vajra-holders (accomplished retreatants or lamas) are now accomplishing dharma activities in the branch monasteries across Asia, America and Europe. In 2002, over sixty retreat rooms, a congregation hall, kitchen, treasury and a three-storey temple were constructed. In 2009, 26 practitioners entered the retreat.
Welfare of the Local People
Besides the burden of maintaining the monastery, his Holiness was deeply concerned for the welfare of the local people. In 1985, in the Wood Female Rabbit year, at the age of 54, he established a retirement home for old and destitute people where they could reside and practice the dharma. His Holiness looked after with as much kindness as if they were his own parents granting food, medicine and accommodation free of charge. There are now about 50 elderly people in residence. Likewise, His Holiness twice renewed the road leading to the settlement camps from Kushalnagar, and generously built two bridges at his own expense. He lent his hands and made big donations to many other monasteries and schools, and helped numerous destitute people. He protected the residents from harm by performing the exhortation to the deity which tamed many evil spirits and demons.
Journey of Overseas
His Holiness first travelled overseas in 1985. He went to the United States and then France, Canada, the UK, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, the Philippines, Bhutan, Nepal, and other places. He established many dharma centres and guided faithful followers on the path to maturation by bestowing empowerments, oral transmissions and instructions. At the request of the devotees and in accordance with their individual capabilities, His Holiness tirelessly bestowed empowerments of both the Terma and Kama teachings of the Old Translation School as well as the teachings of the Later Translation School, and gave instructions and oral transmissions. During one empowerment, His Holiness caused the sprinkler part of the lid of a vase to levitate in space without any support which caused amazement in all those present and they exclaimed that His Holiness had displayed a sign of great accomplishment. In 1987, accompanied by the great master Dzognang Rinpoche and a large group of monks, His Holiness went on pilgrimage to all sacred sites in India. In the same year, he visited holy sites in Tibet like Samye monastery and Lhasa. At all these sacred sites he performed ganachakra offerings and made extensive prayers for world peace in general and for the welfare of Tibetans and the propagation of the dharma. He then went to the Palyul Monastery to oversee the strategy of administering and developing the monastery. In 1988, His Holiness bestowed the first Terzod empowerment at Akon Lhamo's Dharma Centre in the United States, and in 1989 bestowed the same empowerment for the second time at Namdroling Monastery.
Ngagyur Rigzod Editorial Commottee
In 1991, His Holiness established the Ngagyur Editorial Committee. This was a great contribution to the preservation of the unique literature of Tibet. The committee has so far issued 47 publications, including history books, poetry collections, collection of counsels, introductory works, souvenirs, magazines and so on. A bi-annual Tibetan magazine (Padmai Rangdang) first issued publicly in 2002 helps to preserve unique Tibetan literature.
Visit to Tibet
In 1992, His Holiness revisited Palyul Monastery and all the branch monasteries of the Palyul lineage in and around Dege and Gonjo region. He also visited Serta, the abode of Dharma King Khenchen Jigmed Phuntsho. He then returned to Palyul Monastery where he bestowed the Terzod empowerment for the third time and ordained hundreds of monks.
Third Supreme Head of the Ngagyur Nyingma Tradition
In 1993, at the request of all the members of Ngagyur Nyingma, His Holiness became the Third Supreme Head of the Ngagyur Nyingma Tradition. Through his selfless and extensive contribution the tradition was able to flourish in all corners of the world like sunshine. For ten years, he went out of his way rendering service to the Nyingma Tradition to the best of his ability.
Establishment of Nyingma Nunnery
In the same year, His Holiness laid the foundation of Tsogyal Shedrub Dargyeling Nunnery. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama consecrated the site and bestowed its name. As of 2009, 1,150 nuns were admitted, and over 700 of them are studying at present. In addition, the shelter, food and dharma are given free of cost. The nuns are also given 50 rupees a month and an annual set of clothes. The Nunnery Institute was established in 1995, and about 213 nuns study the vast teachings and commentaries by the Tibetan and Indian masters. Forty three nuns already completed the nine-year course, and the institute has been sending its graduates to other monastic institutions as lecturers since 2002. Young nuns, 280 in number, go to the Junior High School for the elementary study of Tibetan Literature. The remaining nuns are engaged studying ritual performance and spiritual practices.
Terzod Empowerment
In 1994, His Holiness bestowed his fourth Terzod empowerment at Darthang Monastery in Tibet and established Ngagyur Tholob Dongag Thosam Dargye Ling Institute and outfitted the sacred bases of the Victorious Ones in Palyul Monastery in Tibet. About 40 graduates of the institute are guiding the students in studying the profound teachings and commentaries of Tibetan and Indian masters. They also teach Tibetan grammar and poetry. He also bestowed his fifth Terzod empowerment at Shechen Monastery in Nepal.
Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara (The Golden Temple)
In 1995, His Holiness began the construction of Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara (“The Golden Temple”) which took almost five years to complete. It was inaugurated in the midst of a gathering presided over by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Corporation Minister S.R. of Karnataka State and other senior officials. The news of the inauguration was broadcast on television channels like Star News, Aajtak, Zee News and so forth, and was also reported in newspapers and some of the tourist brochures, calling the Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara “The Golden Temple”. The name “The Golden Temple” was not actually given by His Holiness or the residents. Nevertheless the temple became unofficially known by that name to outsiders since it was often used in newspapers. The actual name of the temple is Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara. The temple was originally intended to serve as a congregation hall where all the monks could gather to perform religious activities. The fame of “The Golden Temple” spread far and wide. People now come from other states in India and from all over the world to visit it. On special occasions and government holidays at least a thousand tourists come to visit the temple, while regular visitors usually number over a hundred a day. Pilgrimages to see sacred and religious objects of the Triple Gem are of vast merit which causes the attainment of supreme liberation. In this way, infinite beings are benefited and brought to the path to supreme liberation, day by day and spontaneously. This has been the success and accomplishment of the superior intention of great Bodhisattvas.
Ngagyur Nyingma Monlam Chenmo (The World Peace Ceremony)
His Holiness was appointed as the Chief of the Ngagyur Nyingma Monlam Chenmo in 1996. He worked tirelessly for 14 years to develop the Monlam Society, until his attainment of mahaparinirvina. In order to spread the Buddha dharma and to increase the welfare of all sentient beings, His Holiness attended the World Peace Ceremony at Bodhgaya every year after it was established, regardless of any personal difficulties or inconveniences. He was praised all over the world for his inestimable service rendered in maintaining and improving the World Peace Ceremony. In this way he made a great contribution to peace and happiness throughout the world.
Granted the Sixth Time Terzod Empowerment
In 2001, at the age of 70, at the behest of Lhatrul Rinpoche and Lama Chodrag Gyamtsho, His Holiness granted the Terzod Empowerment for the sixth time, in the congregation hall of the Golden Temple to thousands of monks, nuns and others. During the empowerment of the Essence of the Supreme Jewels in Darthang Monastery in Tibet and during the Terzod Empowerment in Namdroling, he elongated the ritual arrow by the span of a hand. That same year, His Holiness gave the Nyingthig Yabzhe (Four Heart-Essence by Longchen Rabjam) empowerment at Samten Odsal Ling Retreat Centre of the Palyul tradition in Yangley Shod Palyul, Nepal. In 2002, His Holiness once again repeated the Nyingtig Yabzhe empowerment at Namdroling Monastery at the request of Lama Choeda Gyamtsho, who also sponsored it.
Zangdog Palri (Pure Land of Guru Rinpoche)
At the age of 71, on 21st of April, 2002, while commemorating the auspicious day, Guru Rinpoche’s Miracle Display − he turned a fire into a lake when he was being burnt alive by the King of Zahor − His Holiness laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Zangdog Palri Phodrang (The Palace of Lotus Brilliance on the Copper Coloured-Mountain or Pure Land of Guru Rinpoche). This four-storey structure, 106ft high and 80ft wide, was successfully completed within three years. The top floor symbolizes the Dharmakaya Palace, while the Sambhogakaya Palace is in the middle, and the Nirmanakaya Palace on the first floor. On the ground floor is the congregation hall. Starting on 2 April 2003, the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute celebrated its Silver Jubilee for three days. This great event was graced with the presence of many great lamas, tulkus, khenpos, gyeshes, as well as representatives from the Indian and Tibetan Governments. On this eventful occasion His Holiness said that owing to the sheer support and kindness of the both the government and the people of Karnataka, India, this monastery was able to established, maintained, and lead to the Silver Jubilee of the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute. He also said he had been able to offer immense service to humanity and propagate the Buddha dharma through the kindness of the government and expressed his infinite gratitude. Everybody was deeply impressed by his speech and felt deep devotion towards him. Meanwhile, the eventful days were enlivened by astounding auspicious signs. Beautiful rainbows appeared over the monastery and eagles were seen frequently hovering above them.
