Guru Chowang is known as one of the five great tertons (revealers of hidden teachings concealed by Guru Rinpoche for the benefit of future beings). He was considered an emanation of Guru Rinpoche and an incarnation of Trisong Deutsen, the second Dharma King of Tibet, who invited great masters such as Guru Rinpoche, Shantarakshita, and Vimalamitra to Tibet.
Among the termas (or “treasure teachings”) revealed by Guru Chowang were the Lama Sangdu (the embodiment of the master’s secrets); the Thu Je Chenpo Yang Nying Dupa (a terma on Avalokiteshvara); the Sang Gye Nyam Jor Cag Nyug Ma (liturgical arrangements and explanations of the Kama teachings); the Yang Sang Pu Dri (Vajrakilaya); the Ka Gye Sang Dzog (a cycle on the Eight Sadhana Teachings); and the Dzogchen Yangti Sang Gye Nyam Jor (Dzogchen teachings).
Having attained the power of truth in speech, whatever he uttered brought swift blessings and ensured spiritual accomplishments for many of his students. In these and other ways, he showed immense kindness in serving the Dharma.
The descendants of Guru Chowang, up to Dungse Pema Rinpoche’s father, have served as abbots of Dhondupling Monastery—also known as Nag Gompa (where “Nag” in Tibetan means “forest”).
As the eldest son, Dungse Rinpoche inherited all of Guru Chowang’s spiritual teachings from his father and was originally expected to assume his father's spiritual position. However, from a young age, Rinpoche aspired to monastic life, and thus the succession has now passed to his younger brother, Lama Pasang Rinpoche.
Founded by Guru Chowang, Nag Gompa—located in Tsum—now has six branches.
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