Yathang Kyabgon

---

His Holiness Taklung Shabdrung Tenzin Gyurmey Choekyi Wangchuk, the Ghazi Trizin is the lineage holder of the Ghazi Dhung or family, and the throne holder of the Taklung Kagyu Sect. The Ghazi lineage root is traced back to the beginning of the Tibetan race where it is said in the scriptures, that the Tibetan race started with six children born to an ogress (the emanation of Jetsun Drolma) and an ape (the emanation of Chenrezig). Out of these six children, the Ghazi Dhung or family is said to be the only unbroken surviving lineage, handed down father to son. The Great Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal, founder of the Taklung Kagyu was also a decendant of this sacred lineage. This unbroken lineage continues to this present day through the Taklung Shabdrung Ghazi Trizin. 

The present Taklung Shabdrung was born into the ancient Ghazi Depon Dhokarwa family, popularly known as the Ragasha family.
Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche was born on 15-May-1991 to Ragasha Sey Tsering Sonam Topgyal and wife Sonam Lhamo of the Sadutshang family. He was first named by Kyabje Chadrel Sangay Dorjee as Rangrig Dorjee Nyima when he was only three months in his mother’s womb. Thereafter in March 1998, His Holiness the Dalai Lama chose Rinpoche to take over the mantle of his great grand uncle the Taklung Shabdrung, Thupten Jangchup Choekyi Nyima. 

On the 10th of November 2000 Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche’s hair cutting ceremony took place at a special ceremony presided over by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the main hall of the Tsuklakhang, Dharamsala. At this ceremony, His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave him his spiritual name, Tenzin Gyurmey Choekyi Wangchuk and also composed a special prayer for him. A few days later on the 18th of November as Taklung Kagyu had no monastery in India, H.H. Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche was gracious enough to prepare & hold a grand enthronement ceremony at Drikung Jangchup Ling Monastery, the seat of Drikung Kagyu in Dehra Dun, India. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, Taklung Matul Rinpoche, other great masters and dignitaries were present for this occasion. 

Under the kind and gracious guidance of H.H Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche had his initial education at Drikung Jang Chup Ling Monastery. In 2008 following the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama he continued his further studies at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics and, since graduating in 2017, continues to inspire others on their spiritual journey. 

His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Tenzin Chokyi Wangchuk, is one of the revered Three Leaders of the Glorious Taklung Kagyu Lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. Born on July 6, 2010, in Mang Yul Ladakh, India, to Ngawang Norbu and Jigme Yangchen, Rinpoche’s remarkable spiritual journey began early. In June 2015, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized him as the reincarnation of the previous His Holiness Taklung Tsetrul Thubten Gyaltsen, the 33rd throne holder of the Taklung Kagyu order of Tibetian Buddhism.

On May 19, 2017, he received the hair-cutting ceremony in the presence of His Holiness Dalai Lama, marking a significant step in his monastic path, and was given the name Tenzin Chokyi Wangchuk. Shortly thereafter, he resided at Panggang Samten Ling in Manali, India, for a year before his formal enthronement. On June 17, 2018, in Ladakh, he was officially enthroned at Zhiwa Tsal Palace in Ladakh, with the ceremony presided over by His Holiness Taklung Matul Rinpoche. Dignitaries from various Buddhist lineages witness the event including representatives of Karma Kagyu Lineage, Drikung Kagyu Lineage and Drukpa Kagyu Lineage, the Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration, the President of the Ladakhi Buddhist Association, the President of the Monastery Association, the nine noble families of Ladakh, Ladakh Choje His Eminence Tokden Rinpoche and His Eminence Taklung Dopa Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. Lamas, tulkus, abbots, scholars and thousands of people from all walks of life attended the occasion.

Since 2018, His Holiness has made Taklung Dorje Den Domsum Dusepa Gyatso Ling Monastery in Pokhara, Nepal, his home. There, he continues his studies, focusing on the foundational teachings of Tibetian Literature and Buddhism.