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His Eminence Kuenzang Namdrol Rinpoche popularly known as Phagchok Rinpoche was born to (Yonphu Dungyued) Yab Lama Tshewang  Jatsho and Yum (Delokma) Dorji Pelmo in the year 1874 corresponding to the Iron Tiger Year of the Tibetan calendar.

 

Background History of His Lineage

The history of the arrival of Yonphu  Dungyued (Yonphu Lineage) to Shingkhar  Lauri can be traced back to the great grandparents of Meme Rinpoche himself. It was lama Phajo Karma Tshewang who once upon a time travelled to the helm of Mon Shingkhar Lauri from Yonphula. Yonphu Dungyued is said to be a direct descendent of the famous Terton Retna Lingpa. One of his Lineage descended from his own son,  Garab Dorji, who was in his meditation practice somewhere near by Yonphula. He later on came to settle in Yonphu Village upon the request of the native people as their lord and protector. The small temple built by this saint which is still standing is called  “Choegyued Lhakhang” in Yonphula.  His descendent came to be known as “Yonphu Dungyued”. Venerable Lama Phajo Karma Tsewang was one of the descendents who came to Shingkhar Lauri and settled at Phajo Gonpa in particular, following the profound prophecies of his ancestors.

 

Lama Phajo Karma Tsewang pioneered the place known as “Phajo Gonpa” meaning Phajo’s Temple (a hermitage which belongs to Phajo). Lama Ngoedrup Dorji was one of the sons who held the Lineage and the teachings. Lama Ngoedrup had a son, Lama Tsampa Tsering, who was unlike his ancestors and ruled all over (Upper, Middle and Lower) Shingkhar Lauri during his time. Meme Rinpoche’s father Lama Tsewang Jatsho was one of the sons of Tsampa Tsering who not only held the teachings and Lineage, but also propagated to bring a BARDO CHAM to Phajo Gonpa from Yonphu Choegyued Lhakhang. Thus we come to know that Meme Rinpoche is the Fourth grandson of Lama Phajo Karma Tsewang.

 

His childhood and Education

The shock alarmed the Villagers when incurable illnesses strike a young boy of three years old. And the boy got cured when he was being wrapped by the White dressing. It was a sign that he will be the powerful and grate Tantric practitioner later in his life.

At six, he started learning the basic Buddhist literature based on Pelling tradition from his Dad. At twelve after the death of his Venerable father, he had to go to Tsebar, Pemagatsel to see his authentic Master Lama Tsenzang Dorji, disciple of Togden Sakya Shri in Tibet with his Mother.  He had to return home sadly after seven years as his master passed away. The meditation practices and out-comes gained not only in this seven years period but also during his whole life is secret to reveal here publicly.

 

 

His Early Life and Resettlement at Phagchu

As advised and prophesized by his thankful Mother, he decided to visit Lhasa Tsa-ri Rong-kor with four more friends (The trip which was the most important turning point of his life). By then he was married to Khandro Tshering Chodron and had three daughters. They travelled to Tibet via Sikkim crossing Nepal Boarder. It was unbelievable for himself to overcome His Holiness Kyabje Jigdrel Yeshi  Dorji Rinpoche at Lhasa. On seeing him, he took refuge and asked for his blessings for Now and Ever. His Holiness Promised to see him again at Sikkim in the near future. They couldn’t have much time together since Chinese invasion broke out in Tibet. Shortly after returning home, he went to see His Holiness in Sikkim and bestowed him as his disciple since then.

 

In 1961, Fifteen households from Phajo Gonpa  Lead by Meme Rinpoche fled to Northern part of India (Shilong) fearing the Chinese invation to Tibet as Phajo Gonpa was near to the southern border of Tibet. He and his group returned back after five years and started new settlement at Phagchu which is a day long walk from Phajo Gonpa (His old residence).

 

About the Construction of Monastery

Many people happen to lose their lives and no peace prevailed for those alive. They became victims of many diseases and were helpless. Meme Rinpoche has a dream in which he was prophesies to build a Monastery over the small hill which is like a head of sleeping Elephant, and it will bring good signs and Omens for them and to the people around. It will be of major help not only to the people of Phagchu but also to the people around.

 

 

He then went to see His Holiness at Kalimpong to ask about the construction of the Monastery. Upon bringing the story to His Holiness’ Knowledge, he gave permission to construct with the clear cut design of both inner and outer shape and structure.

 

One can now think of the possibility of its completion in 3 years with only less than 20 workers, without a single penny in his pocket. The hardships, pains and exertions that he overcame are beyond our perception. Finally the construction works were over. He was satisfied that everything could happen as he thought including the statues and the wall paintings etc. The old People of Shingkhar Lauri could remember the time of Lama Tsampa Tsering who travelled whole shingkhar giving teachings and offering puja in every household a few decades ago, when Meme Lama once again took his position. One can proudly say that there is no one who is not obedient and faithful to his service. At his late 50s, there were more than 50 followers from all parts of Shingkhar Lauri.

 

At his late 60s he handed over all his responsibilities to is eldest Son H.E   Phagchok Rinpoche Kuenzang Dorji. Thereafter, he remained in complete meditation day and night for rest of his life. He travelled between his two residences at Jomotsangkha (Daifam) in the south near the Indian boarder during the cold season and back to Gonpa during summer.