A Conversation with Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche
The many respected masters of Bhutan can trace their lineages back to the Nyingma-pa teacher Pema Lingpa (1450–1521), and take pride in this long history.
Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, is seen as a spiritual leader in Bhutan. He was commissioned by Padmasambhava to uncover spiritual treasures, and his influence is still felt today.
His Peling lineage covers the entire country, and their practice follows the Nyingma model, from tshechus and lochoe to retreats and meditation.
For centuries, Pema Lingpa has been reincarnated in a series of prominent religious leaders who have provided guidance to the people of Bhutan and helped to preserve its Buddhist faith and culture.
The most recent incarnation is Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche, the elder cousin of Zuri Rinpoche. He is a traditionalist and the head abbot of Drametse Monastery, one of three locations that represent the three lineages of Pema Lingpa: his own direct reincarnation (Peling Sungtruel), his son (Peling Thukse), and his grandson (Peling Gyalse).
