Biodata:

Although the Drugpa Kagyud lineage has its origins in the Buddha Shakyamuni, more specially it is traced back to Tilopa and his foremost disciple Naropa. The first Gyalwang Drugchen was an emanations of Naropa, Tsangpa Gyarey Yeshe Dorje, who was active between 1161 and 1211. He established his first monastery, Namdrug, and during his life, his activity spread far and wide, his teachings being taken to China, Mongolia, Turkestan, Afghanistan, various Himalayan regions and Nepal.

The 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, Jugme Pema Wangchen, was born in 1963 and after being recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was enthroned at Dharamsala in 1966. The following year he was enthroned a second time at Darjeeling where the ceremony was attended by many great teachers, the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa, representatives of Sera, Ganden and other communities. He studied extensively under many great scholars, notably His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche from whom he received the entire transmission of the Drugpa Kagyu, Mahamudra and pith instruction; and His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche from whom he received the entire Nyingma teachings, Mind to Mind transmission, and the teachings on tantra.

In 1974 His Holiness went to Ladakh for the first time to visit Hemis and his twelve other monasteries there. However, his main seat is at West Point, Darjeeling, Thubten Sangag Choeling. Here the monastery runs a government-aided school for the economically handicapped. His Holiness's vast knowledge and wisdom is manifested in his teachings on love, compassion and good heart.