[Image source: https://www.rigpawiki.org]
Lopen Rinchen Yoezer
Background
Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1509) was a revered Tibetan Buddhist master of the 14th century. According to legend, Buddha Amitabha prophesied that Thangtong Gyalpo would build a network of iron chain bridges across major rivers, a prophecy he went on to fulfill by constructing numerous iron bridges in Tibet and Bhutan [1]. Drupthop Thangtong Gyalpo also imparted his teachings to disciples, emphasizing ten virtues believed to guide all sentient beings toward liberation. Considered Drupthop as a mind manifestation of Guru Padmasambhava, he emerged at a crucial time to propagate the Dharma when its influence was declining worldwide [2]. Upon arriving in a lush, medicinal land, he introduced innovative civil engineering methods, greatly facilitating travel, trade, and spreading Dharma in remote parts of Bhutan. In addition to iron bridges, he constructed temples dedicated to the Three Jewels, dispelling fear and averting obstacles posed by the four earthly elements and malevolent spirits like nagas, evil spirits, etc. These temples served as sites for prostration and offerings in Bhutan. Although there are numerous biographies of Mahasiddha in Sanskrit, Hindi, Mongol, and Russian to uphold his life and contributions, there exists only one biography, authored by Monpa Dewa Zangpo, spiritual heir of Drupthop and Chief Abbot of Paro Tachog Lhakhang, a Bhutanese nationality by birth.
[1] Dewa Zangpo. (15th century). Soelway Dremay (The biography of Drupthop Thangtong Gyalpo). [Buddhist text]. (589 pages).
[2]. https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Thangtong_Gyalpo
Methods, Status and Challenges
Our Project Lead, Mr. Rinchen Yoezer, is a linguist with profound knowledge and experience of Tibetan Buddhism and History of Bhutan. Under his leadership, and in partnership with the Center for Research Bhutan, we will be jointly translating the 589-page biography of Mahasiddha written in the 15th century by Venerable Monpa Dewa Zangpo. Since the initial translation work began in the beginning of 2023, we have translated approximately 112 pages from Tibetan to Dzongkha without additional research, editing, and proofreading works. However, the translation work has been in halt since mid of 2023 due to limited resources and funding.
Outcome
By the end of the project, we intend to print and freely distribute around 2,000 copies of the book to about 827 institutions having over 177,000 individuals enrolled as students and learners [3] . The beneficiary institutions include monastic schools, colleges, public and private schools, community learning centers, training centers, and public libraries in Bhutan. Additionally, we will officially hand over high-resolution photographs and videos of Mahāsiddha’s images, temples, stupas, and iron chain bridges to the Central Monastic Body (https://www.dl.gov.bt/), public libraries, and the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (https://doc.gov.bt/) for digital archiving of these invaluable documents.
[3] Annual Education Statistics (2023), Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Royal Government of Bhutan.
Call to Action
In order to continue our work, we would like to seek cooperation from individual and institutes in funding sponsorship as the work will be invaluable narrative accessible to all Bhutanese people.
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