The Padma Raja Society in the United States of America (PRS-US) is a community organization dedicated to serving mankind and the society. In following the Buddha’s footsteps of being of benefit to sentient beings, our foremost aim is to be able to reach out to the less privileged globally.
Buddhist spiritualities form the bedrock of our outlook on service – compassion, abiding by precepts, perseverance, having a meditative mind, and wisdom.
In the United States, we hope to be a common ground where like-minded Americans and residents come together to serve the community, through Tibetan Buddhist culture and practices. The activities that we conduct include cultural exchanges, creative workshops, yoga practices, and dharma discussions. They are held primarily at a retreat center at Poulsbo, Washington, near Seattle. The idea of this center was mooted by Buddhists in the United States.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempted organization registered in the United States of America.
PRS-US is a member of Victorious Bodhi, an international Buddhist group led by His Eminence Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Padma Wangchen Rinpoche.
The following lists our shared purpose :
The shared values of Victorious Bodhi are compassion, peace, generosity, environment friendliness, and being helpful to people. What we constantly remind ourselves of is to be of benefit to sentient beings, which is also the main responsibility and obligation of any practicing Buddhist.
In following Tibetan Buddhist traditions, we are also committed to protecting Buddhist scriptures and the languages (Sanskrit, Tibetan and Chinese), culture and artefacts in the world.
As individuals, we strive to live our lives with right views, right thoughts, and by being mindful. Also, we are dedicated to safeguarding Buddhism. This include providing support to long and short-term retreaters, and to dharma programs and activities.
“This is a good place for promoting the dharma. It will benefit many people“,said the Spiritual Advisor to the society, Rigzin Chenpo Padma Wangchen Rinpoche.
These are achieved through
Of Mongolian-Tibetan descent, Kathog Rigzin Chenpo – Padma Wangchen Rinpoche is an incarnation of Kathog Rigzin Chenpo – Tsewang Norbu and the lineage holder of the Rigzin lineage. An instructor of Rime (non-sectarian) teachings, Rinpoche has received teachings from several teachers from various traditions since the age of seven.
Taking the same path as the previous glorious masters, while simultaneously staying relevant to the times, Rinpoche has kept at the forefront of his practice, the advice and encouragements which great teachers and masters have given him. He has been working towards the benefits of sentient beings, with an enlightened mind and positive actions.
His primary teachers are Khamtsang Rinpoche, Jadral Rinpoche, Lanja Rinpoche, Ontrul Rinpoche, Dagchen Rinpoche, Pewar Rinpoche, Namtrul Rinpoche & Tare Lhamo, and Thubten Norbu, amongst others. From their teachings and guidance, he acquired knowledge and skills not only in the dharma but also in medicine, astrology, history and literature.
Rinpoche has received teachings from many teachers from various traditions, since the age of seven. Aside from the teachings in the Rigzin lineage, Rinpoche is also well-versed in the teachings of other traditions in the Tibetan lineages including Kathog, Payul, Sakya, Longchen, Dudjom, Kagyud and Jonang. Rinpoche’s teachings are frequently broadcast live on Facebook. There are also recordings of his teachings on varied topics by the Taiwan Tibetan Buddhism TV (TTBTV) which are available on Youtube.
Rinpoche often encourages his students to go on retreats for their practices. He has established retreat centres including one at Poulsbo (USA) where he is Spiritual Advisor and Instructor. He is also a Medical Advisor to a monastery hospital, and a translator of the teachings of the oldest Tibetan school Nyingma. Rinpoche is fluent in Tibetan and Chinese. He has translated, written and published dharma texts and stories of various topics in both languages.
Prayer for the Flourishing of The Rigzin Lineage
“Realisations of the perfect view of emptiness in Madhyamaka;
The great method of practice of the profound path of Mahamudra;
Merging with the ultimate luminous expanse of Dzogchen;
May the teachings of Rigzin Chenpo flourish profusely”.
-by Trinley Dudjom Rinpoche (1726-1789)
Founded in 1729, the Rigzin Lineage is a combination of the Nyingma and Jonang lineages, infused with the myriad realizations of its founder, the 2nd Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Tsewang Norbu.
