The first abbot

The first abbot, great scholar Zhenga Rinpoche

The first abbot of this great Dharma seat was great scholar Zhenga Rinpoche alias Zhenphen Chokyi Nangwa, who is a disciple of great adept from Dzogchen, Ugyen Tenzin Norbu. After the death of his teacher, Zhenga Rinpoche inherited the seat of his master and taught there for an extended period. He later founded seminary at Dzogchen Shri Simha monastery and served as its Khenpo, was tutor to Jamgon Situ Rinpoche Pema Wangchok Gyelpo and founded a Shedra at Palpung monastery. Likewise he founded a teaching college at Keygu Gon Dendup Ling. He stayed for a long time at retreat place call Sela Gang, which belongs to the Derge monastery, receiving Lamdre and Compendium of tantra from Loter Wangpo and during that time too he spread the teachings.

Zhenga Rinpoche was known to have a predilection towards Sakyapa’s teaching, and in this he was actively encouraged by his teacher to make aspirations and prophesized that he will benefit Sakya tradition in the future. Accordingly, he was the source of inspiration and encouragement behind the eventual collection and edition of collected works of Gorampa by his students Jamgyel Rinpoche. He was considered to be the immediate embodiment of Ngor Thartse Khenchen Jampa Kunga Tenpai Gyeltshen and Ngawang Lekdrup recognized him as the reincarnation of Sakya Pandita.

Lama Jamamg Gyeltshen, Khangsar Khenchen Ngawang Lodoe Zhenphen Nyingpo, Bonten Khenrab and Dezhung Trulku are his disciples from Sakya sect.

The great Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodoe later invited him to teach at the newly started Dzongsar Khamje Shedra and he taught there for two years. His personal belongings housed at Dzongsar were revered by his disciples.