A Short Biography of Dungse Lama Pasang Phuntsok
Dungse Lama Pasang Phuntsok was born on September 5, 1974, in Tsum Valley to Dungse Pema Lhatsen Rinpoche and Dolma. From a young age, he received comprehensive teachings from his father, including reading, writing, empowerments, transmissions, pith instructions, and ritual practices. He fully completed preliminary practices, accumulation and purification (bsags-sbyong), and meditation training (bsher-sgom), becoming deeply versed in the Ngak Labrang tradition, the family’s spiritual seat founded by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk.
He also received major transmissions such as the complete Kagyur, the Ngak Dzöd, and the Nyingthik Yabzhi from Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, and the full Rinchen Terdzö from H.H. Penor Rinpoche. In 1996, he married Amo Dagmo and has six children, all of whom are pursuing modern education in Nepal and India.
In 2011, on the auspicious day of the Buddha’s Descent from Heaven, he was enthroned as the spiritual head of Ngak Labrang by the wish of his father and with unanimous support from the Tsum community. He has since worked tirelessly to restore monasteries, including Tsedrak Ösel Chöling, uphold traditional ceremonies, and serve both lay and monastic communities.
Beyond his religious duties, Dungse Lama Pasang has provided vital community leadership. Elected as local ward president of Upper Tsum from 2016 to 2021, he spearheaded projects such as securing monthly pensions for elders, establishing mobile phone connectivity, building a hydropower plant, and constructing a helipad for emergency evacuations.
In recognition of his contributions, King Birendra of Nepal gifted him a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, and in 2018, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama offered him a rare statue of Guru Rinpoche, commending his service along the Tibetan border. He has also met H.H. the 17th Karmapa and received the Kalachakra empowerment from H.H. the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya.
Dungse Lama Pasang has undertaken pilgrimages to sacred sites in India, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Canada, engaging with global Buddhist communities. He continues to reside in Tsum, leading both spiritual and social initiatives.
Unlike other Labrangs in Tsum whose original lineages have faded, Ngak Labrang maintains an unbroken lineage from Terchen Guru Chökyi Wangchuk to the present day. Under his guidance, its spiritual legacy and institutional development have flourished, ensuring its vibrant presence in the 21st century.