Vajra Heart Revisited

About the Author

Tulku Urgyen demonstrated a devotion to Longchenpa, Chokgyur Lingpa, Jamyang Khyentse, and Jamgön Kongtrül that inspired all who knew him. In the 1950s he received teachings the Second Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, journeying to Lhasa and Gangtok for this purpose. In addition to receiving initiations he had many close personal discussions with this great master. Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Dudjom Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse all counted Tulku Urgyen among their advisers and spiritual friends. Not only was Tulku Urgyen kind, wise, and compassionate, but he was humble and gentle as well. He was renowned as a yogi, and though he did not live the life of a mountain recluse like Milarepa, his mind exhibited all the qualities of such accomplished masters. Tulku Urgyen was not well known as a scholar, yet the depth of his actual understanding was unsurpassed, and many Nyingma and Kagyü masters stood in awe of his comprehensive knowledge. He had thoroughly studied and practiced the Atiyoga, and his teachings on Dzogchen transformed the lives of those he touched with gentle, penetrating clarity. As a meditation teacher and a master of initiations, he was without peer. In these times of the Kali Yuga, when great troubles have befallen Tibet, Tulku Urgyen rose to the challenge. Journeying to a new country, (Nepal) he established a foundation for the Dharma and made the special treasures of Dzogchen and the Chokling lineage widely available. He benefited the Sangha greatly, establishing centers, extending the teachings, and passing on his knowledge. Today there are more than thirty different monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley that trace much of this activity to the light that radiated from Nagi Gompa, where the presence of Tulku Urgyen, the teachings of Chokling, and the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava came together. Truly, whatever any lama could accomplish, Tulku Urgyen has brought to fruition. Tsoknyi Rinpoche or Ngawang Tsoknyi Gyatso (born 13 March 1966) is a Nepalese Tibetan Buddhist teacher and author, and the founder of the Pundarika Foundation. He is the third Tsoknyi Rinpoche, having been recognized by the 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche. He is a tulku of the Drukpa Kagyü and Nyingma traditions and the holder of the Ratna Lingpa and Tsoknyi lineages. He began his education at  Khampagar Monastery  at Tashi Jong in Himachal Pradesh, India, at the age of thirteen. His main teachers are  Khamtrul Rinpoche Dongyu Nyima , his father Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche,  Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche,  Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche  and Adeu Rinpoche. Rinpoche has overseen the  Tergar Osel Ling Monastery , founded in Kathmandu, Nepal by his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. His brothers are  Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche,  Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, and  Mingyur Rinpoche  and his nephews are  Phakchok Rinpoche  and the reincarnation of  Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche , known popularly as Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche. He has overseen the monastery's operations and introduced studies for non-Tibetans. Under his leadership it has "thrived and grown into a mature sangha of dedicated practitioners."