For ease of reference, the title Rigzin Lineage is commonly used. It is in fact an abbreviated title of the Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Lineage. At times, it is known as the Rigzin Chenpo Lineage.
It is a non-sectarian (Rime) lineage and the focus is on the practice of Guru Padmasambhava, as the teacher of all lifetimes.
The Rigzin Lineage originated from the long (kama) and short (terma) transmissions of the Nyingma, Jonang, Karma Kagyud, Shangpa Kagyud, Sakya and Gelug traditions.
The sequence of oral transmission of the terma teachings of Tsewang Norbu is as follows :
Dharmakaya Samantabhadra >> Sambohagakaya Vajrasattva >> Nirmanakaya Guru Padmasambhava >> Yeshe Tsogyal >>Namkhai Nyingpo >> Tsewang Norbu
Our practice of views and sutras are referenced from Jonang’s space and phenomena. As for our tantric and other practices, we take reference from three main sources, firstly, Longchenpa’s Dzogchen teachings from the Nyingma lineage, secondly, Mahamudra from Shangpa, Drukpa and Karma Kagyud lineages, and thirdly the Vajra Bridge Dzogchen of the Kathog Lineage.
In essence, our lineage had originated from the lineages of Guru Padmasambhava, Longchenpa, Mahasiddha Shanti Gupta (teacher of Mahasiddha Budhhaguptanatha who was Jonang Taranatha’s teacher).
Sources of our liturgies include Tsewang Norbu’s complete collection of terma, Padma Dechen Lingpa’s terma, and Jatsun Namkha Nyingpo’s kama. (Kama – long canonical lineage transmitted from the Buddha to Samantabhadra to Guru Padmasambhava and other awareness holders. Terma –revealed treasures concealed by Guru Padmasambhava).
~ The 2nd Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Tsewang Norbu
Here, we provide information about the nine emanations of the Rigzin Lineage. Let us first understand what emanation means. In layman terms, each emanation is a self-embodiment of the astute wisdom of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas collectively known as the Victorious Ones. What we also need to know is that the different emanations can appear in various worlds from the space of non-dual wisdom which is clear and profound, and that the differences are only in the nature and capacities of the inhabitants of these emanations. The emanations are not limited to the Tibetan custom.
The following information about the Rigzin masters have been extracted from the book The Rigzin Tulkus (ISBN No : 978-981-11-7377-6).
Jetsun Kunga Chokdrub took monastic vows when he was very young. He had obtained uncountable lineage transmissions and instructions from almost the whole of Tibet. He was praised at the emanation of Sasang Mati. He had focussed on the teachings of the Jonang’s lineage’s Compendium of Instructions, practising the Kalachakra’s Six Deities for 12 years. He had many students in his lifetime. The most notable one was Jetsun Dampa Kunga Drokchok who also gave Kunga Chokdrub his own lineage practice.
Although there are differing records of where Pema Norbu was born, he was likely born in Reke, based on a record by one of his incarnation. He had two primary teachers and they were Rigzin Drodul Dorje and Pema Lodro. From them, he learnt Cycle of the Three Roots, the Bodhisattva Vows, the Path of the Bodhisattva, Five Paths and the Ten Levels. He practised Tonglen and displayed his clairvoyant abilities to many when they doubted him. He was appointed Regent of Kunzang Khyabdal Lhundrup and held the seats of Drama and Nenang. He had received his teachings from the Nyingma school, directly from Rigzin Longsal Nyingpo of Kunzang Khyabdal Lhundrup. He had even merged the practices of the traditions of the Dudjom and Longsal together.
