Tsangton Dorje Gyamtsen, who was the emanation of the Vajra-like mind realization of all Buddhas – Akshobhya, was born in the fire snake year of the second sexagenary cycle with unusual auspicious signs in a village in the Buborgang region of Kham, to the family of Tsangchen.  In his early years, he was already very conversant with reading and writing Tibetan. 

When Tsangton was 17, he visited a teacher with whom he had very deep karmic ties: Kathok’s founding master – the omniscient unsurpassed jewel – Dampa Deshek Rinpoche.  From then on, he served his teacher whole-heartedly and followed his teacher to Minyak (Western Xia), Ling and other places, benefitting beings according to their conditions.  He not only served his Guru meticulously, but also diligently and incessantly studied to improve himself and to absorb the nectar of the Buddhadharma.

In his 21st year, Tsangton went to the Dritira monastery in Drituri (Mount Dritu) to practice in retreat.  When he was 23, he accompanied his teacher, Dampa Deshek Rinpoche, to search for a place called ‘Kathok’.   When they found Kathok (see the biography of Lineage Master Dampa Deshek for more details), Tsangton was given the heavy responsibility of building the main temple by his teacher.  During the day, he labored in the construction site while at night he continued with his practice.  Through listening, contemplation and following his teacher’s pith instructions, he completely clarified and removed all doubts and confusion.  In terms of reciting the yidam’s mantra, he attained the best signs of accomplishment.

One day in his samadhi, Tsangton’s guru, Dampa Desheg Rinpoche, saw a deep gorge with a lake in it.  This lake was filled with clear spring water.  A blindingly brilliant light suffused from the lake.  Dampa Desheg wondered, “What kind of sign is this?”  A voice replied, “Great one, this is the throne of your disciple who is abiding on the eleventh bhumi of all-illuminating light.”  Dampa Desheg Rinpoche pointed to Tsangton and said, ‘You are this said “disciple”.’  Upon hearing that, Tsangton entered into an inconceivable state of clear light experience and directly saw the actual form of Shri Heruka, the mandala of 42 peaceful deities, Palden Lhamo, Mahakala and other Dharmapalas.  Tsangton also recalled many events of his past life as the translator Yeshe Chog.

Before the omniscient unsurpassed great jewel Dampa Desheg Rinpoche entered parinirvana, he personally transmitted to Tsangton his Dharma hat, robes and alms bowl and announced to the ocean assembly of disciples that Tsangton was officially the second throne-holder of the Kathok Monastery.

After this, the Venerable Dharma King Tsangton knew that the time for activities of benefitting beings had ripened and began accepting disciples from U-Tsang, Do-Kham and other regions.  With great compassion, he took in and trained tens of thousands of karmically connected students and highly encouraged them to become ordained.  He led the summer monastic retreats and presided over the major Dharma events as the Vajra Acharya (Vajra Master).

Tsangton Dorje Gyamtsen was like the firm pillar in the vast sea of disciples. Externally, all his conduct was in perfect accord with the precepts.  He had a gentle and kind character which was as pure as the robes that adorned his body.  Inwardly, his thoughts and intentions were infused with bodhichitta.  He was fearless in accepting those disciples who were wild and difficult to tame.  On the secret level, Tsangton perfected all the qualities of the grounds and paths and was deeply experienced in the Vajrayana practices and meditations.

Tsangton was impartial to all schools and lineages, with no preference or discrimination towards any sect, thus he was esteemed by many great masters from various lineages.  When Tsangton was explaining the meaning of the Vajrayana (in particular, the three groups: Sutra, Illusion and Mind), he was able to elucidate the profound meanings in a simple and yet thorough way, bringing great benefit to the listeners and removing their doubts.  Many of his disciples praised him highly for this and this caused the fame of Tsangton (Kathok Monastery’s exalted jewel) to spread throughout the whole of Tibet.

As Tsangton’s fame was exceedingly great, Pomdragpa (who was one of the key disciples of the first Karmapa and a teacher of the second Karmapa) felt dubious about Tsangton and decided to check on Tsangton through his meditation.  Eventually, he discovered that Tsangton’s fame was deserved and rejoiced greatly.  Pomdragpa made a long journey to Kathok Monastery to pay a visit to Tsangton and received the secret empowerment of the Maya (Illusion) Tantra from him.  The teacher and disciple’s mind merged as one.

Tsangton’s great virtues, ability and his qualities of realization are just like a legend.  One can refer to the biography of the first Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa, “Garland of Dance” to read the finer details.

Tsangton Dorje Gyamtsen stayed at Kathok Monastery from the age of 56 to 90.  Later the throne was passed to his heart disciple Jampa Bum.  In the twentieth day of the twelfth month of the fire dog year in the fourth Tibetan sexagenary cycle, Tsangton manifested parinirvana in the midst of miraculous signs.  Tsangton’s relinquary stupa was built beside the stupa of the omniscient lineage master Dampa Desheg Rinpoche to allow future generations to pay their respect and accumulate merits.  It is presently at the hall of the three lineage masters’ stupas in Kubum (100,000 Buddha statues) village.