Phendhe Khenchen Ngawang Khedrup Gyatso
His Eminence was born in 1917 of the 15th Rabjung of Fire Snake year at Gatoed (Upper Ga) in a town known as Zin Dha as the son of father Jangchub Zangpo and mother Dhondup Tsomo. He stayed at Tharlam Monastery initially where he undertook study of common knowable subjects such as astrology, poetry etc from his uncle Kunga Palzang: the mode of learning being traditional listening and contemplating.
He went to Shed-dra (advance Buddhism learning institution) at Kyegu Monastery where he completed the study of major Buddhist philosophical texts under Khenpo Gedhun Zangpo. He received many profound teachings from Vajradhara Gatoen Lekpa, King of Siddha Nyiga Vajradhara etc. Having taken the cognizance of him being a reincarnation of the Great phendhe abbot Jampa Paldhen Choezed at Phendhe Labrang (Guru Palace) he was given the title Zhabdrung.
From the great abbot and throne holder Khangsar Khenchen Vajradhara Ngawang Lodoe Nyingpo Zhenphen Nyingpo, he received the Collection of Tantras (Gyud-Tue), Precious Lamdre Teachings, Bodhisattav Vows, Collection of Sadhanas etc many whispered/ear lineage dharmas. Completed many meditational retreats of Tutelary Deities.
Having ascended upon the throne of Great Vajradhara’s regent, he served as the Khenpo throne holder for three years during which time he gave precious Lamdre teachings, Three Vows etc. Through the acts of teaching and listening, he connected/placed many dharma followers upon the stages of ripening and liberating.
Having travelled to Dho Kham (Eastern Tibet), he served dharma and sentient beings. He bestowed special kindness in the form of bestowing collection of tantras for a period spanning three years. His main students included Phendhe Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Aenpo Kyabgon (his Holiness) of Kyegu Monastery, Megan Tulku, Gyanag Tulku, Guru and three brothers from Drau family. Later, he again became the great abbot throne holder and bestowed many pithy instructions. In total he served as the Khenthri/Abbot throne holder for six years. He produced two Thartses: the abbot and the Zhabdrung, upper ladakh’s crown prince Thinlay Rinpoche etc many disciples. In the earth pig year when big transformation took place in Tibet he travelled to India where he visited and stayed at places such as Gangtok, Darjee Ling and Rajpur and worked for the benefit of dharma and sentient beings. Eventually, at 53 years of age on the 15th date of the third month of Earth Rat year, he passed away into dharma sphere for the benefits of permanency view holding lazy disciples.