Rinchen Bumpa is a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months in the 8th century. Terton Ratna Lingpa later prophesied this Nyechen. It is located in the remote village of Kurtoe, Dungkhar, in Lhuentse Dzongkhag.
People from all walks of life visit Neychen Rinchen Bumpa Nye to seek blessings and spiritual merit. It is believed that anyone who reaches this holy place is destined to attain enlightenment in one lifetime and be reborn in Ngayab Ling, an abode of Guru Rinpoche.
How to Reach Rinchen Bumpa
The journey to Neychen Rinchen Bumpa is both physically and spiritually challenging. From Lhuentse town, drive about 6 hours to Kuenzangling Lhakhang. From there, a 4-hour uphill trek leads to the sacred site. Now, a new road construction from Kuenzangling to Rinchen Bumpa has shortened the distance. It just takes around 2 hours.
Historical Significance of Neychen Rinchen Bumpa
Rinchen Bumpa is the sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months in the 8th century. Künkhyen Longchenpa also blessed the holy place. Later, it was prophesied by Ratna Lingpa.
The site was named Rinchen Bumpa, meaning the “Vase of Jewel”.
Sacred Sites Around Neychen Rinchen Bumpa
Several sacred sites surround Rinchen Bumpa. The backdrop of Neychen Rinchen Bumpa resembles a glossy silk robe, while the lower part resembles a Tantric practitioner’s Hum Khung, a triangular tantric fire pit used in ritual offerings. The mountain on the right of Rinchen Bumpa resembles a gingpo descending the cliff.
Several other sacred landmarks lie around the Neychen. Singye Dzong lies towards the east, and Aja Lung to the south. Choezang Cave lies toward the west, and Lha Chen Khari to the north. LhamoKhar lies towards the north-east, Rolmoding to the south-east, and Tajug Thang to the north-east.
Besides, there are many other holy sites, such as Pema Tse, Kham Phug, Chittai Nyingpo, Choegyel Lung, Pelsum Phug, Choedzong Phug, and Mangde Phug, as well as Trashichoeling, Bading Phug, and Chung Zay Phug.
Description of Neychen Rinchen Bumpa Nye
The main feature of Rinchen Bumpa Nye is the white cliff that resembles a stupa. It has three layers symbolizing the blessings of Choeku, Longku, and Trulku, representing Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Guru Rinpoche.
The site holds numerous sacred imprints and treasures, including footprints of Guru Rinpoche and Yeshey Tshogyel, a meditation cave known as “point of a knife”, a Lamp of Kalpa, a cave of Samten, and other meditation caves and caverns.
The Sacred Ba (Target) of Drangsong Rahula
One of the most mysterious and revered relics at Neychen Rinchen Bumpa is the Ba, a large carved stone slab, believed to be the archery target of Drangsong Za Rahula, a principal protector of Nyingma tradition.
The highlight of this mystical Ba is the miraculous appearance of sacred mantras when the first rays of the sun fall on it. The sacred mantras displayed are the 12-syllable mantra of Guru Rinpoche, Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hung, and the Mantras of Rigsum Gonpo, Om Mani Padme Hum (for the God of Compassion), Om Vajrapani Hum (for the God of Power), and Om Wagi Shori Mum (for the God of Knowledge). However, when the sun’s rays disappear, the mantras fade away.
Rinchen Bumpa Monastery
Rinchen Bumpa Monastery is also known as Rinchen Bumpa Retreat Center. It serves as a spiritual center for the retreat of tsampa, which can last from one month to three years.
Inside, the monastery houses a wish-fulfilling statue of Guru Rinpoche along with other sacred relics.
Accommodation at Rinchen Bumpa Monastery
Neychen Rinchen Bumpa now has a guest house with proper drinking water and well-maintained washrooms. A Khenpo and the monks are responsible for preparing meals and attending to guest rooms.
Best Time to Visit Neychen Rinchen Bumpa
Rinchen Bumpa Nye is open to visitors from November to March. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Lhuentse with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
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