Record 7
Name: Likhog (Householder, 1880-1981)
Summary
An old lady named Likhog prayed one-pointedly to Amitabha Buddha for sixty years. Through the cumulative force of her prayers, when she was about to pass on, she said, "I am seeing Protector Amitabha and his assembly of Bodhisattvas. The entire house is glowing with a red light.” With a heart full of joy, she prayed with folded palms as she peacefully departed this world with a tranquility even unfound in deep sleep.
Life Experiences
Born around 1880 in Bogu Village, Shakongma Town, Gandan County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, Likhog had three children. At the age of 30, she lost her eyesight, forcing her to relinquish all mundane affairs. However, this became a favorable condition for the path of cultivation. For about 60 years thereafter, apart from time used for meals during the day and sleeping at night, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to praying to Protector Amitabha, making aspirations to be reborn in Sukhavati again and again. Her only practice was reciting Amitabha’s name.
Likhog would dedicate whatever virtuous act she performed, saying, "By these merits, may all sentient beings throughout space, especially my parents in this lifetime, be reborn in Sukhavati."
Appearances at the Time of Passing
In the days leading up to Likhog’s passing, despite being free from any illness, she couldn't consume any food. When assisted to sit upright, she would stay in that position, and when laid down on her bed, she appeared as if in a deep sleep. Her son, Kedrub, thought, "It seems that my mother is nearing the end of her life." He then invited monks from Dzogchen Monastery, including Jigcho, Rangkyong, and the old monk Samten Gyamtso to perform a seven-day empowerment ritual and recite the Liberation by Hearing text for her.
On the second or third day of the rituals, as the monks were about to start their morning meal, Likhog said to her son, "I want to wash my hands and face now." After cleaning her hands and face, she said, "Now I want a bowl of milk." So, a bowl of milk was served to her. While the monks were having their morning meal, she finished the milk. Suddenly she said, "Amitabha Buddha has come!"
Likhog had been blind since the age of 30, she had not seen the world for 60 years, her eye sockets were sunken in and dark. There was no hope of regaining sight. However, at that moment, she rubbed her eyes with her hands, scratched away the eye discharge with her fingernails and her eyeballs moved. She said, "Amitabha Buddha is here! I see him. Do you see him? Do prostrations! Our home is filled with a red light, and Amitabha has come. There are many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas with him. I recognize one of them, it's Jigrab Rinpoche from Rigshe Monastery." Sitting on her bed, she prayed fervently with faith and joy and after joining her palms, she passed away in a state more tranquil than deep sleep. This account was narrated by Khenpo Pema Dorje. She passed away in the Tibetan Iron Rooster Year (1981).
(This incident took place more than forty years ago and Khenpo Pema Dorje is the only person alive who could provide testimony. Khenpo is the grandson of the deceased. Khenpo said, "When my grandmother Likhog passed away, I was only fifteen years old, and I was by her side at that time. Therefore, I personally witnessed the entire event." We interviewed Khenpo on November 1, 2020 in Kusum Khandroling of Mentang Town, Juqu County, Golog Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Apart from his testimony, we also checked with other sources to verify certain facts and finally recorded this here.)
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Record 8
A-ga of Litang County (Layperson, 1930-2018)
Summary
The elderly woman A-ga recited the King of Prayers (also called “Samantabhadra King of Aspiration Prayers”) 10 times daily without missing a single day. At her passing, she said, "I see Amitabha now! A shower of flowers has rained down from Sukhavati landing on my clothes, look! I am with Amitabha Buddha, I am so happy!" She departed from this life without experiencing any illness or pain.
Life Experience
A-ga was born in the Tibetan 16th Rabjung Iron Horse Year (1930) in a nomadic family in Gahor Village, Litang County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. At the age of 65, during the third Sukhavati Grand Puja held by HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche in Xinlong, she took a vow to recite Amitabha’s name one million times. It is said that from that day onwards, she diligently recited the King of Prayers 10 times daily without skipping a single day. In her life, she completed over 70,000 recitations of the text.
If A-ga’s recitation of the King of Prayers was interrupted by conversations or any other activities she needed to attend to, she could accurately pick up her recitation from where she left off without any repetition or omission even if a long time had passed in between.
Appearances at the Time of Passing
In the year of her passing, at the age of 88, she became blind in both eyes and was unable to walk. She spent her days reciting Amitabha’s name on her bed. One day, when monks had come to perform the Vairochana empowerment for her, she said, "It is raining flowers in front of Amitabha! It is raining flowers in Sukhavati. It is right here. I see Amitabha, and the flowers have fallen on my clothes." Many people heard her say this.
Her nephew, Tsering Dorje, commented, "Actually, that was her own perception but she assumed that we could see it too, so she kept repeating, 'Oh look! I see Amitabha here! Oh, the flowers have fallen on my clothes. Right here, all of you look!'"
Then her daughter, Tsultrim Drolma, offered incense and did prostrations. The monks who performed the Vairochana empowerment joined A-ga in reciting the King of Prayers two or three times. When Sokhog Lama arrived, she said, "Oh, Sokhog Lama, it is showering flowers in Sukhavati! Today is truly joyful!" Later, Sokhog Lama also said to recite the King of Prayers and similarly recited it with A-ga twice or thrice.
From that moment on, her external appearance changed. Thubten Tsering Rinpoche told us (the editors), "Although she was already 88 years old, there were no more wrinkles on her face. Her complexion was so clear and fair that it was astonishing to all of us. Looking at her face made everyone felt that she was full of joy. She had a natural and innocent smile, making everyone unable to take their eyes off her."
Afterwards, A-ga changed into new clothes, and in the evening, her family placed her bed facing north. The next morning, she said, "Don't place my bed like this. When I lie down to sleep, I am facing the southern direction. Ratnasambhava is in the Southern direction, he is very compassionate but my aspiration is Sukhavati (in the west)." So, the bed was rearranged according to her wishes. Again, like before, she said, "It is showering flowers in Sukhavati now!" She kept making statements like this.
