Former Dorji Lopen Ngawang Tenzin passed away at his residence above Drangay Goenpa in Paro yesterday. He was 87. He is currently in Thukdham. Led by the Laytshog Lopen, the Central Monastic Body conducted Moenlam and offered butter lamps at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu today.
Former Dorji Lopen Ngawang Tenzin dedicated more than seven decades of his life to Buddhist studies, practice and service to the monastic body.
According to the Central Monastic Body, he began his monastic education at Paro Rinpung Rabdey at the age of nine, where he received teachings from several eminent Buddhist masters.
At 11, Lam Neten Sherab Namgyel ordained him as a novice monk and gave him the Dharma name Ngawang Tenzin.
At 19, he pursued higher Buddhist studies at Nalanda Monastery in Talo. He later continued his studies at Kunga Choeling and Tango Monasteries and completed a three-year retreat.
At 48, he was appointed Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body. He served in the position for about eight years before stepping down to devote himself to retreat and spiritual practice.
In 1999, he renovated Drangay Goenpa in Paro and established a small Lobdra, where he spent his later years.
As prayers and butter lamps were offered for his unobstructed journey towards liberation, the country remembers his contribution to Bhutan’s Buddhist tradition and his dedication to the teachings of the Buddha.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
