Ney Chen Rigsum Goenpa

 

 View of Rigsum Goenpa (PC: Tashi Yangtse Bumdelling Rigsum Gonpa Goenzin Dratshang)

Rigsum monastery is picturesquely perched on an idyllic peak at an altitude of about 2,500-3,000 meters above sea level. Journey towards monastery takes about three hours along the mountain trail from Dungzam, nearest Bumdeling road point. The trail is broad, trekkers would need to cross many creeks, and encounter slender bamboo shoot along the way towards monastery. The monastery is revered for its exquisite murals of Zaedja Pagsam Thishing (history of 108 lord Buddha) which is preserved at Lhakhang Wogma (lower monastery), artifacts and sacred history. The views from the monastery is spectacular whereby one would see other Himalayan mountain ranges afar.

According to the written history by lam Kezang Chhophel (former principal of Rigney Institute, Trashi Yangtse), the monastery was initially built by lama Tshering Gyamtsho in 18^th century. Lama Tshering Gyamtsho was close disciple of 9^th Je Khenpo Sacha Rinchhen who was prophesized to explore sacred site of Guru Rinpoche. He spent three months meditating in a cave where now Rinchengang Lhakhang exists near Yangtse Dzong. In his vision, Yongla deities and Ge-Nyen advised Lama to venture to Pemaling. He arrived at Pemaling located at northeast Trashi Yangtse and there his eye was caught by the odd figures near the cave at present Rigsum Goenpa. The place had trinity imprints so-called Rigsum Goenpo which means ‘Lords of the Three Families’ and refers to enlightened deity of Manjushri, Vajrapani and Avalokiteshvara. Lama coaxed the guardian deity of the cave, Goenyen Phaenbu and later built a small hermitage.

Rigsum Goenpa Lama

The monastery was succeeded by his nephew, lama Jangchub Gyeltshen soon after the death of Lama Tshering Gyamtsho. Lama Jangchub Gyeltshen renovated and extended the Lhakhang Wogma (lower monastery) with mural paintings all over the wall. He played vital role in taking care of the monastery and spreading Buddhism until his last breath. The monastery was then under the charge of Lama Ngawang Loday, nephew of Lama Jangchub Gyeltshen. Later lama Ngawang Loday was ordained as 3^rd abbot of Rigsum goenpa by His Holiness Yonten Thaye, the 13^th Je Khenpo who was en route to Tsari Rongkor (mountain pilgrimage) in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Lama further extended the monastery, brought the Jowo Shakya Muni (Buddha as prince) statues from Punakha Dzong, installed sacred artifacts, hundred volumes of Buddhist scriptures and eight enlightening stupas of lord Buddha. Jowo statue is the replica of the one in Lhasa, in Tibet sculptured by renowned Nepalese sculptor named Lhazo Pentsa.  It is said that the 5^th abbot, Lama Shacha Gyalpo witnessed the statue speak and thereafter originated its name as Jowo Sung-Joen (Jowo that spoke). The monastery was renovated in 2004 affiliated by Royal Government of Bhutan and instituted traditional religious school catering about 50 monks.