Dilgo Khyentse, Tulku Rabsel Dawa

Accepted by Jamgon Lama, Khyentse Öser.

Now we have come to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, whose greatness really doesn’t require my adding anything. Here, in the lineage supplication, Dilgo Khyentse mentions himself as “Accepted by Jamgon Lama, Khyentse Öser.” The principal “Jamgon Lama” was Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. To be “accepted by” this Loving Guardian (Jamgon) means that he regarded Dzongsar Khyentse as his root guru. Seen from the viewpoint of ordinary people Dilgo Khyentse excelled in his studies due to his outstanding intelligence and diligence, but in actuality, he was an emanation of both Vimalamitra and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, so what do I need to add? Such a precious master!
The one who first recognized him as a reincarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo was Jamyang Loter Wangpo from the great Ngor Monastery in Tsang. Jamyang Loter Wangpo was one of the principal disciples of both Jamgon Khyentse and Jamgon Kongtrul and was a master of outstanding importance. Although Dilgo Khyentse was educated in the Sakya lineage when young, he was really nonsectarian (Rimey). The tulku was brought to Shechen Monastery where he entered the great Dharma college and this is why he is sometimes called Shechen Khyentse. The tulku was also verified by the Karmapa and by Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, who also enthroned him.
So, when Dzongsar Khyentse departed to the invisible realms, Dilgo Khyentse — affectionately known as Tulku Salgah — appeared and continued to shine like the sun for the Buddhadharma and all beings. It is said that the activity of the Khyentse incarnations is like the moon rising when the sun sets — when one of them dissolves back into the buddhafield of Akanishtha, another emanation appears, often a bit more brilliant than the previous one. When Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo passed away, Karmapa Khakyab Dorje saw in a pure vision that 25 emanations would appear as the identity of the 25 aspects of fruition — five each of body, speech, mind, qualities and activity; among these, there were five principal incarnations. That is why we see so many reincarnations with the name “Khyentse”. It is similar with Jamgon Kongtrul’s incarnations.
In his day, Dilgo Khyentse was without equal in spreading the teachings of Khyentse, Kongtrul and Chokling. He came to be the guru of the entire world. Like the sun shining in the sky, his deeds and activity reached everywhere. Wherever he went, there would be a commotion. Some Nepalese people exclaimed, “Padmasambhava must have looked like that! He is so big!” His virtues were truly extraordinary! His eyes were so clear, his tongue so eloquent. He was unique, truly incredible. He was a master in the truest sense of the word. Those who have met him know what I mean.

--extract from Blazing Splendor, the momoirs of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche