12/09/2022
BIOGRAPHY –H.H. Jewoen Rinpoche
EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION
In the divine valley of Tokaphu Lämai Gonpa, His Holiness Jewoen Rinpoche was born in the year 1983 to the family of Yab Tshering Gyeltshen and Yüm Dechok. Located in the Tongzhang under Trashi Yangtse, Tokaphu is the birthplace of His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche and various other Läms.
At an early age, Rinpoche was well-educated in reading and writing by his paternal grandfather Gonpo. Following that, Rinpoche began his modern education at Tokaphu Community Primary School based nearby the village. Rinpoche also studied at Tongmijangsa Primary School, which is a few kilometers away from his birthplace. In 1997, Rinpoche graduated class six there, class 8 from Tsenkharla School, class 10 from Trashi Yangtse Middle Secondary School, and Class 12 from Gongzim Ugyen Dorji High School, Haa in the year 2003.
In 2007, Rinpoche graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from North Point (NP) in Darjeeling, India. However, under the spiritual direction of his brother, H.H. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, H.E. served Kharchu Monastery in Bumthang for more than a year before Rinpoche was recognized as a reincarnation of Jewoen Rinpoche.
RECOGNITION
The recognition came as surprise to Rinpoche’s parents, relatives, the locals, and Rinpoche himself. In 2008, Rinpoche was recognized as the Throne Holder of Lhodrak Nyidey Gonpa in Tibet. H.H. Tai Situ Rinpoche has written a recognition letter with the names of the parents, recognizing him as an unmistakable reincarnate Trulku of previous Jewoen Rinpoche. Later in 2009 coinciding with the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar, an inaugural ceremony was held at Thragu Tashi Choeling Goenpa, Varanasi, India. Thus, Rinpoche was recognized and ordained officially by H.H. Thragu Rinpoche. Rinpoche is one of the throne holders in the Karma Kagyu sect of Buddhism.
Later Rinpoche’s inaugural ceremony was held in the monastery in Bjemina, Thimphu. That was an exciting moment for the devotees there. The Läm, monks, devotees and the general public jointly welcomed Rinpoche in a grand ceremonial procession to the monastery. The organizers had well-organized the inaugural ceremony which was elevating and welcoming as well.
EDUCATION: POST RECOGNITION
Rinpoche was well-educated in modern education. As a reincarnate Trulku, Rinpoche found that it is necessary to learn, receive and realize Buddhist philosophies as well. Rinpoche studied for a year at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery in Bumthang. The following year, Rinpoche joined Palpung Sherabling Monastery, Himachal, India, and studied under the guidance of H.H. Tai Situ Rinpoche for a year. Rinpoche is also a student of H.H. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, Gyaltshab Rinpoche, Bokar Khenchen Lodro Donyoe, and Thragu Rinpoche.
Similarly, Rinpoche also approached his brother H.H. Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche for infinite empowerment and oral transmissions. Rinpoche bestowed Longchen Dzoed Duen, Nyelsok Korsum, Rangdol Korsum, Muensel Korsum, Ngagyur K**a, Jigling Kabum, Mipham Kabum, and others.
WHO ESTABLISHED THE MONASTERY
Lhodrak Nyidey Monastery in Tibet was established by H.H. the Fifth Karmapa Dezhin Shekpa while Rinpoche was on a pilgrimage to Lhodrak. Later, H.H. Fourth Shamar Rinpoche did the revamp and handed it over to H.H. Detsa Rinpoche who was an uncle of the Jewoen Rinpoche.
After the demise of Detsa Rinpoche, the monastery was under the care of the first Jewoen Rinpoche, thereby, Lhodrak Nyidey monastery became a permanent seat of Rinpoche. This propensity continued to pass down to his unbroken chain of successive reincarnations. Each reincarnation has selflessly expanded the monastery over the period, making it, one of the major Karma Kagyu Monasteries. Thus, it facilitated in upholding of the Karma Kagyu sect of Buddhism until Tibetan-Chinese socio-economic-cultural revolution began in the late 1950s.
During those unprecedented times, the monastery suffered major devastation. Rinpoche (previous incarnation), however, did not flee the rebellion leaving behind the dear motherland and beloved monastery. Rinpoche later passed away, after which, the present Rinpoche was reincarnated in the land of the Thunder Dragon, for the sake of Rinpoche’s limitless devotees from across the world. His Holiness Choktrul Jewoen Rinpoche resides in the second seat founded by Rinpoche’s Umze from his previous life at Bjemina, Thimphu.
PRESENT MONASTERY & MAKEOVER
Nyidey Monastery in Bjemina is in the course of transformation amid the great economic recession, today. The new hostels are coming up to lodge sn*******ng numbers of monks for the sake of flourishing Buddha-dharma in the country and the world as a whole. The monastery currently houses more than 70 monks including Rinpoche, Khenpos, and lopens.
Located 21 kilometers to the south of the capital city, Nyidey Monastery stands stunning on the hill above Bjemina village. Nestled in the pinewoods, the monastery is adorned with monks and aged souls. The beautiful villages, industrial estates, and schools dotted around, apple orchards, and farmlands add splendor to the vicinity. Monastery has access to the motorable road that connects Khasadrapchu town.
If you haven’t been there, do visit and rejuvenate the frantic you were submerged in for a week. Acquire spiritual sanctions that would eliminate the spiteful feat and clear future obstacles.
References:
1. A biography: Published on social media
2. The marvelous lotus beam of Outer and Inner history of Tongphu Zangtshen; Trashi Yangtse, Eastern Bhutan
Source: BHUTAN DENDUP