Sasang Mati was born in the Ali region in West Tibet. He was also known by other names such as Lodro Gyaltsen, Mai Dodza and Sasang Lotsa. Straight after birth, he walked three steps and sang verses expressing his love and desire to benefit sentient beings. At four, he grasped the full meaning of the Five Treatises of Matrieya. He was appointed as a teacher at the age of 15 and ordained as a monk at age 25. Sasang Mati was also a reputable scholar and had authored many books of which five substantial volumes are still being used today. He was also one of Dolpopa’s heart sons. His good friends included Chodrak Pel and Lotsawa Lodro. Others who respected him included Lama Dawa Gyaltsen who had presented him with the Sansang Genden Goten, the place where he had given teachings. The District Superintendent of Jamling was another. He had helped him finish building the stupa Jonang Pel. It was also written poetically that he was also Tsongkapa’s teacher.
Sasang Mati had compiled many sutras, tantras, commentaries, instructions, tantric empowerments and the oral transmissions that he received. Some of his literary works include Commentary on the Verses on the Treasury of Abhidharma, Commentary on A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Commentary on the Cycle of Kalachakra, amongst others.
Born in Tingkye, Tingkye Gyalse (Tingkye) was also known by other names such as Tingkye Lachen, Lachen Yeshe Gyatso and Jampel Yeshe Gyatso. Jetsun Chenpo (Jonang Taranatha) had prophesized that Tingkye was an emanation of Sasang Mati. Their relationship deepened after Tingkye recognised Jetsun Chenpo as his heart son. Tingkye had received from Jetsun Chenpo oral transmissions on Kalachakra’s Cycle of Deities and tantric empowerments on the uncommon Cakramsamvara Practice. He also sought teachings from Sakya, Nyingma and Gelug lineages.
Tingkye was a Treasury of Wisdom, he was placed on a sublime seat in the Tingkye Monastery which Jetsun Chenpo had received as a gift that came with the sangha community there.
Tsewang Norbu was born in Tamateur, near Kham. He was recognised by Pema Dechen Lingpa as an incarnation of his own teacher, the 1st Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Pema Norbu. A ceremony was held by the King of Degue at the Kathog Monastery where he was enthroned. He was also recognised by the Chief of Jonang, Chokyi Kunsang Wangpo as the incarnation of Sasang Mati Panchen. A ceremony was then held at Jonang to recognise him as an incarnation of Sasang Mati prior to transmitting the Jonang teachings to him. He had many close friends. They include the Black Hat Karmapa, the Red Hat Tai Situ and the Great Gyalwang Drukchen. Tsewang Norbu later became the teacher to Tibet’s Regent, Wangpo Loding. Tsewang Norbu’s achievements were many. He was a great advisor to 13 countries in the Himalayas and a great teacher to many disciples, most notably the 7th Dalai Lama, 13th Karmapa, two Nepali Kings, two Ladhakhi Kings, and the King of Degue. He also restored three huge stupas, revived more than 100 Kathog monasteries, spread the Rigzin Chenpo lineage, promoted the Shangpa Kagyud and Jonang practices, and one of few teachers who encouraged Rime (non-sectarian teachings). He also authored books related to Mahamudra, Dzogchen liturgies, and key points in the dharma. Tsewang Norbu travelled extensively in the Himalayas as he was sent as a government emissary by the 7th Dalai Lama. He had traded a favour with the King of Nepal, to pass a decree to forbid the act of burning widows alive together with their husband’s body.
Being the most accomplished one having founded the Rigzin Lineage in 1729, reference for each successive incarnation is made to this 2nd incarnation. This lineage became a collection of the Nyingma and Jonang lineages, and the many practices that he accomplished. The fact that he was recognised and enthroned as holder of both the lineages further confirms the profundity of this lineage.
Tsering Tashi was recognised by Pawo Rinpoche and the 13th Karmapa when he was five, as the 3rd Kathog Rigzin Chenpo. He only lived 12 years. As such, little is known about him.
Born in Golok, Jigme Rabten was also known as Rigzin Namnang Dorje. He was recognised and enthroned by Dudjom Lingpa as a yogi because he was already married prior to enthronement. He was a seed son of the first Dudjom and had many disciples, was a well-known terton and helped spread the Kathog lineage beyond the Himalayas. His teachers included Apang Kuchen Rinpoche and
Lingtrul Pema Lungtok Gyamtso. He had transmitted Dudjom new termas and Kathog’s teachings in Mura, Kangsur and Awan Tsang monasteries. He had also empowered Wamang Panchen (a Zhichen Made tulku) and Dorje Namgyal (a Drikung Nyagpa). His teachings flourished along the river banks of the River Ma (yellow river).
