One of the great living lineages of the Nyingma school, renowned for its preservation of the Great Perfection through the heart-essence practices of the Longchen Nyingthig, the Chetsun Nyingthig, the Nyingma Kama, and numerous other terma treasures.
For more than a century, the Adzom lineage has exemplified the union of profound scholarship, contemplation, and intensive meditation practice, producing generations of accomplished masters whose influence extends throughout the Tibetan Buddhist world. Rooted in the ancient Nyingma tradition and enriched by the non-sectarian Rime spirit, it remains dedicated to preserving authentic transmission and guiding practitioners toward direct realization of the nature of mind through the Great Perfection.
According to traditional accounts, the name “Adzom” originated several centuries ago when five brothers of the same family were all recognized as incarnate lamas. Amazed by this extraordinary circumstance, people exclaimed “Adzompo!” — “What an extraordinary occurrence!”
From that time onward the family estate came to be known as Adzom Labrang, and its successive spiritual heirs became known simply as the Adzom lineage.
One of the most influential Dzogchen masters of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Adzom Drukpa Drodül Pawo Dorje was a recognized incarnation of Ma Rinchen Chok. He studied under many of Tibet's greatest masters — Patrul Rinpoche, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé, Kathok Situ, Shechen Töpten Namgyal, and other eminent lineage holders — and later became one of the principal teachers of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.
He was revered not only for his vast knowledge but for his extraordinary realization. Traditional biographies recount visionary encounters with Jigme Lingpa and Yeshe Tsogyal, from whom he is said to have received direct blessings and transmissions. He became one of the foremost holders of the Longchen Nyingthig and Chetsun Nyingthig traditions, and revealed several terma treasure cycles, later collected as the Ösal Dorje Sangdzö — the Collection of Secret Treasures of Vajra Luminosity.
Adzom Drukpa Rinpoche attained the Rainbow Body in 1924. His principal dharma heirs were his eldest and youngest sons.
Their present incarnations are, respectively, the guide and the founder of White Jewel Mountain. That both heirs’ incarnations are at the heart of our center is truly unique, and a great blessing.
Recognized by Jamgön Kongtrul the Great as an emanation of Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje (Terdak Lingpa), Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje received complete training directly from his father in the Longchen Nyingthig, Chetsun Nyingthig, Nyingma Kama, and his father’s own treasure teachings. Unlike his father he remained a fully ordained monk throughout his life, and became the principal holder of Adzom Gar after his father’s passing.
Although regarded as possessing the qualities of a great tertön, he chose not to reveal new treasure teachings. Instead he devoted his life to preserving, clarifying, and transmitting the complete teachings inherited from previous generations. His writings, meditation advice, liturgical commentaries, lineage prayers, and practical instructions, are still widely studied today for their exceptional clarity and precision.
During the political upheavals of the 1950s he was imprisoned, where he continued teaching fellow prisoners and maintained unwavering commitment to Dharma practice. Before his passing in 1969 numerous miraculous signs were reported, and he left a detailed letter predicting the circumstances of his future rebirth.
The birth of Adzom Drukpa’s younger son was prophesied by the great rainbow-body master Pema Dudul. He was trained directly by his father; historical records note that when Pema Wangyal received empowerments and quintessential instructions from his father, he received them completely, “like pouring out the contents of one vase and filling another.”
He entered a rigorous three-year retreat at just eleven years old, and became an exceptional scholar and lineage holder, mastering both the traditional Kama and Terma lieanges - of unbroken oral transmission and revealed treasure teachings, respectively. Through this deep practice he achieved authentic realization of the Great Perfection.
He carries an unbroken transmission of Dzogchen into the present day, teaching with warmth and clarity, and meeting longtime practitioners and newcomers alike exactly where they stand, with the same grounded, joy and equanimity.
White Jewel Mountain grows from his blessing and guidance. His wisdom shapes what is taught here, how the year is structured, and the spirit in which everyone is welcomed.
Nyingma · Dzogchen
Nyingma · Dzogchen
Thubten Pema Trinley
Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa, the reincarnation of Pema Wangyal, Adzom Drukpa’s youngest son and dharma heir, was formally enthroned by the master Thubten Pema Trinley.
He is renowned for his profound realization, humility, and mastery of the Great Perfection.
As the spiritual founder and inspiration of White Jewel Mountain, Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa’s vision continues to shape and illuminate us as a center where practitioners can receive, preserve, and realize the profound teachings of the Adzom tradition.
One of the most revered masters of our age, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche recognized the present Adzom Gyalse Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje.
The great Thubten Pema Trinley recognized Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa at the age of five, and knowing him to be a great prodigy, he began his training. He later enthroned him at the age of twelve.
Our Spiritual Founder, the reincarnation of Pema Wangyal, Adzom Drukpa’s youngest son. Rinpoche is considered one of the greatest living tertons of our age.
These lineage holders preserve and transmit the rich spiritual heritage of Adzom Gar for new generations of practitioners.
With two such extraordinary masters as our inspiration, White Jewel Mountain is blessed to rest firmly within the Adzom Drukpa lineage of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection. Free from dogma and distance, resting in the joy of awareness, we are a space devoted to learning, practice, and recognition of our true nature.
The teachings held here were carried by the great master Adzom Drukpa, whose realization and terma revelations renewed the Dzogchen tradition in eastern Tibet, and were passed down through his heirs to the present day.