Thupten Chökyi Dorje

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Thupten Chökyi Dorje, the Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche

Thupten Chökyi Dorje (thub bstan chos kyi rdo rje) (1872-1935) - The Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche

Biography

The Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche was born in Kham Riwoche, the same region as the first incarnation. He received teachings and empowerments from Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye, Khenpo Pema Vajra, Patrul Rinpoche and many other teachers of the Nyingma and Sarma traditions.

Without relying on any training in the traditional sciences such as grammar and logic, he spontaneously aquired expansive realization and is credited with supernatural abilities. It is said that as a result of his exceptional powers of realization, the tormas melted into light and became nectar, he tied the sun in its place, made the empowerment vase float in space, made the saffron water of the vase inexhaustible, left footprints in rocks, and caused water to spring from arid deserts. Once, it is said, after he wiped his bleeding nose with a cloth, the cloth transformed into a thangka full of blessing relics.

During his time as abbot, there were more than a thousand monks who resided continuously at Dzogchen Monastery and the number of branch monasteries increased to more than two hundred.

With the help of the great Khenpo Shenga, he transformed Shri Singha Shedra into the most prestigious centre of learning in the whole of Kham.

He recognized many of the next generation of tulkus, including the Sixth Shechen Rabjam, Fifth Dzogchen Pönlop Rinpoche and the Third Dzogchen Gemang Tulku.

His writings include a famous practice of Gesar.

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