Tsultrim Drolma recalled, "In the morning, she said, 'Now, the sky is filled with Buddhas, the space in between is filled with Dharmas, and the earth is full of Sanghas. A rainbow tent has been set up, amazing! Daughter, I see it, do you? Pay your respects!'" A-ga gave rise to great joy in this way and added, "Flowers are being rained down. I am before Amitabha Buddha, such bliss!"
Her son, Kalsang Thubten, also told us (the editors), "During those days, she said she saw Amitabha Buddha and she was very happy. She spoke very lucidly, and just like before, her complexion was radiant and clear. She was in a very joyful mood."
In her final days, A-ga couldn't recite the King of Prayers in its entirety, but she continued reciting stanzas like, "Purifying the power of karma, eliminating the power of afflictions, subduing the power of negative forces, may I perfectly carry out conduct like Samantabhadra," and other similar four-line verses without interruption.
It is said that the next day, at dawn, on the 13th day of the Tibetan month, she stopped breathing peacefully, without any signs of physical distress, as if falling asleep. People from her hometown who knew her widely proclaimed, "A-ga has definitely been reborn in Sukhavati. If she cannot attain rebirth there, then no one can." This remains a widely praised event to this day.
(On March 20, 2021, we, the editors, personally visited Rabgyeling Monastery in Gahor Village, Litang County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province to interview people related to the deceased, especially local villagers who witnessed the passing of A-ga. We spoke to her family members as well as over 20 monks and laypeople, including Thubten Tsering Rinpoche, Palden Gyamtso, Tsering Dorje, Kalsang Thubten, Dawa Gyaltsen and Tsultrim Drolma. The findings from these interviews were documented and included here.)
A-ga of Litang County (Layperson, 1930-2018)
Summary
The elderly woman A-ga recited the King of Prayers (also called “Samantabhadra King of Aspiration Prayers”) 10 times daily without missing a single day. At her passing, she said, "I see Amitabha now! A shower of flowers has rained down from Sukhavati landing on my clothes, look! I am with Amitabha Buddha, I am so happy!" She departed from this life without experiencing any illness or pain.
Life Experience
A-ga was born in the Tibetan 16th Rabjung Iron Horse Year (1930) in a nomadic family in Gahor Village, Litang County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. At the age of 65, during the third Sukhavati Grand Puja held by HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche in Xinlong, she took a vow to recite Amitabha’s name one million times. It is said that from that day onwards, she diligently recited the King of Prayers 10 times daily without skipping a single day. In her life, she completed over 70,000 recitations of the text.
If A-ga’s recitation of the King of Prayers was interrupted by conversations or any other activities she needed to attend to, she could accurately pick up her recitation from where she left off without any repetition or omission even if a long time had passed in between.
Appearances at the Time of Passing
In the year of her passing, at the age of 88, she became blind in both eyes and was unable to walk. She spent her days reciting Amitabha’s name on her bed. One day, when monks had come to perform the Vairochana empowerment for her, she said, "It is raining flowers in front of Amitabha! It is raining flowers in Sukhavati. It is right here. I see Amitabha, and the flowers have fallen on my clothes." Many people heard her say this.
Her nephew, Tsering Dorje, commented, "Actually, that was her own perception but she assumed that we could see it too, so she kept repeating, 'Oh look! I see Amitabha here! Oh, the flowers have fallen on my clothes. Right here, all of you look!'"
Then her daughter, Tsultrim Drolma, offered incense and did prostrations. The monks who performed the Vairochana empowerment joined A-ga in reciting the King of Prayers two or three times. When Sokhog Lama arrived, she said, "Oh, Sokhog Lama, it is showering flowers in Sukhavati! Today is truly joyful!" Later, Sokhog Lama also said to recite the King of Prayers and similarly recited it with A-ga twice or thrice.
From that moment on, her external appearance changed. Thubten Tsering Rinpoche told us (the editors), "Although she was already 88 years old, there were no more wrinkles on her face. Her complexion was so clear and fair that it was astonishing to all of us. Looking at her face made everyone felt that she was full of joy. She had a natural and innocent smile, making everyone unable to take their eyes off her."
Afterwards, A-ga changed into new clothes, and in the evening, her family placed her bed facing north. The next morning, she said, "Don't place my bed like this. When I lie down to sleep, I am facing the southern direction. Ratnasambhava is in the Southern direction, he is very compassionate but my aspiration is Sukhavati (in the west)." So, the bed was rearranged according to her wishes. Again, like before, she said, "It is showering flowers in Sukhavati now!" She kept making statements like this.
Tsultrim Drolma recalled, "In the morning, she said, 'Now, the sky is filled with Buddhas, the space in between is filled with Dharmas, and the earth is full of Sanghas. A rainbow tent has been set up, amazing! Daughter, I see it, do you? Pay your respects!'" A-ga gave rise to great joy in this way and added, "Flowers are being rained down. I am before Amitabha Buddha, such bliss!"
Her son, Kalsang Thubten, also told us (the editors), "During those days, she said she saw Amitabha Buddha and she was very happy. She spoke very lucidly, and just like before, her complexion was radiant and clear. She was in a very joyful mood."
In her final days, A-ga couldn't recite the King of Prayers in its entirety, but she continued reciting stanzas like, "Purifying the power of karma, eliminating the power of afflictions, subduing the power of negative forces, may I perfectly carry out conduct like Samantabhadra," and other similar four-line verses without interruption.
It is said that the next day, at dawn, on the 13th day of the Tibetan month, she stopped breathing peacefully, without any signs of physical distress, as if falling asleep. People from her hometown who knew her widely proclaimed, "A-ga has definitely been reborn in Sukhavati. If she cannot attain rebirth there, then no one can." This remains a widely praised event to this day.
