LINEAGE

From the time of the prevailing of the Buddha Dharma to the existing moment in time, there are number of unbroken succession of great Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have been attained enlightenment, and tirelessly devoted themselves full-time to their beneficial activities to other sentient beings that lead to achieve final realisation. In Buddhist tradition, there is a well-known belief in recognising the reincarnations of great Buddhas and Bodhisattvas such as Buddha and his reincarnations, Guru Rinpoche and his reincarnations known as Truelkus and many. They purposely take rebirth, out of control for themselves, out of compassion for sentient beings, and to continue their on-going activities from one's previous incarnations.

Thus, H.E. Truelku Ugyen Drodrul Thinley Kunchap Rinpoche is one of such reincarnations and has been taking number of rebirths and unbroken Terton (treasure revealers) lineages. Moreover, Guru Padmasambhava is the revered Buddhist saint who turned the Wheel of the Dharma by instilling and teaching higher Mahayana teachings and the secret Vajrayana or tantric teachings. Guru Padmasambhava travelled and taught throughout India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Due to his miraculous powers, Guru Padmasambhava also subdued inauspicious conditions and obstacles that could harm or threaten the anchoring and propagation of the Buddhadharma in this world. Guru Padmasambhava revealed and taught many sacred teachings that were preserved in texts and also gave many treasures.

Through his perfect meditative vision, Guru Padmasambhava was able to see and predict when in the future the Buddhadharma would be in danger or threatened by harmful conditions and circumstances. To further protect and strengthen the Buddhadharma, Guru Padmasambhava buried many sacred texts and treasures in various places of the Himalayas that would be discovered and revealed in the future by treasure revealers also known as Tertons. These sacred texts and treasures would be revealed at certain times by Tertons to alleviate a threat to the Buddhadharma, remedy inauspicious circumstances, or reinforce the strength of the Buddhadharma in difficult or degenerate times. Tertons reveal these sacred texts or treasures by finding the physical place in which they are entombed or through dreams, meditative visions, and spontaneous realization.

H.H. Lhalung Pelgyi Dorji

Lhalung Pelgyi Dorji, who was one of the 25 disciples of Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). Guru Padmasambhava's mind disciple, Lhalung Pelgyi Dorji, promised and ensured that the Buddhadharma, especially the secret Vajrayana teachings would continue and flourish for the benefit of all sentient beings.

H.H. Terton Drukdra Dorji

Terton Drukdra Dorji was the reincarnation of Lhalung Pelgyi Dorji, who led a life of profound dedication to spiritual enlightenment and teaching. As prophesied by Guru Rinpoche, he came to visit Bhutan, travelled through Chumophug, Paro, Tandin Nye and Tselung Nye, Thimphu, Passang Amai Nye, Chukha, and many sacred places in and around Bhutan. Especially, he propagated Buddha Dharma by revealing numbers of different treasures and communicating timely prophecies for the benefit of the Tsawa Sum of the Dragon Kingdom such as the king, the country, and the people.

H.H. Gesheyla Rinpoche

Then the Gesheyla Rinpoche was born in Tibet as the reincarnation of Terton Drukdra Dorji, who travelled through Bhutan and ultimately settled at Gedu with his consort, son, and daughter. He also revealed some treasures, established monasteries, and propagated Vajrayana tradition for the benefit of sentient beings in and around the country.

His Holiness Trulku Ugyen Drodrul Thinley Kunchap Rinpoche

He is the unmistaken reincarnation of Terton Drukdra Dorji, was born in 1999 in the paradise of the black-necked crane of Phobjikha valley in the Wangduephodrang district of Bhutan to his father Wangchuk Rinzin and mother Sonam Yuden. Trulku recognized himself and his previous incarnation. His Eminence Trulku Ugyen Drodrul Thinley Kunchap was formally recognised and enthroned as the yangsid (reincarnation) of Terton Drukdra Dorji at the age of four by the 70h Je Khenpo Jigme Chodra and the Central Monastric Body of Bhutan. The birth of His Eminence Trulku Ugyen Drodrul Thinley Kunchap Rinpoche was accompanied by many auspicious and wonderful signs.

At the age of three, Trulku was saying again and again that he wanted to go to Chumphu Lhakhang (temple) that is located in Paro. On the way to visiting the temple, Trulku remembered a cave and went to see it. While in the cave, he revealed a treasure that had been placed there previously. While at Chumphu Lhakhang in Paro, he was able to account and describe the history of Chumphu Lhakhang. Moreover, he recognised the treasure of Vajravarahi (Dorji Phagmo) statue revealed by Terton Drundra Dorji from the life-lake (Latsho) of Vajravarahi and stuck the coin or prayer money (Nyendar) at the heart of the treasure of Vajravarahi statue in the eye-witness of a crowed Chumphug Temple. The people that were there at the temple were amazed with his accurate and impressive description and had faith that he was the reincarnation of Terton Drukdra Dorji. As well, at the age of three, he remembered vividly many incidents from his previous life.

At present, Trulku is pursuing Buddhist higher education at Sangchen Chokhor Buddhist College, in Paro, Bhutan. Trulku came to Sangchen Chokhor Buddhist College at the age of four and has been residing here since where he lives with his teacher and attendants. Presently, H.H. Truelku Ugyen Droduel ThinleyKunchap Rinpoche is one of the most renowned and important figure of Bhutan.