Lama Urgen Tenzing Sangpo ( Founder)
A proficent scholar Lama Urgen
Tenzing Sangpo was born in the earth-dragon year of 1857 with miraculous signs
to father Karma Wangzen and mother Marmen Dolma in Wafal a native village of
Yonzone in Nepal. Known as Rinchen Norbu he naturally was wise from his tender
age and had heart exerting his body and speech for the benefit of all
sentimental beings. Ordained a student monk at the age of five under Guru
Yonten Ghyamtso Yonzone of Wafal he worked hard studying basic Buddhist
practices for seven years. His basic retreat was done under Lama Yonten and
after that time waited no more for him. His meeting with Lama Thinley who was
on his pilgrim tour to Nepal was miraculous and then his gateway to Tibet was
opened. One of the first Tamang Lama to travel Tibet at the age of 11 he bid
goodbye to his native place and travelled far and wide to Tibet receiving
wangs, lhungs, and initiations of the highest orders under Guru, Lama Pal
Dorjee. After his stay in Tibet for 22 years he was on his pilgrim tour to
India where the meeting with his parents was very much magical and an emotional
moment. His parents had migrated to Darjeeling from Wafal and then the family
reunion was a joy a blessing that showered from Dewachen. During his stay in
Tibet he completed most of his studies under Lama Pal Dorjee, he completed
Dzogchen-Semthi teachings and also completed most of its retreat there. Also
the task of printing Kangyur and Tengyur (Tripitaks) was done from the year
1940-44 which still is preserved in the Monastery a herculean task indeed. The
process of being known as Lama Urgen Tenzing Sangpo from Rinchen Norbu is a
story rated by his stay in Tibet kept by his Guru Lama Pal Dorjee. It is
believed that he traveled Tibet three times in his life and that he undertook
pilgrim tours to North India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim. It is said that he completed
a quarter year retreat in four of the Guru Rimpoche caves in Sikkim and also
Tashiding along with his Guru. His stay in Tibet excelled his intellectual
thoughts and his practical proficiency is even talked about today. His Grandson
Lama S.Wangdi Lama talks about the trumpet (Ghaling) the style that Lama Urgen
played reminded many of the Tibetan refugees of their beloved country Tibet.
The tune that he played in India was a fairy note that was played in and around
Lhasa cities and on one occasion in Kalimpong the Tibetans requested the Lama
to play it leaving them with tears in their eyes. He was a man yearning for wisdom, knowledge
and he had hopes and visions of bringing all the Tamangs under one shade. Times
tasted his patience to roam far and at last his permanent stay nestled in
Takling a village nearby Darjeeling. Here he established this Monastery in the
year 1914-15 though the Earth ritual was done on the fire-sheep year of 1907.
Serving sentimental beings and preaching Buddhahood path yet a man so wise
breathed his last on the last on the 26th day of March 1953 (water-snake)
year at a very old blessed age putting himself to eternal bliss and leaving the
Dharma seekers alone.