Finishing touches are being applied to the first-ever Mongolian translation of Patrul Rinpoche’s classic, The Words of my Perfect Teacher. To assist in this process, I posted an inquiry over at E-Sangha to get some hi-res photos of prominent Nyingma lamas from the past century. What I got in return was utterly unexpected. One helpful soul tipped me to the fact that a current incarnation of the text’s author, Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche, displays at his site a photo widely regarded to be none other than the original Dza Patrul himself ( a bit enhanced along the way):
Is it possible? His dates were 1808-87, well within the time of the development of photography. The story behind the photo is here. What do you think? Does it seem authentic? If it were you, would you use it in the translated text?
Now, getting this photo was great. Unfortunately, my inquiry did not turn up any of the others we need. So. I’ll give it a whirl here. Do any of you have, or know where to get, hi-res images of the following lamas?
* Dudjom Rinpoche
* Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
* Minling Trichen Rinpoche
* Dodrupchen Rinpoche
* Chatral Rinpoche
* Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche
* Trulshik Rinpoche
* Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok
* Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
* Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche
Please leave word in the comments or email me. Thanks!
High it might also be the second incarnation of Patrul tulku (there were more than one found).
Posted by: Andrej (Marpo) | May 22, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Remember that, with faith and devotion, even a dog's tooth can become a relic. Even if this is not Patrul Rinpoche - & I believe it is - the main point is to develop a fervent wish to learn & practice his teachings.
Posted by: Lama Kunzang | May 22, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Buddhist Himalayas by Matthieu Ricard has a large selection of very large full color photos of Dilgo Khyentse, one black and white of Dudjom Rinpoche, and one of Dilgo Khyentse and Trulshik Rinpoche together (amongst other modern Nyingma luminaries).
If no one has digi copies available for you, I could try getting some scans made.
Posted by: Jamyang Norbu | May 22, 2009 at 03:37 PM
I checked with a friend in my community and he said that, for other than personal usage, permission ought to be asked for each of the teachers.
As far as for the photograph above, you could publish it with a caption saying: "This is not Patrul Rinpoche" Now you got your cover:-)
Posted by: Christian | May 26, 2009 at 10:24 PM
You could try Ani Aileen for images of Khenpo Jigme Puntsok
Posted by: yeshe lhamo | May 30, 2009 at 12:44 PM