Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche (b.1964) - The present Dzigar Kongtrul, Jigme Namgyel, was born in Northern India, just before his father, the third Neten Chokling Rinpoche, established the Tibetan community settlement of Bir. When Rinpoche was nine years old, his father Chokling Rinpoche passed away. Soon after this His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche recognized him as an emanation of Jamgön Kongtrül the Great and His Holiness the 16th Karmapa confirmed this. He was soon enthroned at Chokling Gompa in Bir.
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche moved to the United States in 1989 with his family and began a five-year tenure as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Naropa University (then Institute) in 1990. Not long after arriving in the United States, he founded Mangala Shri Bhuti, an organization dedicated to furthering the practice of the Longchen Nyingtik lineage. He established a mountain retreat center, Longchen Jigme Samten Ling, in southern Colorado, where he spends much of his time in retreat and guides students in long-term retreat practice.
Kongtrul Rinpoche's root teacher was Dilgo Khyentsé Rinpoche, and he also studied extensively with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche and the great scholar-yogin Khenpo Rinchen.
Long Life Prayer
Long Life Prayer for Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche:
The Melody of the Deathless Vajra
OM SWASTI
Great Vajradhara, Lodrö Thayé Tönbu Tsal,
You embody the power and strength of the Buddhas and their sons,
Coming together in human form, just as predicted by the Buddha himself.
Later you manifested the unparalleled qualities of learning and accomplishment,
As the noble Lodrö Rabpel and the supreme incarnation, Jigmé Nampar Gyel.
May the lineage holders, both father and son, live long.
And may the banner of Truth, both scripture and realization, fly high.
May the ten directions abound with your activities,
And may your unobstructed vision be accomplished.
May Palchen Dorjé, king of the wrathful deities,
And the ocean of the protectors of the three lineages,
Destroy at once any demonic forces or hindrances to your activity,
So that even their names do not remain.
Through the force of Amitayus and consort — Yeshin Khorlo Yum
Nampar Gyalma, Tso-chyé Dorjé Chang, Vimalamitra,
Tangtong Gyalpo, Kongchenpa, Tamdrin Wangchog,
Tseringma and the Five Sister Dakinis —
May your activities flourish.
Through the blessings of the gurus and long-life deities,
May your life force increase and remain stable.
May the Dharma activity of Jamgön, Lord of Dharma,
Forever increase and hold firm!
This was composed through the great kindness of Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche, at the supreme meditation place of Longchen Samten Choling.