Brilliant Moon

1. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: A Profound Spiritual Master and Tertön

"There is no doubt that Rinpoche had a lot of visions of his yidam deities, but he was always very humble and, when asked about such things, used to say, 'Why don't you ask the Karmapa or the Dalai Lama? I don't know anything.'"

A humble giant. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) was one of the most revered Tibetan Buddhist masters of the 20th century. Recognized as an incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, he was a tertön (treasure revealer), scholar, and meditation master who played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Tibetan Buddhist teachings during a time of great upheaval.

Vast knowledge and influence. Rinpoche received teachings from over 50 masters of all Tibetan Buddhist traditions, embodying the Rimé (non-sectarian) approach. He was a primary teacher to the 14th Dalai Lama and many other prominent lamas. Despite his profound wisdom and accomplishments, Rinpoche maintained a humble demeanor, often deflecting praise and emphasizing his role as a simple practitioner.

2. Early Life and Recognition as a Tulku

"My father then asked Dzogchen Rinpoche where the tulku would be reborn. Dzogchen Rinpoche said that he could not tell clearly at that moment but that he would let my father know if he had any indication."

Multiple recognitions. Born into the aristocratic Dilgo family in Kham, eastern Tibet, young Khyentse was recognized by several masters as the reincarnation of important lamas:

• Onpo Tenga by Adzom Drukpa and Khenpo Shenga
• Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo by Jamyang Loter Wangpo
• A tulku of Dzogchen Monastery by Dzogchen Rinpoche

Early spiritual inclinations. From a young age, Khyentse showed a strong interest in spiritual matters. Despite his father's initial reluctance to have him recognized as a tulku, a severe childhood accident led to his ordination as a monk at the age of seven.

3. Rigorous Spiritual Training and Retreat Practices

"Not only did I receive teachings from my master, Shechen Gyaltsap, I memorized the Guhyagarbha root tantra. I had not studied any Vajrayana texts prior to this, so I didn't understand it and had a little trouble remembering it, but in the end I became familiar with the words."

Intensive study and practice. Khyentse Rinpoche underwent extensive training under numerous masters, including:

• Shechen Gyaltsap Rinpoche (root guru)
• Khenpo Shenga
• Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

He engaged in long periods of retreat, sometimes lasting for years, focusing on practices such as:

• Vajrakilaya
• Dzogchen (Great Perfection)
• Various sadhanas and empowerments

Mastery of texts and rituals. Rinpoche memorized and gained deep understanding of numerous tantric and philosophical texts, becoming renowned for his ability to give empowerments and teachings without referring to written materials.

4. Preservation and Transmission of Buddhist Lineages

"Most lamas are only concerned with their own tradition and lineage, but Khyentse Rinpoche was quite the opposite. He was truly nonsectarian. He had true pure vision toward all the lineages of the entire doctrine."

Rimé approach. Khyentse Rinpoche was a key figure in preserving and transmitting teachings from all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, embodying the non-sectarian Rimé tradition. He:

• Received teachings from masters of all lineages
• Gave empowerments and transmissions to lamas of various schools
• Actively worked to preserve endangered lineages

Major transmissions. Rinpoche gave complete empowerments and transmissions for numerous important collections, including:

• Treasury of Precious Termas
• Treasury of Spiritual Instructions
• Nyingma Kama
• New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa

Publication efforts. He sponsored the printing of many important texts and collections, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

5. Visions, Dreams, and Terma Revelations

"Last night I had a vision of the Copper-Colored Mountain pure land, with Guru Rinpoche and the twenty-five disciples as vivid as if they were actually present."

Visionary experiences. Throughout his life, Khyentse Rinpoche had numerous visions and dreams of deities, buddhas, and past masters. These experiences often:

• Provided guidance for his activities
• Revealed new terma teachings
• Confirmed his spiritual realizations

Terma revelations. As a tertön (treasure revealer), Rinpoche discovered and decoded several important termas, including:

• Pema's Heart Essence of Longevity
• Heart Essence of Manjushri
• Various Vajrakilaya teachings

Humble approach. Despite these extraordinary experiences, Rinpoche rarely spoke about them publicly, maintaining a humble demeanor and emphasizing the importance of practice over special abilities.