(On March 20, 2021, we, the editors, personally visited Rabgyeling Monastery in Gahor Village, Litang County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province to interview people related to the deceased, especially local villagers who witnessed the passing of A-ga. We spoke to her family members as well as over 20 monks and laypeople, including Thubten Tsering Rinpoche, Palden Gyamtso, Tsering Dorje, Kalsang Thubten, Dawa Gyaltsen and Tsultrim Drolma. The findings from these interviews were documented and included here.)
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Record 9
Kunchab Nyima (Householder, 1993-2017)
Summary:
Kunchab Nyima passed away at the age of 25. When he was about to die, his perceptions shifted and he told his family, "Now the Guru, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, has arrived. I should go to Sukhavati." After that, he passed away.
Life Experience:
Nyima was born in the Tibetan 17th Rabjung Water Rooster Year (1993) in Yuke town, Daocheng County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. His father's name was Norbu, and his mother was Jomri. In his childhood, he did not engage in any particular virtuous or non-virtuous deeds but had recited Amitabha’s name some tens of thousands of times.
Appearances at His Passing:
(1) Full of Joy
In the spring of that year, due to an illness, he had his left leg amputated. He also suffered from lung disease, so his health was quite bad. However, one day, he suddenly felt fine as though he had never been sick, and said cheerfully, "I feel great, bring me a microphone." He then sang various types of songs. His younger brother Tsechen informed his father, Norbu, about Kunchab Nyima's condition. Norbu, who was then circumambulating the holy mountain to pray for Nyima’s recovery, thought that it was more important to complete his circumambulations, so he did not go home but continued his circumambulations. During his circumambulations, he looked towards their home and saw that Nyima was happily singing various songs and even whistling nice tunes.
(2) Last Words to Family
After completing their circumambulations, the family gathered at home in the evening. Nyima said, "Now come to my side, I have something to say." However, due to some calculations, it was determined that they could not approach the patient, especially his mother, Jomri, who was not allowed to get close. So Nyima said, "Come Dad, come as near as possible." Norbu told us (the editors) that he went to Nyima's side as asked, and Nyima said, "I have no illness now, I am very happy. I entrust all of you to the Three Jewels. Each of you has HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche above your right shoulder. You must pray well!"
Norbu said, "A few days ago, I wanted to tell him (Nyima), 'You should pray to the Three Jewels, don't forget the Guru.' But I was afraid that he might think of it as me telling him that he would die soon. So I couldn’t bear to say it. This night, since he spoke these words to us, I also said, 'Good child, of course we will pray, but, most importantly, it is you who must pray fervently to HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche.'"
Nyima then said, "Oh! HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche has come. I should go to Sukhavati now. There is no use for me to stay around in this state. To me, there is not the slightest meaning in all of samsara. You all should think about this and discuss. Mom might think that I am crazy. But I'm not crazy, this is the truth. In future, don't create a lot of negative karma. Engage in some virtuous deeds. Working so hard for worldly affairs is pointless. There will not be any lasting result. If there were some genuine result from working for worldly affairs, it is reasonable to strive for it. But, in reality, there won't be much result. It's much better to perform virtuous deeds like circumambulating the holy mountain, and living a relaxed and happy life. I truly no longer wish to remain here. Let's have a good meal together. That's it! I'm not sick, look at me!"
Saying this, Nyima raised his head up, shaking it, then raised both his hands. "I'm really not sick, I’m very well. Now, let's have a good meal. Whatever there is to eat, bring it over." During the meal, Nyima said, "Please eat too. I can eat on my own." He then held the bowl and drank tea, eating two or three buns. In the past, he couldn't even lift his head and needed to be fed with a spoon. However, that night, without anyone's help, he managed to eat on his own.
Norbu thought to himself, "The child might die tonight. There is no nearby Guru who can recite prayers for him, but from the way he speaks and how it feels, it seems he has total confidence in dying. Whatever happens tonight, we can only do it this way. There is no other choice." After everyone retired for the night, at around three o'clock in the early morning, Nyima slowly became still, his breathing stopped, and he passed away.
Post-death Appearances:
That night, his grandmother dreamt of the Guru, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, appearing near the well behind Nyima’s house. The Guru's eyes were shining like radiant stars in the night, looking over Nyima. Gradually, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche ascended into space, then from a realm of rainbow light, he radiated light to many monastic and lay followers, taking them all to Sukhavati.
(We (the editors) first went to Daocheng County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and interviewed Lama Chodo. Later, on July 27, 2020, we went to Yuke town to interview the deceased's father Norbu, his mother Jomri, and brothers Tsechen and Tashi, and prepared the record based on their testimonies. We also sought verification through other means and, after considering it reliable, included the account here.)
Summary:
Kunchab Nyima passed away at the age of 25. When he was about to die, his perceptions shifted and he told his family, "Now the Guru, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, has arrived. I should go to Sukhavati." After that, he passed away.
Life Experience:
Nyima was born in the Tibetan 17th Rabjung Water Rooster Year (1993) in Yuke town, Daocheng County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. His father's name was Norbu, and his mother was Jomri. In his childhood, he did not engage in any particular virtuous or non-virtuous deeds but had recited Amitabha’s name some tens of thousands of times.
Appearances at His Passing:
(1) Full of Joy
In the spring of that year, due to an illness, he had his left leg amputated. He also suffered from lung disease, so his health was quite bad. However, one day, he suddenly felt fine as though he had never been sick, and said cheerfully, "I feel great, bring me a microphone." He then sang various types of songs. His younger brother Tsechen informed his father, Norbu, about Kunchab Nyima's condition. Norbu, who was then circumambulating the holy mountain to pray for Nyima’s recovery, thought that it was more important to complete his circumambulations, so he did not go home but continued his circumambulations. During his circumambulations, he looked towards their home and saw that Nyima was happily singing various songs and even whistling nice tunes.
(2) Last Words to Family
After completing their circumambulations, the family gathered at home in the evening. Nyima said, "Now come to my side, I have something to say." However, due to some calculations, it was determined that they could not approach the patient, especially his mother, Jomri, who was not allowed to get close. So Nyima said, "Come Dad, come as near as possible." Norbu told us (the editors) that he went to Nyima's side as asked, and Nyima said, "I have no illness now, I am very happy. I entrust all of you to the Three Jewels. Each of you has HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche above your right shoulder. You must pray well!"
Norbu said, "A few days ago, I wanted to tell him (Nyima), 'You should pray to the Three Jewels, don't forget the Guru.' But I was afraid that he might think of it as me telling him that he would die soon. So I couldn’t bear to say it. This night, since he spoke these words to us, I also said, 'Good child, of course we will pray, but, most importantly, it is you who must pray fervently to HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche.'"
Nyima then said, "Oh! HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche has come. I should go to Sukhavati now. There is no use for me to stay around in this state. To me, there is not the slightest meaning in all of samsara. You all should think about this and discuss. Mom might think that I am crazy. But I'm not crazy, this is the truth. In future, don't create a lot of negative karma. Engage in some virtuous deeds. Working so hard for worldly affairs is pointless. There will not be any lasting result. If there were some genuine result from working for worldly affairs, it is reasonable to strive for it. But, in reality, there won't be much result. It's much better to perform virtuous deeds like circumambulating the holy mountain, and living a relaxed and happy life. I truly no longer wish to remain here. Let's have a good meal together. That's it! I'm not sick, look at me!"
Saying this, Nyima raised his head up, shaking it, then raised both his hands. "I'm really not sick, I’m very well. Now, let's have a good meal. Whatever there is to eat, bring it over." During the meal, Nyima said, "Please eat too. I can eat on my own." He then held the bowl and drank tea, eating two or three buns. In the past, he couldn't even lift his head and needed to be fed with a spoon. However, that night, without anyone's help, he managed to eat on his own.
Norbu thought to himself, "The child might die tonight. There is no nearby Guru who can recite prayers for him, but from the way he speaks and how it feels, it seems he has total confidence in dying. Whatever happens tonight, we can only do it this way. There is no other choice." After everyone retired for the night, at around three o'clock in the early morning, Nyima slowly became still, his breathing stopped, and he passed away.
Post-death Appearances:
That night, his grandmother dreamt of the Guru, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, appearing near the well behind Nyima’s house. The Guru's eyes were shining like radiant stars in the night, looking over Nyima. Gradually, HH Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche ascended into space, then from a realm of rainbow light, he radiated light to many monastic and lay followers, taking them all to Sukhavati.
(We (the editors) first went to Daocheng County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and interviewed Lama Chodo. Later, on July 27, 2020, we went to Yuke town to interview the deceased's father Norbu, his mother Jomri, and brothers Tsechen and Tashi, and prepared the record based on their testimonies. We also sought verification through other means and, after considering it reliable, included the account here.)
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Record 10
Rigzin Drolma from Gonggar County (Nun, 1911 – 1990)
Summary
Thubten Rigzin Drolma followed many eminent teachers. She received and practiced many profound teachings, her focus was on Dzogchen and Pureland practices. At her passing, numerous rare white birds and peacocks came to welcome her; this was publicly seen. She said, "I should go to Sukhavati now, those who come to welcome me have arrived." Thus, she passed away and was reborn in Sukhavati without experiencing any suffering of death.
Life Experiences
Rigzin Drolma was born in the Tibetan 15th Rabjung Iron Sheep year (1911) in Changguo Town, Gonggar County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. She was the younger sister of Khen Rinpoche of Dorje Drak Monastery. She received the preliminary teachings and other instructions from His Holiness the Ninth Rigzin Nyamnyid Dorje Rinpoche (of Dorje Drak) as well as other eminent masters such as Shechung Tsultrim Zangpo, the second Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche etc.
She received the empowerments and transmissions of the Rinchen Terdzod and the Nyingthik Yabzhi among others. She practiced Dzogchen daily without interruption, in particular she focussed on the Amitabha practice discovered by Terton Mingyur Dorje. She made pureland practice her main focus throughout her life. In her later years, she entered life retreat, earning the nickname "Rigzin Drolma the Retreatant."
Signs at Her Passing
She passed away on the auspicious day of Amitabha, the 15th day of the 4th lunar month in 1990. About six days prior, a white bird landed on the roof of her retreat house. She remarked, "Now it's time to go to the pureland; the divine white bird welcoming me has arrived." Moreover, people saw many peacocks flying to her residence from the nearby mountains, Rigzin Drolma said, "These peacocks are birds who flew here from Sukhavati."
Three days before her passing, people saw a ray of white rainbow light shining onto the window of her room. Rigzin Drolma joyfully said, "Now it’s time to die. After my death, I will only go to Sukhavati, nowhere else. After my death, there is no need to invite masters or perform rituals; I am confident in my own journey." She passed away in the sleeping lion posture, without any of the physical suffering of dying.
Signs After Death
For about three days after her death, local people frequently saw rainbows appearing in the sky.
Investigation and Verification
On July 10, 2021, we, the editors, personally visited Changguo Town in Gonggar County, Tibet, and interviewed Dawa Gyaltsen, who had served Rigzin Drolma for a long time and who was very familiar with her. We conducted a detailed inquiry again on September 7, 2023. After verifying the credibility of these accounts, we finally recorded this story of her passing and included it here.
Rigzin Drolma from Gonggar County (Nun, 1911 – 1990)
Summary
Thubten Rigzin Drolma followed many eminent teachers. She received and practiced many profound teachings, her focus was on Dzogchen and Pureland practices. At her passing, numerous rare white birds and peacocks came to welcome her; this was publicly seen. She said, "I should go to Sukhavati now, those who come to welcome me have arrived." Thus, she passed away and was reborn in Sukhavati without experiencing any suffering of death.
