An Amazing Story: Finding the Reincarnation of Tenga Rinpoche Part 3

by Michele Martin, Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, March 21, 2017.

Meanwhile in Kathmandu, the General Secretary spoke with Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche to let him know that he was going to Bodh Gaya to spend Gutor (days of Mahakala practice before the New Year) and Losar (New Year) of 2017 at Tergar Monastery with His Holiness. “What shall I say to His Holiness about the yangsi?” he asked. Nyenpa Rinpoche replied, “Don’t say anything at all about the yangsi. It’s best to keep quiet. His Holiness knows who you are. If he wishes to say something, he will. If not, then come back.”

An Amazing Story: Finding the Reincarnation of Tenga Rinpoche Part 2

by Michele Martin, Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, March 21, 2017.

The second time that His Holiness gave them information about the yangsi was during these ceremonies at Vajra Vidya Institute. The Karmapa arrived here on March 20, 2016 from Bodh Gaya, and on March 21, 2016, he began the three days of pujas in the radiant shrine hall of the Institute.

Two special altars had been beautifully arranged by the Karmapa himself: one for the Guru Yoga of Karma Pakshi in the morning and another for the practice of the Five Tseringma sisters in the afternoon. Said to reside in the Himalayas, the five sisters are protectors of the Kagyu lineage, and the central Tseringma is also a lineage holder of Milarepa’s Dharma teachings. In particular, Tseringma is considered the special spirit that has dominion over the area of Nubri.

These two practices of Karma Pakshi and Tseringma are the same ones that the Karmapa led in Bodh Gaya during the annual nuns’ gathering. In Sarnath, the rituals were augmented with copious offerings and continued for three days, finishing on the auspicious full moon of the second Tibetan month. The Karmapa had remarked about these special pujas, “At this time perhaps I will see the yangsi more clearly. ” On third day of the practices, March 23, 2016, as he left the shrine hall, His Holiness gave Tempa Yarphel a folded paper. When he opened it, he discovered the drawing of a house with a large boulder and an indication of the direction in which the door faced. Written at the top was “Year of the Horse.”

An Amazing Story: Finding the Reincarnation of Tengan Rinpoche - Part 1

by Michele Martin, Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, March 21, 2017.

 Ever since he passed away on March 30, 2012, finding Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche’s reincarnation (yangsi) has been awaited with great hope and deep devotion, especially in the Karma Kamtsang lineage. Before founding Benchen Monastery in Nepal, he was the ritual master for HH the Sixteenth Karmapa and famous for his detailed knowledge of vajrayana ceremonies.

When traveling in Germany, the Gyalwang Karmapa spoke about Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche on August 30, 2015: “While here in Germany, I had the opportunity to meet briefly with many students of Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche and share some remarks with them. It has been a while now since he passed away but during all this time, his students and I myself have been continually remembering Rinpoche. This recollection has caused our faith, devotion, and love for him to continue flourishing.

“Before Rinpoche passed away, he spoke a few words to me about his future reincarnation. Therefore, I have a great hope and prayer that we will soon meet with his yangsi. So my main words of encouragement for the disciples of Tenga Rinpoche and those connected to Akong Rinpoche as well is to let your minds be at ease and relax. Continue sustaining the enlightened activities of your teachers and I think this will be enough.”

Half a year later, on February 22, 2016, during the closing ceremony for the Kagyu Monlam, His Holiness the Karmapa made a thrilling announcement: during the Tseringma puja conducted at the Arya Kshema Winter Dharma Gathering, he felt great devotion for Tenga Rinpoche and had a “thought or minor vision of where he might be.” He said he would keep these details quiet until he was able to share them with HE Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche but that he hoped Tenga Rinpoche would be able to return soon.

From Benchen Monastery office, March 29, 2017

Please find the official Announcement letter from Benchen Monastery by clicking here

From Tempa Lama March 23, 2017

Dear Dharma Brothers and Sisters,

As all of you know by now, on the 21 of March, 2017, at 9am Indian time His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa introduced Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche Yangsi in the Tergar Monastery, Bodhgaya. Rinpoche is a four years old boy but from time to time I see him as an old man. It is hard to believe he is that young.

I am very sorry at the moment I am very busy. I will later let you know details about the search and how we found Yangsi Rinpoche and provide you with photos and video clips for you to enjoy.

Drubwang Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche instructed us to wait for His Holiness’ advice to Yangsi Rinpoche how to further proceed from here.

Drubwang Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche could not come to this occasion of His Holiness’ introducing Tenga Rinoche’s Yangsi since he has a schedule in Bhutan that was arranged long time ago. As you all know Bhutan is a remote area and in order to join teachings and initiations elderly people have to be carried on peoples backs and face all kinds of hardships on the way that may take up to three or four days. Therefore Rinpoche has to maintain his schedule. Furthermore, the main ceremony, the enthronement of Yangsi Rinoche, will commence later at another time that is yet to be announced following His Holiness’ forthcoming advice.

Video from Tsurphu Labrang Media available on youtube: 16 Arhats Puja and Recognition of the Tenga Tulku