Karma Triyana Dharmachakra - A Brief Explanation (original) (raw)

WHEN BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI turned the wheel of Dharma in the Jampudvipa world, this being, known to us as Traleg Rinpoche, was born as Ananda. Perfecting Buddhahood, he worked to develop the Buddha Dharma.

He next incarnated as Tulku Tsermed Oden, inseparable with glorious Sangwai Dagpo, Lord of Tantrayana, and taught tantrayana in the unsurpassable dakini realm. Having developed such teachings in all directions through endless times, his next rebirth was as the mahayogi Thogmed Yonten, skilled in all miraculous powers. This mahayogi was the disciple of yogi Sahara and Lord Nagarjuna. He benefited beings by developing Buddhism in general, and the tantrayana in particular, in all the ten directions of the world.

His next rebirth was as mahasiddha Dapa Sherab, principal disciple of mahasiddha Tilopa. Having firmly stabilized the very transmission and teaching of mahasiddha Tilopa, his next rebirth was as siddha Dogon Lotsawa, disciple of glorious Naropa. He translated many unavailable teachings of the lesser and higher vehicles, particularly the Vajrayana teachings.

His next incarnation was as a disciple of Lotsawa Marpa named Ngod Choku Dorje, who translated tantric teachings from Sanskrit into the Tibetan language. He was skilled in both learning and meditation, and carried out the sedgyerd (learning) transmission.

His next incarnation was as a disciple of the great yogi, Milarepa, named Rechung Dorje Drakpa. He developed the teachings and became famous all over Tibet.

His next incarnation was as a disciple of Gampopa, Saltong Shogom, one of the "Three Men from Kham."

Likewise, his next incarnation, Pandita Wangchuk Dorje, was famous and skilled in both sutrayana and tantrayana.

His next rebirth was during the time of the Third Karmapa, Ranjung Dorje, as Toden Tachug. He developed and taught Kagyu teachings.

Later, for many generations, he incarnated as a bhiksu (a fully ordained monk) called Chokyi Wangchuk, who enriched and liberated limitless living beings.

Then Chokyu Dragpa incarnated in the second seat of the Kagyu order in Karmai Gon where he taught and developed the Buddha Dharma.

Then, in order to develop and carry on the Buddha Dharma, he was requested to be the head of the Thrangu Monastery. His name was Nyima Tashi. Eight successive incarnations bearing the name of Traleg benefited beings and taught in all directions according to the prophecy of Guru Padmasambhava:

"You will benefit living beings while bearing the name Nyima for eight incarnations as a fully ordained bhiksu."

The present ninth Traleg Rinpoche was born in the wood sheep year (1955), in the first month of the Tibetan calendar.

Enthroned at the age of 1-1/2, he was fully able to participate in the playing of damaru and bells and to give the traditional blessings during the enthronement ceremony.

When he was four, the Communists invaded Tibet and about 100 people from his area escaped. During the critical moments when the people had no idea where to go, the four-year-old Traleg Rinpoche directed them and eventually they all escaped safely to India.

In 1989, Traleg Rinpoche taught extensively at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra and visited the North American affiliates of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa. At that time, the Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche dictated this introduction to Traleg Rinpoche that was presented to the centers on his arrival.

Also included in this section of the Web site is a shorter biography of Rinpoche with a link to his teaching on this site.