A Brief Biography Ven. Lama Norbu Wangdi, the Fifth Abbot of Long-nying Chöling Monastery
Ven. Lama Norbu Wangdi, the 5th Abbot and Chairman of Long-nying Chöling Foundation, was born in 1944 in Longkhar, Khamdhang, Trashi Yantse, Eastern Bhutan, a hidden sacred land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. His father, Ven. Lama Sonam Wangchuk, the 4th Abbot Lama of Long-nying Chöling Monastery, was a descendant of the great treasure revealer Guru Chöwang and the Nyö clan from Kurtö Dungkar, which also produced the Kings of Bhutan. His mother was Dre-nga.
A great Dzogchen master named Choying Rangdrol bestowed the name Norbu Wangdi upon him. Beginning at age seven, he received instruction from his father, learning to read and write, training in ritual practice and mudra, and engaging in the preliminary practices (Ngondro) of Longchen Nyingtik. He later enrolled in Chakyi Demig School, the earliest Western-style school in the Trashi Yangtse district, where he learned English and Hindi.
He subsequently trained under Lopon Kunzang Norbu at Baney Monastery for over a year, mastering the traditional arts of stupa architecture and preparation of inner relics and mantras for stupas and statues. From Lopon Kunzang Norbu, he also received Dzogchen teachings, including instructions on the nature of mind.
Lama Norbu Wangdi further expanded his knowledge by studying astrology under Astrologer Rinchen Khandro and receiving teachings and transmission of various prayers from Retreat Master Lama Trashi Tenzin of Kurtoe. He engaged in retreat practices of Dakini Singhamukha of Longchen Nyingtik cycles under the guidance of Lama Trashi Tenzin and Yerphe Lama.
From Lopon Jampal Lhundrup of Bayling, Trashiyangtse, he received teachings on Dakini’s laughter Chod, a practice passed down from the great Yogi Gya-nak Lama of Tibet. He also received teachings on the Queen of Great Bliss Dakini from Tokdenma Damchö Wangmo, a yogini from Bumthang, who visited Rigsum Gonpa and the charnel grounds of Yangtse.
Following this, Lama Norbu Wangdi studied under Lama Phuntsok Dorji, the 2nd Abbot Lama of Long-nying Chöling Monastery, receiving empowerments and teachings on the three roots of Longchen Nyingtik, Laughter of the Dakinis Chöd, and other treasures. He also received numerous empowerments and instructions from Dzogchen Pema Sengye Rinpoche, including the three roots of Longchen Nyingtik, Lama Chöpa practices, and Tara practice Luwang Gon-gyen.
In the 1960s, Lama Norbu Wangdi was among 100 students selected from across Bhutan to enroll in the first Rigzhung (Buddhist Science) Institute at Semtokha. There, under the guidance of Me-nyak Lama Gyalwang Nyima Rinpoche, he studied literature and grammatical texts, philosophical texts, and various Vajrayana teachings.
Upon completing his studies, Lama Norbu Wangdi was selected as a Gold Scribe to transcribe the Kagyur and Tengyur in Thimphu and Punakha Dzong, a project commissioned by His Majesty the 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He later worked on a gold scribing project of the 16-volume Prajnaparamita sutra for H.H. the 16th Karmapa. Over eight years, he dedicated himself to writing the Buddha’s words in golden letters. The wages he earned enabled him to receive teachings from various masters and travel to pilgrimage sites in Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
Throughout his life, Lama Norbu Wangdi received numerous empowerments, transmissions, and teachings from eminent masters, including H.H. Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H. the 16th Karmapa, and H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. He dedicated himself to extensive retreat practices and rituals, continuously striving for the preservation and propagation of Dharma.
Lama Norbu Wangdi significantly contributed to the renovation and expansion of Long-nying Chöling Monastery. He commissioned new mural paintings, statues, and other sacred objects, and organized various religious ceremonies and festivals. Known for his humility and dedication to Dharma, he tirelessly served the monastery and the community.
Lama Norbu Wangdi’s life exemplifies the conduct of a Bodhisattva, serving Buddha Dharma and sentient beings with unwavering humility and simplicity. His contributions to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Bhutan are profound and enduring.