The History of Mindrolling: Part XI
Khenchen Ögyen Tenzin Dorje
The third Khenchen of Mindrolling was Khenchen Odiyana or also known as Ögyen Tenzin Dorje. He was born in the year of the water dog as the second son to the third Trichen of Mindrolling, the great Drinchen Rinchen Namgyal and his Sangyum, Tshewang Paldzom.
At a very young age he was recognized as the emanation of the great translator Yudrak Nyingpo and was endowed with excellent qualities of devotion and compassion. He entered into the path of practice by taking monastic vows from a young age and receiving numerous empowerments and transmissions from his noble father and many other teachers. Just as a precious vase is filled with pure nectar, he filled his mindstream with the noble dharma.
He studied and became learned in grammar, poetry and composition, astrology (sgra snyan rtsis) etc. in general and particularly adept in the profound teaching of 'dul mngon dbu tshad phar phyin sdom ga sum etc.
He also did extensive studies of the profound teachings of tantra, especially the gsang bdag dgongs rgyan. He successfully memorized them all and also composed many pith commentaries, and as such completely displayed the qualities of the title he was conferred—mkhyen rab kyi pad ma—'Lotus Perfect Learned One.'
At the age of fifteen he received the dge tshul (shramanera) vows from Do Ngak Rabjampa Gyurme Phelgye. Thereafter, he entered into a long solitary retreat and undertook the completion of accomplishment of all the gter gsar (new termas) sadhanas and he thus became a learned and accomplished master.
At the age of 20, he completed all his studies and training. In that same year of iron snake, on the full moon day of the first lunar Month of Miracles, in the presence of thousands of masters and scholars and officiated by Ngak Rabjampa Gyurme Chöden, he was conferred the title of khenpo. At the time, he also received the full ordination of a gelong (bhikshu).
Thereafter, he took on the enormous task of spearheading the studies and practice of the Mindrolling Monastery and all affairs related to the vinaya transmissions. In short, embodying the perfection of the qualities of learning, discipline and goodness (mkhas btsun bzang gsum), he became a true example of a master of the sacred buddhadharma and thus, strengthening the vision of the great master Chögyal Terdag Lingpa.
His older brother, the fourth Mindrolling Trichen Gyurme Pema Tenzin, the most exceptional revered one renowned as the 'Jewel Ornament of the Crown of Dharma', passed away at a young age. After his passing, Khenchen Ögyen Tenzin Dorje assumed all responsibilities of building all the outer and inner representations of the three jewels and three roots etc. and imparting teachings to the monks and community of practitioners.
He also undertook the complete responsibility of raising, teaching and training the heir to the throne of Mindrolling, the young son of his older brother the fourth Mindrolling Trichen Gyurme Pema Tenzin, the future fifth Trichen Gyurme Thrinley Namgyal.
In this way, having selflessly devoted his entire life to the service of the precious dharma and the expansion and continuity of the Mindrolling lineage, the third Mindrolling Khenchen Ögyen Tenzin Dorje passed away into parinirvana in order to further benefit sentient beings.