Kyabje Thupten Thrinle Palzang, the fourth Dodrubchen (Dodrupchen) Rinpoche passed away on January 25, 2022.  An incalculable loss for the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and for several of us here at Shambhala Publications who knew and loved Rinpoche.

The fourth in a succession of masters whose name means "great siddha from the region of Do", he was a guide to countless other great lamas.  He founded a center in western Massachusetts, the Maha Siddha Nyingmapa Center.

See Also: Some Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul
Some Important Nyingma Figures: Rongzompa | Longchenpa | Jigme Lingpa | Patrul Rinpoche | Mipham Rinpoche
Dudjom Rinpoche | Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche| Tulku Thondup

Rare video footage of Dodrubchen Rinpoche in Sikkim and the US, with Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and others.

The line of Dodrubchens consists of:

1. The First Dodrubchen, Jigme Trinle Özer (1745-1821)
2. The Second Dodrubchen,Jigme Phuntsok Jungne (1824-1863)
3. The Third Dodrubchen,Jigme Tenpe Nyima (1865-1926)
4. The Fourth Dodrubchen Rigdzin Tenpe Gyaltsen )(192701961)
5. The Fourth Dodrubchen Thubten Thrinle Palzang (1927-2022)

*Note, there were two Fourths

Books Featuring the Fourth Dodrubchen Rinpoche

This magisterial work covers the entire Longchen Nyingtik tradition stemming from Jigme Lingpa, including the whole Dodrubchen line given that Jigme Lingpa's main disciple was the first Dodrubchen Rinpoche.

Please enjoy the full chapter on we are offering here in appreciation of his immeasurable activity.

Click to expand and read full-screen.

Tulku Thondup's short work on the tulku tradition includes many stories of his teacher, Dodrubchen Rinpoche.

This and the other volumes in the Complete Nyingma Tradition were written by Choying Tobden Dorje, a close disciple of the First Dodrubchen,  Jigmé Trinlé Özer who referred to the author as "this northern black mantra adept, like a meteorite dagger, is the designated inheritor of an ocean of wrathful mantras."

Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lordro was deeply connected with both the Third and Fourth Dodrubchen masters and stories of them both appear throughout.

The Third Dodrubchen Rinpoche appears in many of the stories of Patrul Rinpoche.

Important Students of Dodrubchen Rinpoche

Most lamas from the Nyingma tradition have a strong connection with Dodrubchen Rinpoche.  Here are a few who are also our authors.

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Dzongsar Khyentse, describing Dodrubchen Rinpoche: "Probably the last genuine non hypocritical, fearless man on earth. He must live long. His mere presence on this earth is proof that there is not only path mahasandhi but also a person mahasandhi. I will dedicate all my merit, if there is any, and dedicate it to his long life."

Tulku Thondup Rinpoche

Tulku Thondup is a close disciple of Dodrubchen Rinpoche and has written extensively about him and the Longchen Nyingtik lineage.

Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche

Rabjam Rinpoche, describing Dodrubchen Rinpoche: "Dodrupchen Rinpoche was the last of a generation of great Dzogchen practitioners and the principal holder of the Longchen Nyingtik lineage. He was a compelling and compassionate teacher, extremely humble and unassuming.

Anyen Rinpoche

Anyen Rinpoche was raised in Tibet and has a strong connection with Dodrubchen Rinpoche.

Dzigar Kontrul Rinpoche

Dzigar Kongtul Rinpoche on Dodrupchen Rinpoche: "He touched countless lives. Simply seeing him, and especially receiving teachings from him, has brought many onto the Dzogchen path and assured their liberation through the power of his blessings. The loss of him from this world brings us all a heavy heart, but we pray that another nirmanakaya will swiftly return as the fifth Dodrup Rinpoche to carry on the Great Perfection Nyingtik lineage and thus bring immense benefit."

Dza Kilung Rinpoche

Kilung Rinpoche is was recognized as a tulku by Dodrubchen Rinpoche who came and consecrated his center in Washington state.

Books Related to the Previous Lives of Dodrubchen Rinpoche

This is only a small sample as the Dodrubchen tradition appears in a large amount of our list.

A staff favorite, this includes the Third Dodrubchen, Jigme Tenpe Nyima's

• The Final Roar of a Scholar-Lion: Advice in Response to the Request of the Faithful, Diligent, and Intelligent Deshul Drakden
• A Little Learning Is a Dangerous Thing: On the Ignorance of the Learned
• Remembrance of Awareness Present: Advice for the Devoted Student Gyurme Dorje
• Portrait of the Master as a Young Tulku: Answers to Questions on the Great Perfection

This and the other volumes in the Complete Nyingma Tradition were written by Choying Tobden Dorje, a close disciple of the First Dodrubchen,  Jigmé Trinlé Özer who referred to the author as "this northern black mantra adept, like a meteorite dagger, is the designated inheritor of an ocean of wrathful mantras."

Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lordro was deeply connected with both the Third and Fourth Dodrubchen masters and stories of them both appear throughout.

The Third Dodrubchen Rinpoche appears in many of the stories of Patrul Rinpoche.

This incredible book by Tulku Thondup includes translations of many instructions by the Third Dodrubchen as well as one by the First Dodrubchen.

Ringu Tulku relates a bit about the Dodrubchen line, as well as a story about the Third Dodrubchen Rinpoche being concerned about the teaching of  Dzogchen and how easy misunderstandings can arise.

Various Dodrubchens appear throughout the writing in this collection, all about the main Rigdzin Dupa, the main Lama practice of the Longchen Nyingtik.

The Third Dodrubchen Rinpoche appears in much of this book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

See Also

A collection of translations of the First Dodrubchen, Jigme Thinle Ozer

A collection of translations of the Third Dodrubchen, Jigme Tenpe Nyima 

Texts by or about the Fourth Dodrubchen Rinpoche

The Treasury of Lives's resources for the Dodrubchen line.