Jigme Chhoeda
Tulku Jigme Chhoeda (born 22 August 1955) became the 70th Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of The Central Monastic Body) of Bhutan in 1996, and became the longest-serving holder of the office.[1]
His Holiness Tulku Jigme Chhoeda | |
|---|---|
 Je Khenpo in 2010, wearing saffron. | |
| In office Je Khenpo | |
| Assumed office 1996 – present | |
| Preceded by | Geshey Genduen Rinchen |
| In office | |
| In office 1995–1996 | |
| Title | 70th Je Khenpo |
| Personal | |
| Born | 22 August 1955 |
| Religion | Tibetan Buddhism |
| Parents |
|
Early life and education[]
Born to Yab Rinzin Dorji and Yum Kuenzang Choden in Lhuentse on 22 August 1955, Jigme Chhoeda was recognized as the reincarnation of Geshey Pema Tshering, the learned sage of Tharpaling in Bumthang.
Jigme Chhoeda joined Druk Sanga Chhoeling Monastery in Darjeeling, India, at the age of eight. He was ordained as a monk with commitment from Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and then studied under Khenpo Sonam Darge and Khenpo Noryang. Later, he studied under Dudjom Rinpoche in India.[2]
At the age of 15, he returned to Bhutan and studied at the Tango Drupdey in Thimphu under the 68th Je-Khenpo Ngawang Tenzin Dhondup. He received the complete initiations and teachings of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition and Dzogchen (the highest realization). He mastered the Mahamudra practices, the meditation of Naro Choedrug (the six circles of Ro-Nyom Kordrug). Tulku also studied language and literature and the 13 different philosophical texts under the 69th Je-Khenpo Geshey Genduen Rinchen.
Meditation and retreat[]
Jigme Chhoeda completed Losum Choesum three times, a meditation retreat of 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days.
Major positions held[]
Tulku was appointed as the head of Tango Monastery and taught language and Buddhist philosophy. In 1986, he was appointed as the Drapoi Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, and resigned in 1990. In 1995 Fourth Dragon King Jigme Singye Wangchuck appointed him as the Dorji Lopen.
Honours[]
Bhutan :
The Royal Saffron Scarf (1996).
Order of the Dragon King, First Class (18 December 2018).[3]
References[]
- ^ "His Holiness the Je Khenpo donates ambulances – Ministry of Health". Retrieved 2020-06-12.
- ^ "About the Buddha Dordenma Image Foundation". www.buddhadordenma.org. Retrieved 2020-06-12.
- ^ www.kuenselonline.com
- Tibetan Buddhists from Bhutan
- Bhutanese lamas
- Bhutanese Buddhist monks
- Drukpa Kagyu lamas
- 1955 births
- 20th-century lamas
- 21st-century lamas
- People from Lhuntse District
- Living people