Life Experiences
Rigzin Drolma was born in the Tibetan 15th Rabjung Iron Sheep year (1911) in Changguo Town, Gonggar County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region. She was the younger sister of Khen Rinpoche of Dorje Drak Monastery. She received the preliminary teachings and other instructions from His Holiness the Ninth Rigzin Nyamnyid Dorje Rinpoche (of Dorje Drak) as well as other eminent masters such as Shechung Tsultrim Zangpo, the second Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche etc.
She received the empowerments and transmissions of the Rinchen Terdzod and the Nyingthik Yabzhi among others. She practiced Dzogchen daily without interruption, in particular she focussed on the Amitabha practice discovered by Terton Mingyur Dorje. She made pureland practice her main focus throughout her life. In her later years, she entered life retreat, earning the nickname "Rigzin Drolma the Retreatant."
Signs at Her Passing
She passed away on the auspicious day of Amitabha, the 15th day of the 4th lunar month in 1990. About six days prior, a white bird landed on the roof of her retreat house. She remarked, "Now it's time to go to the pureland; the divine white bird welcoming me has arrived." Moreover, people saw many peacocks flying to her residence from the nearby mountains, Rigzin Drolma said, "These peacocks are birds who flew here from Sukhavati."
Three days before her passing, people saw a ray of white rainbow light shining onto the window of her room. Rigzin Drolma joyfully said, "Now it’s time to die. After my death, I will only go to Sukhavati, nowhere else. After my death, there is no need to invite masters or perform rituals; I am confident in my own journey." She passed away in the sleeping lion posture, without any of the physical suffering of dying.
Signs After Death
For about three days after her death, local people frequently saw rainbows appearing in the sky.
Investigation and Verification
On July 10, 2021, we, the editors, personally visited Changguo Town in Gonggar County, Tibet, and interviewed Dawa Gyaltsen, who had served Rigzin Drolma for a long time and who was very familiar with her. We conducted a detailed inquiry again on September 7, 2023. After verifying the credibility of these accounts, we finally recorded this story of her passing and included it here.
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Record 11
Drolma Tso or Drolkar of Dari County (Householder, 1927-2019)
Summary:
Drolkar’s life was filled with many amazing events. She declared, "I will not take rebirth in the hells or lower realms. I will be reborn in Sukhavati." At her death, she joined her palms and said, "Amitabha, look after me! Amitabha, look after me!" and passed away in this way.
Life Experiences
Drolkar was born in the Tibetan 16th Rabjung Fire Rabbit year (1927) in Jimai Town, Daring County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Her father was a doctor named Yeshe, and her mother was named Rigzin Drolma. She had four children: two sons and two daughters, and lived a life of poverty and contentment. Despite being born in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Qinghai Province), due to certain reasons, she lived for some time near Sagou Monastery in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (Sichuan Province).
Her nephew married a woman named Yanglu, and the family lived by begging. There were many stories about her and her niece-in-law Yanglu. They were filled with pure kindness and hard to believe but these will not be recounted here.
She met many teachers and was a fortunate person who had listened to many sublime Dharma teachings. At Jonang Sagou Monastery, her teacher Kunzang Yongphen would teach "The Words of My Perfect Teacher" for a month every year, and she received teachings from him for nine years.
Drolkar said, "I received Mahayana fasting precepts many times in places like Meilongtang in Aba from the precept master Rinchen Dargye. The teacher Dorgyepal also said, 'If you recite Amitabha's name a million times, I guarantee you won't be dragged to the hell realms. If you do go, I will take your places in the next life.' I also accumulated the group merit of reciting the Mani mantra 100 million times with Mani Lama Padma Siddhi, so I don't think I will be reborn in hell."
(Note: Dorgyepal is also called the “Amitabha Teacher” because he always recited Amitabha’s name. He was a teacher at Sarma Paltse Monastery in the Rangtang county.)
During the 100 million Mani recitation, while spinning his Mani wheel, Mani Lama explained the shorter sutra on the Adornment of Sukhavati which stated, "Om Ami Dewa Hri! In Sukhavati, there are only holy beings. There is no name of the six realms. May I be reborn in Sukhavati. In the pure land of Amitabha, the holy beings emit the light of wisdom. There is no name for day and night. May I be reborn in Sukhavati.” Everyone sang the Mani mantra together. It was said that this could purify the negative karma of killing a hundred horses, a hundred people, a hundred dogs, a hundred women etc. Mani Lama also gave many presents because Drolkar and Gada Yedro sang the Mani mantra with very beautiful voices. There were many accounts like this.
Drolkar said, "At Sagou Monastery, everyone called Tenpa Chopel Rinpoche 'Uncle Tenpa'. At the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, he was assigned to look after a courtyard called Yura, and we worked nearby. During breaks, we would visit Uncle Tenpa, who would say, 'Children, this is a time of turmoil. Due to past virtue, you have obtained a human body. But due to past non-virtue, even reciting even one Mani mantra could get you slapped, holding prayer beads could get you into a public session of humiliation. You must endure hard labor or you will starve. Think of this as repaying karmic debts from past lives and serve the public sincerely. Do not be lazy because of your fatigue but work hard.’ He gave such crucial teachings.
“One night, Bodong Langri told me, 'I requested Uncle Tenpa to give an empowerment of 'Amitabha's Swift Path' tonight. Let's go quietly. Don’t forget.' Following his words, I went with Geba, Dronyi, Lari, Yingok and some trustworthy close friends to Uncle Tenpa after everyone fell asleep. Uncle Tenpa gave the empowerment and said, 'I have given you the empowerment of Amitabha's Swift Path, so there is no doubt you will be reborn in Amitabha's pure land. You can recite the aspiration prayer 'Emaho! Ngo Tsar Sangye Nangwa Thaye Dang…' and the prayer that begins with 'Ultimate nature of the Infallible Triple Gems...' These aspirations are very blessed and will ensure rebirth in Sukhavati.’”
