Jigdral Yeshe Dorje (2nd Dudjom Rinpoche) - Dudjom Rinpoche's Family

Dudjom Rinpoche's Family

H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje was a householder, a yogi, a writer and above all a Great Master and Guru, rather than a monk like most lamas, with a family and married twice. His first wife was Sangyum Kusho Tseten Yudron. Their eldest daughter, Dechen Yudron is now in Lhasa, taking care of Dudjom Rinpoche's seat, Lama Ling, in Kongpo. Their eldest son Kyabje Dungsay Thinley Norbu Rinpoche is himself considered a great master and esteemed Nyingma scholar like his father. Their second son, Dola Tulku Jigmed Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche of the mainly Sakya lineage was the father of Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche. Their daughter, Pema Yudron, lives near Dola Rinpoche in Qinghai. Their third son, Pende Norbu, who is also a tulku, is now living in Nepal. Their fourth son, Dorje Palzang, went to school in Beijing in the late fifties but was killed during the Cultural Revolution. Another daughter, Dekyong Yeshe Wangmo, was recognized as an incarnate dakini and was believed to be an emanation of Yeshe Tsogyal but died when she was a young woman. It was said that since birth she had no shadow, which meant she had fully attained the Rainbow Body while in the flesh, and that she displayed many miraculous signs, and all who saw her felt great devotion. Dudjom Rinpoche wrote the now famous "Aspiration Prayer to Journey to the Realm of the Copper Colored Mountain" after her death. It is said the inspiration for this prayer was her departing gift for sentient beings.

Dudjom Rinpoche's second wife is Sangyum Kusho Rikzin Wangme, and they had three children, including one son and two daughters. Their eldest daughter is Chimey Wangmo, and their younger daughter is Tsering Penzom. Their son is Shenphen Dawa Norbu Rinpoche who is spreading his father's teachings in both Europe and the United States.

Dudjom Rinpoche's two grandsons via his son Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche are also renowned lamas. Dungse (Rinpoche's Sangyum, Jamyang Chhodon comes from an impressive blood lineage of Kuenkhen Pema Karpo from Drukpa Kagyud lineage in Bhutan). One is Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche who is the reincarnation of Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö. He is a great Master and has a huge following and oversees many monasteries, educational and retreat centers in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India and worldwide. He has established several colleges and retreat centres in India and Bhutan. In accordance with the wishes of his teachers, he has travelled and taught throughout the world, establishing dharma centres in Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia. His organisation Siddharthas Intent organises Rinpoche's teachings, while Khyentse Foundation is dedicated to providing for the needs of Rinpoche's responsibilities. He is also an acclaimed film director and writer. The other grandson is Garab Dorje Rinpoche who is a Yogi Practitioner, has a growing following in Bhutan and East Asia. Rinpoche's eminent ancestry ensured him to be genuinely immersed in Dharmic activities since his childhood. Apart from his root gurus, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje and H.H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, he studied under many renowned and accomplished masters and pursued higher studies at H.H Penor Rinpoche's Institute and at the Mindrolling Monastery in India. He is responsible for the welfare of several hundred monks at Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery, nuns at Thegchhog Kunzang Chhodon Nunnery, old folks home and four Retreat Centers in Eastern Bhutan. He has also established Buddhist Study Centers globally. At present, there are 25 Troema Choed Groups, ranging from 500 to over 1000 members throughout in Bhutan. There are also Troema Choed Groups in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. Garab Dorje Rinpoche is one the very important lineage holders of Dudjom New Treasure Lineage.