Pema Kunzang Tendzin Norbu
Short Biography
The Second Drubwang Penor Rinpoche, Pema Kunzang Tendzin Norbu was born in 1887, his birth foreseen in a dream by Do-ngag Chökyi Nyima, the third Karma Kuchen Rinpoche and eighth throne holder of Palyul. He was brought to Palyul Monastery when he was seven years old. At the age of nine, Padmasambhava appeared to him directly in a vision and blessed him.
He received novice ordination and a vast number of transmissions from Karma Kuchen Rinpoche. His root guru was the remarkable Khenpo Ngaga. One of the most highly realized Dzogchen masters of this century, Khenpo Ngaga (1879-1941) was also regarded as an emanation of Vimalamitra. He conferred upon Pema Norbu full ordination in the vinaya lineage of Shantarakshita and gave him the secret oral teachings of Dzogchen. Through these blessings, Pema Norbu attained realization of the primordially pure nature of all phenomena and displayed signs of having realized the "Increasing of Experience" of the four visions of tögal. He also met and received empowerments from both Mipham Rinpoche and Jamgön Kongtrul.
Khenpo Ngaga said that in his previous lives, Pema Norbu had been an emanation of Vajrapani; the famous minister of King Songtsen Gampo called Lönpo Gar Dampa; the son of Trisong Deutsen called Prince Lhase Damdzin; Lhalung Palgyi Dorje (one of Padmasambhava's twenty five great disciples); Tertön Sangye Lingpa (discoverer of the huge Lama Gongdu terma cycle); the first Drubwang Pema Norbu; the first Dodrupchen Kunzang Shyenphen; and the second Dodrupchen Phuntsok Jungne.
The second Penor Rinpoche became the ninth throne holder of The Palyul Lineage. With tremendous enthusiasm, he gave many different transmissions and empowerments, teaching continually on the Guhyagarbha Tantra, Jigme Lingpa's Treasury of Good Qualities and the Three Vows. He gave the transmission of the Namchö Dzogchen teachings and the Longchen Nyingtig tradition of Nyoshul Lungtok according to Khenpo Ngaga's oral instructions. On five occasions he bestowed the Rinchen Terdzö empowerments. He also composed seven large volumes of writings, renovated monasteries, built new temples, sponsored publications, opened a new scholastic college, and established Great Accomplishment ceremonies and other practices.
Before he died in 1932 at only 46 years of age, he appeared in a pure vision to Khenpo Ngaga. He told Khenpo Ngaga that his only regret was that he wished there had been more time to serve the Longchen Nyingthig tradition of Dzogchen and to study more under Khenpo Ngaga. He promised to reincarnate very swiftly.
Khenpo Ngaga conducted all the rituals for Pema Norbu's passing, including the cremation. During this time, there was an earthquake and many other amazing signs of his realization.