(Note: The first aspiration prayer can be found here:
www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/terton-mingyur-dorje/brief-sukhavati-aspiration, the second prayer was written by Panchen Lama)
She often recited these aspiration prayers. By her late eighties, when she recited till the sentence "With no other refuge, compassionately take care of me," she would sometimes fall into a state with unmoving eyes for about fifteen minutes to half an hour. Her lips were pursed as she spaced out, almost like a coma. No amount of calling or tugging at the clothes could bring her out of this state. She remained unknowing and unperturbed.
Even when drinking tea, she would suddenly fall into this state, holding the cup without spilling it. When she was in this state, she did not respond when people said, “What’s happening?”. But after emerging from her state, she would say, "Oh, nothing happened," and smile while continuing to drink her tea. She would say things like “May Protector Amitabha watch over us.” She acted normally afterwards in a relaxed way. Everyone thought that this must be her habit and did not think it was a problem.
In any case, Drolkar’s diligent practice of virtue, especially taking Mahayana fasting precepts, reciting Mani mantra and Amitabha's name became her accumulations for taking birth in Sukhavati.
Final Moments
Kunga Paljor told us, "In the autumn and winter of 2018, Aunt Drolkar, though in good health, told me, 'Child, it's better if I die. After my death, I will not be reborn in hell or the lower realms but will go to Amitabha's pure land. Can you recite the Phowa practice for me? Now, Aunt is old, and my body is failing.'"
About half a month before her death, one night while everyone was sleeping, she suddenly raised her head and called, "Uncle Pal-la!" Yanglu and Drachagya said, "Mother, you are talking in your sleep." She replied, "I am not talking in my sleep. I am near death, and you don't need to be afraid. I am not afraid of it at all. Uncle Pal-la has come to fetch me. It’s time to die."
(Uncle Pal-la is a master who is an emanation of Sogya Rinpoche from Xinlong.)
After that, her health deteriorated day by day, and she was bedridden for three or four days. The day before her death, she told her son, "Now, let me recite the Sukhavati Aspiration Prayer for you. Uncle Tenpa told me that reciting this ensures rebirth in the pure land." She then recited " Ultimate nature of the Infallible Triple Gems..." clearly and fluently, which was recorded on the handphone by her family, and this video can still be seen today. She then followed that with prayers to the deities and teachers she usually prayed to, which her family also recorded on video and it is still preserved today.
While she was reciting Panchen Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen's "Brief Sukhavati Aspiration Prayer", she reached the lines "Guide me to Sukhavati. With no other refuge, compassionately take care of me”, she entered the state of spacing out again with pursed lips. After a while, she returned to normal and said, "Reciting the prayer 'Lord of the Dharma, Avalokiteshvara…' etc guarantees not going to the hell realms after death."
Then she recited the prayer of the great siddha Thangtong Gyalpo: "Destroyer of Mara's army, with red and brown wrathful body. Possessing a high view, engaging in secret tantric conduct. Hidden yogi who is the protector of all beings. Emanation prophesied by Guru Rinpoche. Thangtong Gyalpo, at your feet I pray." Like before, she lapsed into that state again for some time before returning to normal and reciting the prayer of the omniscient Jonangpa Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen: "Comprehending exactly the meaning of the three turnings of Dharma wheel, mastering the truth of the four great tantras, guiding all beings on the correct path, omniscient Dharma King, I pray at your feet." In this way, she recited prayers to the precept master Rinpoche Rinchen Dargye and Pal-la Shangpa and so forth. It was very rare.
On the day she passed away, she only gave a thumbs-up to Sangdok and did not speak. At one point, she suddenly asked, "Where is the teacher from Sagou Monastery?" The family told her, "Tulku arrived earlier." She then raised her head and said, "Pray to Protector Amitabha." She tried her best to follow the prayers during the empowerment. Tulku said, "She is a disciple of Sagou Monastery's teacher Kunzang Yongphen — different from other people. It's better to move her to another room without people." Following the Tulku’s instruction, they moved her to another room. The Tulku also followed them and said, "Auntie, don't be afraid now. Pray to the Guru Triple Gems and Amitabha. Remember this and it is enough." Drolkar could only give a thumbs-up and did not say anything else. Soon after, with joined palms, she said, "Amitabha, take care of me! Amitabha, take care of me.” Then she gave a long exhalation and passed away.
Post-Death Signs
After she passed away, her face remained fair. The Tulku from Sagou Monastery said, "Do not move her body for about three days; leave it as it is now." Following his instructions, the body was left alone for three days. It was calculated that on the sixth day, her corpse should be sent to the charnel ground. Early in the morning of that day, before dawn, following Drolkar’s wishes, her body was sent to the Tsarang charnel ground. During the transport, various lights appeared on the western mountain top, resembling the sunrise, which all the attendees witnessed.
Generally speaking, she was tall, but on that day, her body had shrunk to the size of a child, and it was light enough to be lifted with one hand, as everyone present saw. When her body was offered to the vultures, vultures with unique feathers that were rarely seen flew in. That day, from the Tsarang charnel ground all the way along the journey, there were rainbow clouds stretched out like silk ribbons, which did not dissipate until evening. Everyone there saw it.
To purify the remains during the forty-nine days of Buddhist rituals, the family brought back a small piece of her skull from the charnel ground. Later, many small beads resembling relics appeared from it. This fact was known by the Tulku Gonpo Phuntsok from Sagou Monastery in Aba County as well as the abbot Gedrak. About two days after her death, the family invited a Sakya master, who said to her family, "There is no need for me to perform the Phowa ritual. She has gone to Sukhavati like a child entering her father's house. She was welcomed and escorted in front and accompanied from behind, instantly reaching the pureland of Protector Amitabha like an arrow shot from the bow."
