The Life Of Tertön Sogyal, Lerab Lingpa

Revered for his extraordinary learning and accomplishment, Lerab Lingpa (1856–1926) was a prolific revealer of the terma treasures concealed by Guru Padmasambhava. His entire life was filled with timely spiritual revelations, prophecies, and visions of Guru Rinpoche and he played a large part in ensuring the spiritual and physical security of Tibet and safeguarding the life of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö would say that Lerab Lingpa was “truly amazing in terms of both his learning and his accomplishment.”

One of the most widely practised of his treasures is the Tendrel Nyesel, Eliminating Flaws in Interdependent Circumstances, a practice that is seen as having a profound relevance for today’s world.

He had many lineage holders and was said to have several incarnations, including Khenchen Jigmé Phuntsok Rinpoche and Sogyal Rinpoche. One of his closest disciples, Choktrul Pema Gyaltsen, recounted that Lerab Lingpa predicted his teachings would spread widely beyond Tibet, saying: “My incarnation will not only come to Tibet, but to the western world, and continue my teaching.”

Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche or Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorjé, was such a consummate master of Dzogpachenpo, and such an authority on the teachings of Longchenpa, that his disciples regarded him as Longchenpa in the flesh. No one who met him can ever forget his extraordinary presence or the spirit in which he taught, which embodied so perfectly the fathomless ease and vastness of Dzogpachenpo. He was one of Sogyal Rinpoche's most beloved masters.