Yungtön Dorjepel

Who is Yungtön Dorjepel?

Yungtön Dorjepel was born at Gorma near Shalu Monastery, in the province of Tsang, in 1284 CE into the family of a tantric priest of the Len clan.

During his youth he went to China on the command of the Emperor where he caused rain to fall after a long drought. He gained a deep understanding of the Kalachakra under Putön Rinpoche. He cultivated the esoteric instructions, particularly the Great Perfection due to the great inspiration of the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje.

He resided and taught in various places such as Paro in Bhutan, Phungpo Riwoche, and Ratam Trak. He died in 1365 CE.

In the lineage of the Tibetan Panchen Lamas there were considered to be four Indian and three Tibetan incarnations of Amitabha Buddha before Khedrup Gelek Pelzang, who is recognised as the 1st Panchen Lama. The lineage starts with Subhuti, one of the original disciples of Gautama Buddha. Yungtön Dorjepel is considered to be the final Tibetan incarnation of Amitabha Buddha before Khedrup Gelek Pelzang, who is recognised as the First Panchen Lama.