VenerableYangthang Rinpoche

photp Yangthang Rinpoche It is said that at the time of the rebirth of the Tertön Dorje Dechen Lingpa, the sky in Sikkim resounded in thunder, “I am here!”, the sound coming from all directions in space. Sogtrul Rinpoche, the tertön's principal disciple and lineage holder, was already awaiting him, as his place of rebirth had been predicted both by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche and by His Holiness Reting Rinpoche, the Senior Tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. By the time Sogtrul Rinpoche reached him he had already declared himself to be the rebirth of the tertön from Dhomang. He had become known as Yangthang Tulku, as he was from the Yangthang clan in Sikkim.

In addition to extensive training in practices of his lineage that he was required to master, Yangthang Rinpoche was completely trained in the Kangyur and Tengyur, and in the works of Longchenpa. He was widely recognized for the quality and depth of his realization, the power of his attainment, and the purity of his transmissions.

In 1959, when the Communist Chinese invaded Tibet, Yangthang Rinpoche fled Dhomang. He was later captured by the Chinese, and imprisoned for 22 years. Following the death of Mao Tse Tung he was released. He returned to Dhomang to find his monastery completely dismantled. He then obtained permission to go to Sikkim. As a simple yogi he traveled back and forth to Nepal and Bhutan, receiving transmissions and empowerments from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and His Holiness Dodrubchen Rinpoche.

In 1985, while circumambulating the Great Stupa in Bodhanath, Yangthang Rinpoche met with Gyatrul Rinpoche, who at that time was leading a group of his American students on pilgrimage to the sacred shrines of the Dharma. These two lamas had not seen each other in 26 years. Fleeing from the invading Communist Chinese, they had initially left Dhomang together but parted company at a fork in the road. One fork led Gyatrul Rinpoche to freedom in India, the other led Yangthang Rinpoche to imprisonment. At the request of Gyatrul Rinpoche, Yangthang Rinpoche first came to the U.S. in 1990. He gave many profound teachings and transmissions, and was enthusiastically welcomed wherever he taught. Yangthang Rinpoche returned to the U.S. for a second tour of teaching and transmission in 1997, and for a third tour in 2002.

DVDs

Mirror of Wisdom Video recorded the teachings and empowerments given by The Venerable Yangthang Rinpoche Thanksgiving 2006 through the New Year, at Orgyen Dorje Den in Alameda, CA, Osel Nyingpo Center in Ojai, CA, and at Tashi Choling in Ashland, OR.

AVAILABLE NOW! Teaching given by Yangthang Rinpoche in Ojai, CA(Dec 1-3 2006): FLIGHT OF THE GARUDA. Translated by Jeremy Morrelli. 12 hours captured as 5 2- 21/2 hour Sessions. Sold as a 5 DVD set: #YR5: $75.00.

Spontaneous Teaching (# VYR3)

Yangthang Rinpoche gave this spontaneous teaching in Austin, Texas, during the bestowal of the Nam Chö empowerments by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, in Austin, Texas, in the summer of 2002. Yangthang Rinpoche begins this teaching by describing the supreme qualities and activitiies of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. He then speaks on the necessary qualities both of the empowering lama and the disciple who receives empowerment. He elaborates on the nature of the lama-student relationship, the importance of the four levels of faith and fervent regard in ones relationship with the guru, samaya, the root of empowerment, the three essential parts of practice (generation of the bodhichitta, mainteneance of wisdom awareness, and dedication of merit), and the inconceivable benefits of guru devotion. Sangye Khandro translates. (1 tape/1 hr, 40 min)

Kha Kyab Rang Dröl (# VYR4)

Yangthang Rinpoche teaches the sadhana of the Supreme Noble Tamer of Beings, Avalokiteshvara, Kha Kyab Rang Dröl, "All-Encompassing Self Liberation," terma of Dhomang Terchen, Dorje Dechen Lingpa. While specific to the Kha Kyab Rang Dröl, this teaching provides general instruction on generation stage practice. Translated by Gyalpo. (1 tape/ 3 hrs)

Other Teachings

Questions and Answers (#YR1)
In an an intimate question and answer session, Rinpoche teaches on the four thoughts, the practice of investigating the nature of the mind, phowa, generation stage practice, and the benefits of reciting the mani mantra. Sangye Khandro translates. Ashland, Oregon., 1990. (1 tape/ 1 hr, 45 min)

Words of Advice (#VYR2)
In a public teaching given at Orgyen Dorje Den, in San Francisco, California, Rinpoche gives parting words of advice. January 1991. B. Alan Wallace translates. (1 tape/ 52 min)

Sadhanas

Accomplishing the Purpose of Beings Throughout Space

Yangthang Rinpoche performs the Avalokiteshvara sadhana of Dorje Dechen Lingpa, accompanying himself with bell and small hand drum (damaru). Includes ganachakra, includes special practices for summer/winter solstices and solar/lunar eclipses. Tashi Chöling, October 1990.

Concise and extensive versions: (#VS202)

Ratna Lingpa Vajrakilaya (#VS201)
Yangthang Rinpoche, accompanied by Gyatrul Rinpoche and practitioners at Tashi Chöling, leads the sadhana of Vajrakilaya, The Essence of the Play of Concerned Activity, terma of Tertön Ratna Lingpa. October, 1990. (1 tape/2 hrs)