Each of us has obtained a human existence. Its purpose is to enter the doorway of the Dharma, and for this it is necessary for our minds to turn toward the Dharma. In order for our minds to turn toward the Dharma, it is necessary to know the qualities of the three jewels and to develop convinced trust in them. This trust will not appear so long as we do not keep death and impermanence in mind. This is why we must begin by familiarizing ourselves with the impermanent nature of all things. The reminder of impermanence is born from understanding that it is difficult to find a human existence endowed with freedoms and wealths. The four common preliminary practices are the roots of practice.
Translation of the preface of The Torch of Certainty by His Eminence the First Jamgon Kongtrul.
From Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 August at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling
From Sunday 24 to Tuesday 26 August at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling
During these few days, His Eminence the Fourth Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche continues to explain the work composed by his predecessor, Lodrö Thaye, His Eminence the First Jamgon Kongtrul.
The Torch of Certainty is an essential commentary of the Kagyu lineage that presents the foundation practices of mahamudra: the common ones (precious human existence, impermanence, actions—causes and effects—and the defective nature of the cycle of existence) and the uncommon ones (refuge and the development of enlightened mind, the practice of Vajrasattva, the mandala offering and the guru yoga). These practices enable the mind to turn away from samsara and prepare for the practice of Vajrayana.
THE 4th JAMGON KONGTRUL RINPOCHE
Early Life and Recognition
Birth and Lineage
The 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, born on December 17, 1995, in Nepal, is the son of the 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered master and lineage holder of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Born as foretold, his arrival was prophesied by the late Chobgye Trichen at the Great Manjushri’s Temple.
Recognition and Naming Ceremony
In 1996, the young Jamgon Rinpoche met the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, who bestowed upon him the name Karma Mingyur Dragpa Senge Thinle Kunkhyab Pal Sangpo, confirming his recognition.
The 14th Dalai Lama conducted the hair-cutting ceremony a year later. Under the guidance of Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, the 14th Dalai Lama reaffirmed Jamgon Kongtrul as the reincarnation in 2000.
Education
Rinpoche’s early education included the Tibetan language and foundational practices of the Karma Kamtsang lineage.
During his teenage years, he studied at the Sakya Institute, known for its rigorous discipline and comprehensive curriculum.
Rinpoche received the three sets of complete vows: self-liberation, Mahayana and Vajrayana vows.
He delved into the study of significant Buddhist philosophies, achieving notable results in Madhyamika and Bodhicaryavatara.
Rinpoche received transmissions and empowerments from eminent lineage masters, including the Chenrezig initiation from Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, Hevajra from His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, and many other transmissions from different lineages.
Three-Year Retreat and Current Activities
In the period from 2018 to 2022, Rinpoche completed a traditional three-year retreat in Pharping.
As a lineage holder, he now divides his time between personal retreat and teaching activities.
In 2017, Rinpoche embarked on his first European tour, bestowing teachings and empowerments upon thousands of students in various European countries, such as France, Germany, Hungary and Poland.
European Tour and Global Outreach
Together with his father, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, they lead the KhyenKong (Khyentse-Kongtrul) centers in Singapore, Budapest (Hungary) and Warsaw (Poland). Rinpoche has also expanded his activities online, offering more opportunities for students worldwide to attend teachings and receive transmissions from this highly realized master.
Source of the biography: https://jamgon-kongtrul.org/PRESENTATION/
Important
Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche will confer the empowerment of Dorje Sempa according to the tradition of Marpa, the morning of August 23 at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling and of Gampopa on August 24 at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling.
Information
- These teachings follow on from the explanations given by Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche at Dhagpo Kundreul Ling and Dhagpo Kagyu Ling, which began in 2024.
- More details about the program and registration will be available in the coming days.
- The teaching is given in English and translated into French; for other languages, please see dhagpo.org/registration
Contribution : 28 € / day
Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thayé (1813-1899)