Born in Golok, Lekyi Dorje was recognised by the Sharmapa as the incarnation of the lineage holder of Kathog. When he was 15, he already understood everything before they were taught to him. It happened after he had a vision of the Guru Rinpoche which spontaneously opened the space in his mind. Following this, the three Nyingma protectors Mamo Ekajati, Za Rahula and Damchen Dorje Lekpa followed him like his shadow. He was extremely reputable, possibly so because he was a Great Regent (title conferred upon him by China’s Tongzhi Emperor and the Tibetan Government). In addition, he was a teacher who helped spread the teachings of Buddhism and transmitted the Kathog Rigzin teachings beyond the Himalayas. He was also a terton who retrieved peaceful and wrathful Guru Padmasambhava termas.
Many had predicted the 6th Kathog Rigzin Chenpo – Padma Wangchen’s birth. They include Doldrup Rinpoche, Akhya Rinpoche, Khamtsang Rinpoche, and Tsewang Norbu.
The 5th Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Jigme Rabten had said to Rinpoche’s mother Sherab Drolma that “I will come to your house to be born”. He had said to her that he would return for his things, after he had given her his robe and a cup used to contain offerings to protector deities.
The 2nd Kathog Rigzin Tsewang Norbu’s prediction about his own incarnation is expressed in the following poem that he wrote :
“An utmost secret mind terma will be uncovered near Lodrak. (By) opening the heart treasure, the great secret! He will establish fortunate beings, in true ripening and liberation. He will be able to dispel the declines of time. He will own the name of lotus* (Padma). I send my prayer to this future emanation”.
Khandro Tare Lhamo also predicted about Padma Wangchen. The predictions can be found in the Mirror of Prophecies and the Lamp of Prophecies.
Amazingly, Rinpoche was just 12 years old when he wrote the Secret Treasure of the Activities of the Victorious Ones. This was even before he had received sufficient education and teachings in the dharma.
Evidently, he managed to do this effortlessly because the secret treasures of the mind had flowed to him. He left home at seven to learn the dharma from various teachers, started teaching at 16 and was offered the position of teacher when he was 23. Rinpoche is fluent in spoken and written Tibetan and Chinese. He has written books of varied topics including the dharma.Rinpoche carries many names partly due to the fact that he propagates Rime (non-sectarian) teachings, and also he himself is a lineage holder of many practices. He is affectionately known to his Chinese-speaking students as Bao Shangshi (寶上師) meaning The Precious Teacher, or simply, Rigzin Chenpo （仁珍千寶). His other names are Shedrup Nyima, Taintless Brilliant Light, Padmemyugu Shanpan kyen zeiter(Lotus Bud Bodhisattva), amongst others.
~ The 2nd Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Tsewang Norbu
Here, we provide information about the nine emanations of the Rigzin Lineage. Let us first understand what emanation means. In layman terms, each emanation is a self-embodiment of the astute wisdom of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas collectively known as the Victorious Ones. What we also need to know is that the different emanations can appear in various worlds from the space of non-dual wisdom which is clear and profound, and that the differences are only in the nature and capacities of the inhabitants of these emanations. The emanations are not limited to the Tibetan custom.
The following information about the Rigzin masters have been extracted from the book The Rigzin Tulkus (ISBN No : 978-981-11-7377-6).
Sasang Mati was born in the Ali region in West Tibet. He was also known by other names such as Lodro Gyaltsen, Mai Dodza and Sasang Lotsa. Straight after birth, he walked three steps and sang verses expressing his love and desire to benefit sentient beings. At four, he grasped the full meaning of the Five Treatises of Matrieya. He was appointed as a teacher at the age of 15 and ordained as a monk at age 25. Sasang Mati was also a reputable scholar and had authored many books of which five substantial volumes are still being used today. He was also one of Dolpopa’s heart sons. His good friends included Chodrak Pel and Lotsawa Lodro. Others who respected him included Lama Dawa Gyaltsen who had presented him with the Sansang Genden Goten, the place where he had given teachings. The District Superintendent of Jamling was another. He had helped him finish building the stupa Jonang Pel. It was also written poetically that he was also Tsongkapa’s teacher.
