Lama Rigdzin Longyang

A son of Tokden Tsewang Chöpel and Jangchub Chödron, Lama Rigdzin Longyang (1956-2025) was a main Bhutanese holder of the Chö tradition of Machik Labdrön.

Soon after his birth, he was recognized as an incarnation of Trülshik Rigdzin Lingpa—the root teacher of his father— by Lama Sönam Zangpo (1888-1982) and Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989). As a reference to his predecessor, his father Tokden Tsewang Chöpel named him ‘Rigdzin’, and added the word ‘Longyang’ because of his son’ special cross-legged and upright posture during his birth.

Lama Rigdzin Longyang grew up within the settlement of gomchen (lay great practitioners) in Druk Zangri Kharmar, who was under the leadership of his father. After the passing of his father, Lama Rigdzin Longyang sustained the blossoming of Druk Zangri Kharmar’s community. Though he chose a life of simplicity and seclusion, his profound wisdom and compassion touched countless hearts. Throughout Bhutan, Lama Rigdzin Longyang was invited to grant empowerments, oral transmission and pith instructions of the Chö tradition of Machik Labdrön. Lama Rigdzin Longyang’s consort is Khandro-la.

In 2015, Lama Rigdzin Longyang commissioned and later consecrated in 2015 a beautiful new temple in Druk Zangri Kharmar, which is filled with vibrant, colorful textiles, murals, and statuary dedicated to the lineage of Machig Labdrön. That same year, the community opened a small monastery drawing a cohort of young boys, who are now receiving monastic education.

On March 14, 2025—the Full Moon Eclipse and Birthday of Garab Dorje—, Lama Rigdzin Longyang entered parinirvana, and remained in tukdam for several days.

A prayer for the swift return of Tulku Rigdzin Longyang was written by Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche.