Mindrolling History Project
Compiled by:
Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche
and
Mindrolling Jetsün Dechen Paldrön
Introduction
We are happy to present you with a short introduction to the family
history of Mindrolling. The lineage of Mindrolling has been very
vast and important historically and is connected to so many aspects
of Tibetan Buddhism and the various lineages, that in recording its
history, one would also have to record the history of many other
familial and practice lineages and other great clans of Tibet. This
would then make the work of compiling a detailed history of
Mindrolling into a very long work which would require a much larger
effort and a lot of time and research. Therefore, at this time, we have
brought you some brief and concise information on the history and
biographies of the main family members of Mindrolling who were
pivotal in their role of preserving and propagating the precious
Dharma in general and the Mindrolling lineage in particular.
The
main family of Mindrolling has always maintained its tradition of
remaining very low profile. Avoiding any exhibition of pomp and display,
it has tried to remain very rooted to just connecting to the various
ways in which it can serve the Dharma. The family history was mainly
documented by an oral tradition wherein the family chamberlain was
entrusted with keeping and recording the family history. On the first
day of Losar (Tibetan New Year), the chamberlain would publicly
recite the entire history in the presence of the monastic and lay
assembly in the main shrine hall.
One of the reasons for there being
very little written family history was because of this system of oral
tradition which fell through when Tibet was invaded by the Chinese army
and many of the senior monks and administrators were killed or died in
imprisonment. Nevertheless, this family is known throughout the world of
Tibetan Buddhism and regarded with great respect and love by everyone.
The immeasurable contribution of Mindrolling to the history of Dharma is
mentioned time and again by great masters of the past such as
the Dalai Lamas, the Karmapas, Jamyang Khyenste Wangpo, Jamgön
Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye, Sechen Kongtrul, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi
Lodrö, Dudjom Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and many other
great masters of all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Despite their
busy schedule and other responsibilities while traveling,
Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Jetsün Dechen Paldrön, who are
both
the 12th generation direct descendents of this lineage
since Chögyal Rigzin Terdag Lingpa, have been overseeing the compiling
of this short version of their family history for the students of this
lineage in the west and others who might be interested. We hope these
short documentations collected from written family history and anecdotes
received from their root teacher and father the 11th Kyabje Mindrolling
Trichen and some other teachers will be helpful to people in
knowing a little more about this very
precious lineage.
Office of Practice and Study
Mindrolling Lotus Garden Retreat Center
June 2008