The present Gyalwang Drukpa is the twelfth incarnation of the founder of the Drukpa Lineage, Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (1161-1211). The successive reincarnations of the Drogon Tsangpa Gyare are recognized as the Spiritual Head of the Drukpa Lineage and responsible for the spiritual guidance of over 800 Drukpa Monasteries, in Tibet, Nepal, Ladakh, Garsha Kinnuar and other parts of the Indian Himalyas. 
Gyalwang Drukpa
12th Gyalwang Drukpa
His Holiness, the twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa was born in northern India, at Lake Rewalser or Tso Pema (the Lotus Lake) - a place sacred to Guru Padmasambhava. The birth took place during lama dances celebrating the auspicious 10th day of the first month. Several propitious omens occurred
before and during the birth of the twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa. During his mother's pregnancy, His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa's parent often heard of chanting of the Amitabha mantra coming from inside the womb.Also, thunder storms, snow and other signs were conspicuously present at his birth to celebrate the arrival of great being.
Apparently, the late pawo Rinpoche,who was in varanasi at the time, was aware of the birth of this unusual child and performed a Sang Chod to indicate his respect. On the same day, the supreme Nyingmapa leader, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche,offered a khata to the new born child.
Even before learning to read and write, the young Gyalwang Drukpa was already familiar with the sacred texts. The delicate and unusual child repeatedly proclaimed to his parents that he was a high lama who had a monastery and a lama's residence. One day the three year old boy told his father, His Eminence Bairo Rinpoche that "a man with a white beard is coming to take me back to my monastery".
Soon after, the search team made up of his predecessors disciples came to their home in Dalhousie. The man with a white beard (The first Thuksey Rinpoche) had finally arrived, looking for the young child who could be the reincarnation of his late guru, the eleventh Gyalwang Drukpa.
The young child recognized some of the former servants and disciples of eleventh Gyalwang Drukpa, and also correctly identified some of his predecessor's belongings from a collection of various artifacts.
After he was recognized by the first Thuksey Rinpoche as the twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa, he was first enthroned at the late Khamtrul Rinpoche's monastery in Dalhousie. A year later, the four year old Gyalwang Drukpa was enthroned at Dotsok monastery in Darjeeling, west Bengal.
From an early age His Holiness the twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa manifested the extra-ordinary characteristics of a sublime spiritual being. Even before his discovery and official recognition, he was spontaneously kind and thoughtful to insects, animals and all neglected, downtrodden creatures. On learning the animals that passed his windows were being lead for slaughter. The young Gyalwang Drukpa shed tears for many days and from that time H.H has never consumed meat.
The Gyalwang Drukpa is recognized as an emanation of Chenrezig (The Bodhisattva of great compassion) and of the second dharma king of Shambhala. He is also regarded as a reincarnation of Guru Padmasambhava, Naropa and Gampopa. Sangay Modpa the last of thousand Buddhas to appear..
He was brought up and educated by his principal Guru, His Eminence the first Thuksey Rinpoche(who was the Drukpa regent). He also received precious teachings from many other great Gurus. Without difficulty and hindrance, the young Gyalwang Drukpa understood both the theoretical and practical aspects of the profound view, meditation and action.
Even at the young age he experienced in meditation a deep compassion and unconditional love, through an intuitive understanding of Ultimate View of Emptiness. Sometimes the little Gyalwang Drukpa wept and spontaneously spoke about a genuine impartial love and compassion, to the amazement of those around him.
The twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa carries out his functions and responsibilities with great zest and patience as the spiritual head of all Drukpa monastries and dharma centres around the world. His dharma activities have spread to France, England, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico, Taiwan, America, Australia, Malaysia and Hongkong.
At present His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa's principal monastic seat is in Darjeeling, West Bengal. This monastery, known as Druk Thubten Sangag Choling, was founded by the late first Thuksey Rinpoche, whose reincarnation is being raised and educated there.
The major projects under the direct guidance and supervision of the twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa are:
- The Nepal Amitabha project, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- The Druk Padma Karpo institute(Druk White Lotus school), ladakh, India.
- The Namdruk Restoration project, Tibet.
- The Druk Sangag Choling Restoration Project, Tibet.
- The Ralung Restoration Project, Tibet
- The meditation Garden, Plouray, France.
- International Drukpa Publications.
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