TT Hospital
In the same year, His Holiness established Namling Tsogyed Hospital, and furnished it with modern facilities. He also had the Paljor Darjeeling charity shopping complex and guest house constructed, as a way of generating further resources for the monastery. His Holiness’ tireless undertaking of unbearable hardships just in Bylakuppe alone bore inestimable results. He established Yeshi Yodsal Sherab Raldi Ling Junior School, Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, Tsogyal Nunnery with Institute and Junior School, Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara and Retreat Centre, which are in general known as Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Darjeeling. There are around 4,000 residents, who uphold the dignified tradition of great enlightened masters by engaging in exegesis, debate and composition, study, contemplation and meditation. In addition, he built libraries, hospitals, roads, and bridges. He healed patients, subjugated demons and evil spirits, called down the rains, helped the poor, transferred the consciousness of the dead and dying, and supported small organizations and monasteries. In fact, he became the healer and protector of countless beings. In recognition of this, the Defending Community of Humanity and Tradition of the Karnataka government, which includes 1,850 branches and 65,000 members, honoured His Holiness with its Fifth National Award. They presented this to him on 26 January 2005, in Bangalore. On that occasion, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri Dharamsingh, religious leaders of the Hindu tradition, senior officials, representatives from different monasteries and thousands of people gathered to pay their respects. The Defending Community stated that the core reason for granting His Holiness the National Award was their recognition of his honourable service to the state. His Holiness greeted the people with infinite kindness and expressed his deep gratitude for the support and friendship granted by India and its people to Tibetans for the previous 40 years.
Signs of Serious Illness
In 2005, His Holiness started to show signs of serious illness. Organized by the six great mother monasteries of Nyingma tradition, the high lamas and tulkus from all Nyingma and other monasteries in Nepal, Bhutan and India offered auspicious substances and prayers of longevity to His Holiness in Bodhgaya, during the 18th Monlam Chhenmo in 2006. His Holiness showed further signs of illness during his visit to Macau that year. His doctors implored him to take adequate rest. The retinue also made earnest requests to him to be admitted in hospital but His Holiness refused by saying, "I have been attending every Monlam Chenmo of Ngagyur Nyingma without fail since its foundation. I have to attend it this year as well, by all means. Never mind if I die on the way." Despite being so seriously ill, he flew to Bodhgaya. Although he was unable to attend the prayers in person, he ordered that his ritual robe and mat be spread over the throne each day, and made profound prayers and supplications. In this way, His Holiness dedicated his life and time for benefit of the beings and propagation of Buddha dharma. As a result, the culture and tradition of Tibet, especially the Nyingma tradition, which is like refined gold and founded by the Khen-lop-choe-sum, has spread like the sunshine in all directions over the globe. In many regions of the Earth, His Holiness established centres where the Buddha dharma can be upheld, administered and propagated. His disciples, who can uphold the precious dharma, grew in number like stars in the night sky. He carried out his activities to the strength of the invincible amour of his firm commitment, dedication, oath and bravery. These qualities and activities are simply inconceivable to the minds of ordinary people. In short, His Holiness worked hard throughout his entire life, serving the Buddha dharma and displaying unwavering courage even during the times of Tibet’s political and religious crises. This is a brief summary of the activities of the inestimable protector, His Holiness Padma Norbu Rinpoche.
Mahaparinirvana
Having completed the activities he undertook in order to benefit beings, His Holiness formed the intention to go to other realms for the sake of the beings there. Accordingly, His Holiness Padma Norbu Rinpoche, the saviour and lord of the Dharma Kings, displayed the attainment of Mahaparinivana and dissolved his mind into the Sphere of Ultimate Reality. During the time of the Mahaparinirvana ceremony, the surrounding premises were pervaded with a fragrant smell, which could be sensed by all and sundry. The appearances of statues in the Zangdog Palri temple altered, displaying mournful expressions which all were able to see for two days. Moreover, the left and right sides of the temple were frequently surrounded by colourful rainbows. While His Holiness remained in thugdam after his last breath, a great amount of ambrosia flowed from his holy body. When the Kudung Rinpoche was being transferred to the Zangdog Palri, the syllable Lenza appeared in the sky, and the solid butter in many offering lamps was discovered to be bearing the embossed impression of beautiful flowers. Numerous miraculous signs of accomplishment were seen by many people and were documented by video cameras. There is no limit to the extent of the selfless, enlightened activities and powerful miraculous deeds of the Dharma King, His Holiness Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche. His efforts for the doctrine and sentient beings are equal to only to the limits of space. What is set down here is merely a glimpse of the immeasurable enlightened activities of His Holiness and has been written for the sake of devoted disciples and others as support for his blessings and remembrance. May the merit of all this benefit beings and enable them to follow in the footsteps of great Bodhisattvas!