Sasang Mati had compiled many sutras, tantras, commentaries, instructions, tantric empowerments and the oral transmissions that he received. Some of his literary works include Commentary on the Verses on the Treasury of Abhidharma, Commentary on A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Commentary on the Cycle of Kalachakra, amongst others.
Jetsun Kunga Chokdrub took monastic vows when he was very young. He had obtained uncountable lineage transmissions and instructions from almost the whole of Tibet. He was praised at the emanation of Sasang Mati. He had focussed on the teachings of the Jonang’s lineage’s Compendium of Instructions, practising the Kalachakra’s Six Deities for 12 years. He had many students in his lifetime. The most notable one was Jetsun Dampa Kunga Drokchok who also gave Kunga Chokdrub his own lineage practice.
Born in Tingkye, Tingkye Gyalse (Tingkye) was also known by other names such as Tingkye Lachen, Lachen Yeshe Gyatso and Jampel Yeshe Gyatso. Jetsun Chenpo (Jonang Taranatha) had prophesized that Tingkye was an emanation of Sasang Mati. Their relationship deepened after Tingkye recognised Jetsun Chenpo as his heart son. Tingkye had received from Jetsun Chenpo oral transmissions on Kalachakra’s Cycle of Deities and tantric empowerments on the uncommon Cakramsamvara Practice. He also sought teachings from Sakya, Nyingma and Gelug lineages.
Tingkye was a Treasury of Wisdom, he was placed on a sublime seat in the Tingkye Monastery which Jetsun Chenpo had received as a gift that came with the sangha community there.
Although there are differing records of where Pema Norbu was born, he was likely born in Reke, based on a record by one of his incarnation. He had two primary teachers and they were Rigzin Drodul Dorje and Pema Lodro. From them, he learnt Cycle of the Three Roots, the Bodhisattva Vows, the Path of the Bodhisattva, Five Paths and the Ten Levels. He practised Tonglen and displayed his clairvoyant abilities to many when they doubted him. He was appointed Regent of Kunzang Khyabdal Lhundrup and held the seats of Drama and Nenang. He had received his teachings from the Nyingma school, directly from Rigzin Longsal Nyingpo of Kunzang Khyabdal Lhundrup. He had even merged the practices of the traditions of the Dudjom and Longsal together.
Tsewang Norbu was born in Tamateur, near Kham. He was recognised by Pema Dechen Lingpa as an incarnation of his own teacher, the 1st Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Pema Norbu. A ceremony was held by the King of Degue at the Kathog Monastery where he was enthroned. He was also recognised by the Chief of Jonang, Chokyi Kunsang Wangpo as the incarnation of Sasang Mati Panchen. A ceremony was then held at Jonang to recognise him as an incarnation of Sasang Mati prior to transmitting the Jonang teachings to him. He had many close friends. They include the Black Hat Karmapa, the Red Hat Tai Situ and the Great Gyalwang Drukchen. Tsewang Norbu later became the teacher to Tibet’s Regent, Wangpo Loding. Tsewang Norbu’s achievements were many. He was a great advisor to 13 countries in the Himalayas and a great teacher to many disciples, most notably the 7th Dalai Lama, 13th Karmapa, two Nepali Kings, two Ladhakhi Kings, and the King of Degue. He also restored three huge stupas, revived more than 100 Kathog monasteries, spread the Rigzin Chenpo lineage, promoted the Shangpa Kagyud and Jonang practices, and one of few teachers who encouraged Rime (non-sectarian teachings). He also authored books related to Mahamudra, Dzogchen liturgies, and key points in the dharma. Tsewang Norbu travelled extensively in the Himalayas as he was sent as a government emissary by the 7th Dalai Lama. He had traded a favour with the King of Nepal, to pass a decree to forbid the act of burning widows alive together with their husband’s body.
