Dabzang Rinpoche
Dilyag Dabzang Rinpoche
Brief biography
In 1929, on the fifteenth day of the twelfth Tibetan month Dabzang Rinpoche was born out of the Jaratsang family, who have their residences in the Derge region of the Domed province in Kham, eastern Tibet.
In 1935, when he was six years old, the previous Tai Situ Rinpoche (Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo) recognized him as the reincarnation of the previous Dabzang Rinpoche, Ngedon Chokyi Gyaltsen. At the age of seven, Tai Situ Rinpoche gave him the Genyen vows of a monk in a ceremony at Palpung monastery. While Dabzang Rinpoche was staying there, many lamas came from the Dilyak monastery to invite him. He accepted, and returned accompanied by his parents and the Dilyak monks on a journey that took about one month. In the fifth Tibetan month, he was enthroned with many lamas, tulkus, monks and lay people in attendance. He remained at Dilyak for about four months and then returned to his birthplace at the home of his father.
Dabzang Rinpoche then studied reading and writing, and from the age of nine to fifteen (1937-1943) he was trained in the various aspects of Dharma practice at Palpung Thubten Chokhor Ling. In 1945, when he was sixteen, representatives from Nangchen’s Dilyak Monastery again arrived and requested him for a visit.
Once again at Dilyak, Dabzang Rinpoche became involved in various Dharma activities, including the organization of a monastic community. At the age of seventeen he went on a strict meditation and retreat for one or two months. On the third day of the first Tibetan month in 1945, he entered a three years retreat, which he completed in the third Tibetan month in 1949. Afterwards, he went to Palpung to meet up with Tai Situ Rinpoche and received full ordination of a monk. He returned to Dilyak and went on a pilgrimage that included Lhasa and other important places. At the age of twenty-one, he came back to Dilyak to participate in the monastery in whatever way he could.
In 1958 at the age of twenty-nine, Dabzang Rinpoche began the long journey through central Tibet, arriving at Tolung Tsurphu. He then traveled with H. H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa through Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim. That winter, he went on a pilgrimage to India and came to Nepal where he established his residence.
In 1966, he built a small monastery next to the Boudhanath Stupa where the community of monks grew very quickly, soon making the monastery too small and uncomfortable.
In 1982, Dabzang Rinpoche bought a new piece of land, gradually build in to a new Dilyak monastery, not far from the Boudhanath Stupa and the representation of the Buddha’s body; speech and mind were placed in great reverence. During his lifetime, Dabzang Rinpoche traveled extensively in Asia to teach the Dharma.
In Hong Kong on April 2, 1992, in order to motivate those who hold onto impermanence, he demonstrated how one dissolves the mind into the Dharmadhatu.
Pal Dilyag Monastery is commonly known as Dabzang Gompa at Boudha Phulbari next to the Lotus guesthouse is founded by Ven. Dabzang Rinpoche. After the passing away Ven. Drupon Rinpoche, reincarnated Lama of the retreat master of Dilyag monastery in Tibet, takes the responsibility of the monastery. This monastery belongs to the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. At present, it has 87 lamas and monks.
With regard to its Dharma activities, yearly, monthly and daily events are mentioned below in terms of lunar calendar.
Important yearly rituals
From the 22nd till the 29th of the 12th month, the “Gutor” ritual of offerings to evil spirits is held;
From the 27th of the 1st month (for the duration 1 Week) “Thugje Sangdue,” a vast and profound propitiation of different deities;
From the 15th of the 6th month till the 30th of the 7th month (for the duration 1 month) “Yarne,” Ayarkyi summer fasting of the monks is taking place.
Monthly activities
On the 8th Mitrukpa Puja of Akshobhya
On the 10th Puja of Padmasambhava
On the 15th Puja of Chakrasambara
On the 25th Puja of Vajravarahi
On the 29th Vast and profound Puja of Mahakala
On the 30th Puja of Gyalwa Gyatso, red Avaloketeshvara
Daily activities: 5 am till 7 am Neychog ritual of the 16 Sthavira and rituals of Tara. 2.30 till 4 pm Mahakala Puja
Pal Dilyak Monastry
GPO. Box: 4512 Pulhari, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel: 472432 Fax: 478091
Primary Teachers
Primary Lineage
Alternative names
Dazang Rinpoche 1808-1864
- zla bzang sprul ming pa kar ma nges don bstan pa rab rgyas
- zla bzang sprul ming pa kar ma nges don bstan pa rab rgyas dpal bzang po
- zla ming pa
- bstan pa rab rgyas
- Emanation of gnyag dza nya ku ma ra - Jnana Kumara of Nyag / (ye shes gzhon nu).