(Note: It can be seen from the superb death signs that Drolkar had already attained realization.)
Investigation and Verification
Initially, we, the editors, heard a rough account of this story from a nun in Dari County. On August 28, 2020, we personally went to Gande County and interviewed Chotsang Kunga Paljor gleaning more details from what he knew. However, the people familiar with the deceased's story were mainly in Aba County. Therefore, on March 15, 2022, we went to Droke area in Aba County and conducted detailed interviews with her niece-in-law Yanglu (also known as Kalden Sangmo), the grandnephew Drachagya, her sister Yongje, her grandnephew Kunga Tsewang, and the daughter-in-law Rinchen Tso, especially her nephew Chotsang Kunga Norbu and other relatives. After careful inquiry and observation, we wrote the manuscript based on their accounts and later asked them to review it. They confirmed that the report was accurate. We did not solely rely on what the deceased said before her death or the accounts of people who knew this matter intimately. We also conducted verification from multiple perspectives and, after deeming it reliable, finally included this story here.
Drolma Tso or Drolkar of Dari County (Householder, 1927-2019)
Summary:
Drolkar’s life was filled with many amazing events. She declared, "I will not take rebirth in the hells or lower realms. I will be reborn in Sukhavati." At her death, she joined her palms and said, "Amitabha, look after me! Amitabha, look after me!" and passed away in this way.
Life Experiences
Drolkar was born in the Tibetan 16th Rabjung Fire Rabbit year (1927) in Jimai Town, Daring County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Her father was a doctor named Yeshe, and her mother was named Rigzin Drolma. She had four children: two sons and two daughters, and lived a life of poverty and contentment. Despite being born in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Qinghai Province), due to certain reasons, she lived for some time near Sagou Monastery in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture (Sichuan Province).
Her nephew married a woman named Yanglu, and the family lived by begging. There were many stories about her and her niece-in-law Yanglu. They were filled with pure kindness and hard to believe but these will not be recounted here.
She met many teachers and was a fortunate person who had listened to many sublime Dharma teachings. At Jonang Sagou Monastery, her teacher Kunzang Yongphen would teach "The Words of My Perfect Teacher" for a month every year, and she received teachings from him for nine years.
Drolkar said, "I received Mahayana fasting precepts many times in places like Meilongtang in Aba from the precept master Rinchen Dargye. The teacher Dorgyepal also said, 'If you recite Amitabha's name a million times, I guarantee you won't be dragged to the hell realms. If you do go, I will take your places in the next life.' I also accumulated the group merit of reciting the Mani mantra 100 million times with Mani Lama Padma Siddhi, so I don't think I will be reborn in hell."
(Note: Dorgyepal is also called the “Amitabha Teacher” because he always recited Amitabha’s name. He was a teacher at Sarma Paltse Monastery in the Rangtang county.)
During the 100 million Mani recitation, while spinning his Mani wheel, Mani Lama explained the shorter sutra on the Adornment of Sukhavati which stated, "Om Ami Dewa Hri! In Sukhavati, there are only holy beings. There is no name of the six realms. May I be reborn in Sukhavati. In the pure land of Amitabha, the holy beings emit the light of wisdom. There is no name for day and night. May I be reborn in Sukhavati.” Everyone sang the Mani mantra together. It was said that this could purify the negative karma of killing a hundred horses, a hundred people, a hundred dogs, a hundred women etc. Mani Lama also gave many presents because Drolkar and Gada Yedro sang the Mani mantra with very beautiful voices. There were many accounts like this.
Drolkar said, "At Sagou Monastery, everyone called Tenpa Chopel Rinpoche 'Uncle Tenpa'. At the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, he was assigned to look after a courtyard called Yura, and we worked nearby. During breaks, we would visit Uncle Tenpa, who would say, 'Children, this is a time of turmoil. Due to past virtue, you have obtained a human body. But due to past non-virtue, even reciting even one Mani mantra could get you slapped, holding prayer beads could get you into a public session of humiliation. You must endure hard labor or you will starve. Think of this as repaying karmic debts from past lives and serve the public sincerely. Do not be lazy because of your fatigue but work hard.’ He gave such crucial teachings.
“One night, Bodong Langri told me, 'I requested Uncle Tenpa to give an empowerment of 'Amitabha's Swift Path' tonight. Let's go quietly. Don’t forget.' Following his words, I went with Geba, Dronyi, Lari, Yingok and some trustworthy close friends to Uncle Tenpa after everyone fell asleep. Uncle Tenpa gave the empowerment and said, 'I have given you the empowerment of Amitabha's Swift Path, so there is no doubt you will be reborn in Amitabha's pure land. You can recite the aspiration prayer 'Emaho! Ngo Tsar Sangye Nangwa Thaye Dang…' and the prayer that begins with 'Ultimate nature of the Infallible Triple Gems...' These aspirations are very blessed and will ensure rebirth in Sukhavati.’”
(Note: The first aspiration prayer can be found here:
www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/terton-mingyur-dorje/brief-sukhavati-aspiration, the second prayer was written by Panchen Lama)
She often recited these aspiration prayers. By her late eighties, when she recited till the sentence "With no other refuge, compassionately take care of me," she would sometimes fall into a state with unmoving eyes for about fifteen minutes to half an hour. Her lips were pursed as she spaced out, almost like a coma. No amount of calling or tugging at the clothes could bring her out of this state. She remained unknowing and unperturbed.
Even when drinking tea, she would suddenly fall into this state, holding the cup without spilling it. When she was in this state, she did not respond when people said, “What’s happening?”. But after emerging from her state, she would say, "Oh, nothing happened," and smile while continuing to drink her tea. She would say things like “May Protector Amitabha watch over us.” She acted normally afterwards in a relaxed way. Everyone thought that this must be her habit and did not think it was a problem.