Being the most accomplished one having founded the Rigzin Lineage in 1729, reference for each successive incarnation is made to this 2nd incarnation. This lineage became a collection of the Nyingma and Jonang lineages, and the many practices that he accomplished. The fact that he was recognised and enthroned as holder of both the lineages further confirms the profundity of this lineage.
Tsering Tashi was recognised by Pawo Rinpoche and the 13th Karmapa when he was five, as the 3rd Kathog Rigzin Chenpo. He only lived 12 years. As such, little is known about him.
Born in Golok, Lekyi Dorje was recognised by the Sharmapa as the incarnation of the lineage holder of Kathog. When he was 15, he already understood everything before they were taught to him. It happened after he had a vision of the Guru Rinpoche which spontaneously opened the space in his mind. Following this, the three Nyingma protectors Mamo Ekajati, Za Rahula and Damchen Dorje Lekpa followed him like his shadow. He was extremely reputable, possibly so because he was a Great Regent (title conferred upon him by China’s Tongzhi Emperor and the Tibetan Government). In addition, he was a teacher who helped spread the teachings of Buddhism and transmitted the Kathog Rigzin teachings beyond the Himalayas. He was also a terton who retrieved peaceful and wrathful Guru Padmasambhava termas.
Born in Golok, Jigme Rabten was also known as Rigzin Namnang Dorje. He was recognised and enthroned by Dudjom Lingpa as a yogi because he was already married prior to enthronement. He was a seed son of the first Dudjom and had many disciples, was a well-known terton and helped spread the Kathog lineage beyond the Himalayas. His teachers included Apang Kuchen Rinpoche and
Lingtrul Pema Lungtok Gyamtso. He had transmitted Dudjom new termas and Kathog’s teachings in Mura, Kangsur and Awan Tsang monasteries. He had also empowered Wamang Panchen (a Zhichen Made tulku) and Dorje Namgyal (a Drikung Nyagpa). His teachings flourished along the river banks of the River Ma (yellow river).
Many had predicted the 6th Kathog Rigzin Chenpo – Padma Wangchen’s birth. They include Doldrup Rinpoche, Akhya Rinpoche, Khamtsang Rinpoche, and Tsewang Norbu.
The 5th Kathog Rigzin Chenpo Jigme Rabten had said to Rinpoche’s mother Sherab Drolma that “I will come to your house to be born”. He had said to her that he would return for his things, after he had given her his robe and a cup used to contain offerings to protector deities.
The 2nd Kathog Rigzin Tsewang Norbu’s prediction about his own incarnation is expressed in the following poem that he wrote :
“An utmost secret mind terma will be uncovered near Lodrak. (By) opening the heart treasure, the great secret! He will establish fortunate beings, in true ripening and liberation. He will be able to dispel the declines of time. He will own the name of lotus* (Padma). I send my prayer to this future emanation”.
Khandro Tare Lhamo also predicted about Padma Wangchen. The predictions can be found in the Mirror of Prophecies and the Lamp of Prophecies.
Amazingly, Rinpoche was just 12 years old when he wrote the Secret Treasure of the Activities of the Victorious Ones. This was even before he had received sufficient education and teachings in the dharma.
Evidently, he managed to do this effortlessly because the secret treasures of the mind had flowed to him. He left home at seven to learn the dharma from various teachers, started teaching at 16 and was offered the position of teacher when he was 23. Rinpoche is fluent in spoken and written Tibetan and Chinese. He has written books of varied topics including the dharma.Rinpoche carries many names partly due to the fact that he propagates Rime (non-sectarian) teachings, and also he himself is a lineage holder of many practices. He is affectionately known to his Chinese-speaking students as Bao Shangshi (寶上師) meaning The Precious Teacher, or simply, Rigzin Chenpo （仁珍千寶). His other names are Shedrup Nyima, Taintless Brilliant Light, Padmemyugu Shanpan kyen zeiter(Lotus Bud Bodhisattva), amongst others.
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