Drukpa Kuenley - The Divine Mad Man
Lama Drukpa Kuenley was born in the year 1455 in Ralung of Eastern Tibet to father Rinchen Zangpo and mother Gomokee; his given name was Kuenga Legpai Zangpo. A Drukpa Master by lineage and education, Choeje Drukpa Kuenley is known for his unorthodox practices and the thunderbolt of wisdom.
He usually appears holding a bow and arrow representing his penetrating Insights and Skillful means to slay the 10 enemies of 10 directions; he leads a hunting dog to hunt and kill the habit of dualistic thinking. His long hair is tied at the back and he wears big iron earrings. He covers his torso with a vest over the shoulder and is usually dressed in a cotton skirt.
History
Drukpa Kuenley is said to have shot an arrow from Tibet which landed by a staircase in a household in ToebChangdaNa of Toebisa Village in Punakha Bhutan. He followed the direction of his arrow and upon finding it is said to have been challenged by the house owner, who upon drawing a sword at him was enthralled when the Lama caught it by hand and bent it.
The lama the went on to enlighten the Matriarch of the household using his Wisdom of Thunderbolt of wisdom or in plain language with his phallus; yes indeed the lama is widely famed for having intercourse with women often enlightening them and many a times with witches subduing them.
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
The temple was built in the 15th century upon hearing a demoness was tormenting the villagers. The lama is said to have subdued the demonesses who transformed into a dog at the spot where the temple was built. Another version of story goes that when Drukpa Kuenley reached Dochula, he met the demoness upon confrontation the demoness turned into a dog which tried to escape and reach at the present day Chimi Lhakhang where he caught her and subdued her with the flaming thunderbolt wisdom. The name, “Chimi” is a phonological change over time of the word “Khyimed” which means “No Dogs”
Drukpa Kuenley used the “Thunder Bolt wisdom”an euphemism for his Penis, to subdue the witch.
The temple is credited to have been built by Lama Ngawang Chogyal the older brother of Drukpa Kuenley in the year 1499.
The Temple layout
1. First / Ground Floor Representing Hell
Built in 659 by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo the Jowo Lhakhang features the following:-
- The Main Statue is of Jowo Shakyamuni, the Present Buddha wearing the crown of future Buddha Maitreya, with his 2 disciples Mudgyalyana and Shariputra standing on the sides.
- Statues of 8 Bodhisattavas
- Statues of Zhabdrung Tshokor Sum and
-Statue of Guru Choekor Sum
2. Second / Middle floor Representing Earth
-The Chenrezig Lhakhang was built by Je Sherab Gyeltshen in 1838 as an exterior extension to the entrance of the main 1st temple. The wooden floor has a foot imprint of the Jekhenpo formed after years of prostrations. The temple features the following:-
- Statue of 4 armed Avalokitesvara/ Chenrezig and statue of Songtsen Gempo by Je Sherab Gyeltshen
- Statue of 11-headed Avalokitesvara/ Chenrezig offered by Paro Penlop dawa Penjor
- Paintings from the Jataka tales
- A Namgyelma Stupa
3. Third / Top Floor Representing Heaven
A Guru Lhakhang was built in 1936 by Paro Penlop Kuzhu Tshering Penjor right next to the Chenrezig temple. the lhakhang was used as a bedroom by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The Lhakhang has the following features:-
- Statues of Guru Rinpoche and his 8 manifestations
- Painting of Guru Zangdopelri
- & painting of Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa
Statues and paintings inside the main temple :-
—. The main central figure is of Lama Drukpa Kuenley holding his bow and arrow seated with a dog accompanying him.
-statue of Lama Ngawang Chogyal in the emanation of Guru Rinpoche.
-A stupa with the body remains of WolaGyab. ( a local king from the village in opposite mountain who gained enlightenment after chanting mantras taught to him by Drukpa Kuenley.