6. Escape from Tibet and Establishment in Exile

"Using my wits, I managed to keep Rinpoche out of Chinese hands. A lot of people from Derge were caught in the mountains and taken down along with their sheep and goats."

Perilous journey. In 1959, following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, Khyentse Rinpoche and his family fled to India. Their escape involved:

• Leaving behind most possessions
• Crossing treacherous mountain passes
• Enduring harsh conditions and near-starvation

New beginnings. After briefly staying in India, Rinpoche established himself in Bhutan, where he:

• Became a respected teacher to the royal family
• Founded retreat centers and temples
• Gave extensive teachings and empowerments

Expanding influence. From his base in Bhutan, Rinpoche traveled widely, teaching in India, Nepal, and eventually the West, playing a crucial role in the spread of Tibetan Buddhism globally.

7. Global Teaching and Influence on Buddhism

"Rinpoche went back to the West many times. Once I also went as his attendant. In France, due to the kindness of Tulku Pema Wangyal, a three-year retreat center was started and later another one as well."

Worldwide impact. Khyentse Rinpoche played a pivotal role in bringing Tibetan Buddhism to the West:

• Traveled extensively in Europe, North America, and Asia
• Established and supported retreat centers
• Gave teachings and empowerments to thousands of students

Adaptation to new cultures. While maintaining the essence of traditional teachings, Rinpoche showed flexibility in adapting to Western contexts:

• Encouraged serious practice among lay students
• Supported the translation of texts into Western languages
• Recognized genuine practitioners from diverse backgrounds

Legacy. His influence continues through:

• Numerous Western students who became teachers
• Established retreat centers and study programs
• Translated texts and practice materials

8. Extraordinary Qualities and Humble Demeanor

"He used to say that he didn't know anything. It seems impossible that masters with such perfect knowledge and realization could ever appear nowadays."

Vast knowledge. Khyentse Rinpoche was renowned for his:

• Encyclopedic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice
• Ability to give extensive teachings without referring to texts
• Profound insights into the nature of mind

Compassionate presence. Those who met him often described:

• A sense of overwhelming peace and compassion
• The feeling of being in the presence of an enlightened being
• Receiving personal attention despite large crowds

Humility in action. Despite his accomplishments, Rinpoche:

• Consistently deflected praise
• Emphasized the importance of practice over intellectual knowledge
• Treated all beings, high and low, with equal respect and kindness

9. Building Monasteries and Preserving Sacred Sites

"Slowly a sangha of many monks gathered, a monastic college of religious studies was started, and the tantric dances for the Grand Ceremony of the Tenth Day were commenced. Rinpoche established the tradition of performing two drupchens every year: the Mindroling Vajrasattva and the United Assembly, which have both been continued annually without break."

Institutional legacy. Khyentse Rinpoche was instrumental in establishing and supporting numerous Buddhist institutions:

• Founded Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Nepal
• Supported the construction and restoration of temples and retreat centers in Bhutan, India, and Tibet
• Established monastic colleges and practice programs

Preservation of sacred sites. He initiated projects to preserve and restore important Buddhist pilgrimage sites:

• Sponsored the construction of stupas at major pilgrimage locations in India
• Performed consecration ceremonies at numerous sacred places
• Encouraged pilgrimage and practice at these sites

Continuation of traditions. Through these efforts, Rinpoche ensured the continuation of:

• Traditional monastic education
• Ritual practices and empowerments
• Meditation retreats and advanced yogic practices

His work in this area has had a lasting impact on the preservation and transmission of Tibetan Buddhism in exile and its revitalization in Tibet.

Last updated: October 10, 2024