Thangtong Gyalpo

Thangtong Gyalpo is Nirmanakaya (Trulku)of Guru Padmasambhava born in a mundane birth and the union manifestation of Avaloketeshvara (Chenrezig) & Hayagriva (Yidam Tandin )

He was born on Wood Ox year of sixth cycle (1361 CE) in the region of Olwa Lhatse in upper Tsang of Tibet. Through more than 500 teachers, he excelled in all types of skills & learning of his time. He became a wanderer by leaving all the worldy desires & started benefiting the sentient beings through all his means & skills. He received sacred teachings from Guru Padmasambhava first-hand numerous times. The assemblage of Dakinis(Khandroma) & Dharmapalas(protectors)are at his call of duty anytime. He built numerous temples, and extracted hidden treasures & teachings from various place of Tibet & Paro Taktshang (Tigers Nest) of Bhutan also for the benefit of future generation of Buddha Dharma. He even tamed all the malicious spirits of his time.

Thangtong Gyalpo is best known for his founding of Achey lhamo or Tibetan opera as well as the numerous iron suspension bridges, he built to ease travel and pilgrimage through rugged Himalayas.

It’s a mesmerising sight to witness the Achey Lhamo dance performed in the Tibetan culture even to thesedays after such 600 plus bygone years. Thangtong Gyalpo is said to have built 58 iron chain suspension bridges, and 118 boats & ferries in his lifetime.  After teaching and leaving great amount of successful disciples around the himalayan region, he entered the Mahaparivara (passed away) at the age of 125.

Maha Siddha Thangthong Gyalpo is the first socially active non-sectarian spiritual master of the Himalaya who completely dedicated his whole life for the sheer benefit of the sentient being.