In any case, Drolkar’s diligent practice of virtue, especially taking Mahayana fasting precepts, reciting Mani mantra and Amitabha's name became her accumulations for taking birth in Sukhavati.
Final Moments
Kunga Paljor told us, "In the autumn and winter of 2018, Aunt Drolkar, though in good health, told me, 'Child, it's better if I die. After my death, I will not be reborn in hell or the lower realms but will go to Amitabha's pure land. Can you recite the Phowa practice for me? Now, Aunt is old, and my body is failing.'"
About half a month before her death, one night while everyone was sleeping, she suddenly raised her head and called, "Uncle Pal-la!" Yanglu and Drachagya said, "Mother, you are talking in your sleep." She replied, "I am not talking in my sleep. I am near death, and you don't need to be afraid. I am not afraid of it at all. Uncle Pal-la has come to fetch me. It’s time to die."
(Uncle Pal-la is a master who is an emanation of Sogya Rinpoche from Xinlong.)
After that, her health deteriorated day by day, and she was bedridden for three or four days. The day before her death, she told her son, "Now, let me recite the Sukhavati Aspiration Prayer for you. Uncle Tenpa told me that reciting this ensures rebirth in the pure land." She then recited " Ultimate nature of the Infallible Triple Gems..." clearly and fluently, which was recorded on the handphone by her family, and this video can still be seen today. She then followed that with prayers to the deities and teachers she usually prayed to, which her family also recorded on video and it is still preserved today.
While she was reciting Panchen Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen's "Brief Sukhavati Aspiration Prayer", she reached the lines "Guide me to Sukhavati. With no other refuge, compassionately take care of me”, she entered the state of spacing out again with pursed lips. After a while, she returned to normal and said, "Reciting the prayer 'Lord of the Dharma, Avalokiteshvara…' etc guarantees not going to the hell realms after death."
Then she recited the prayer of the great siddha Thangtong Gyalpo: "Destroyer of Mara's army, with red and brown wrathful body. Possessing a high view, engaging in secret tantric conduct. Hidden yogi who is the protector of all beings. Emanation prophesied by Guru Rinpoche. Thangtong Gyalpo, at your feet I pray." Like before, she lapsed into that state again for some time before returning to normal and reciting the prayer of the omniscient Jonangpa Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen: "Comprehending exactly the meaning of the three turnings of Dharma wheel, mastering the truth of the four great tantras, guiding all beings on the correct path, omniscient Dharma King, I pray at your feet." In this way, she recited prayers to the precept master Rinpoche Rinchen Dargye and Pal-la Shangpa and so forth. It was very rare.
On the day she passed away, she only gave a thumbs-up to Sangdok and did not speak. At one point, she suddenly asked, "Where is the teacher from Sagou Monastery?" The family told her, "Tulku arrived earlier." She then raised her head and said, "Pray to Protector Amitabha." She tried her best to follow the prayers during the empowerment. Tulku said, "She is a disciple of Sagou Monastery's teacher Kunzang Yongphen — different from other people. It's better to move her to another room without people." Following the Tulku’s instruction, they moved her to another room. The Tulku also followed them and said, "Auntie, don't be afraid now. Pray to the Guru Triple Gems and Amitabha. Remember this and it is enough." Drolkar could only give a thumbs-up and did not say anything else. Soon after, with joined palms, she said, "Amitabha, take care of me! Amitabha, take care of me.” Then she gave a long exhalation and passed away.
Post-Death Signs
After she passed away, her face remained fair. The Tulku from Sagou Monastery said, "Do not move her body for about three days; leave it as it is now." Following his instructions, the body was left alone for three days. It was calculated that on the sixth day, her corpse should be sent to the charnel ground. Early in the morning of that day, before dawn, following Drolkar’s wishes, her body was sent to the Tsarang charnel ground. During the transport, various lights appeared on the western mountain top, resembling the sunrise, which all the attendees witnessed.
Generally speaking, she was tall, but on that day, her body had shrunk to the size of a child, and it was light enough to be lifted with one hand, as everyone present saw. When her body was offered to the vultures, vultures with unique feathers that were rarely seen flew in. That day, from the Tsarang charnel ground all the way along the journey, there were rainbow clouds stretched out like silk ribbons, which did not dissipate until evening. Everyone there saw it.
To purify the remains during the forty-nine days of Buddhist rituals, the family brought back a small piece of her skull from the charnel ground. Later, many small beads resembling relics appeared from it. This fact was known by the Tulku Gonpo Phuntsok from Sagou Monastery in Aba County as well as the abbot Gedrak. About two days after her death, the family invited a Sakya master, who said to her family, "There is no need for me to perform the Phowa ritual. She has gone to Sukhavati like a child entering her father's house. She was welcomed and escorted in front and accompanied from behind, instantly reaching the pureland of Protector Amitabha like an arrow shot from the bow."
(Note: It can be seen from the superb death signs that Drolkar had already attained realization.)
Investigation and Verification
Initially, we, the editors, heard a rough account of this story from a nun in Dari County. On August 28, 2020, we personally went to Gande County and interviewed Chotsang Kunga Paljor gleaning more details from what he knew. However, the people familiar with the deceased's story were mainly in Aba County. Therefore, on March 15, 2022, we went to Droke area in Aba County and conducted detailed interviews with her niece-in-law Yanglu (also known as Kalden Sangmo), the grandnephew Drachagya, her sister Yongje, her grandnephew Kunga Tsewang, and the daughter-in-law Rinchen Tso, especially her nephew Chotsang Kunga Norbu and other relatives. After careful inquiry and observation, we wrote the manuscript based on their accounts and later asked them to review it. They confirmed that the report was accurate. We did not solely rely on what the deceased said before her death or the accounts of people who knew this matter intimately. We also conducted verification from multiple perspectives and, after deeming it reliable, finally included this story here.
