The 25th birth anniversary of His Eminence Chechok Rinpoche was celebrated with great joy and warmth on March 12.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Advocate Tashi Gyalson, CEC, LAHDC Leh; Tsering Angchuk, Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh; councillors; Chering Dorjey, Lakrook, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA); monks from Hemis Monastery; family members, and other distinguished guests.

The celebration commenced with a cake-cutting ceremony led by His Eminence Chechok Rinpoche, which was met with enthusiastic applause. The event was further enriched by mesmerizing performances from talented Ladakhi artists, who showcased the region's vibrant cultural heritage.

In his address, CEC Tashi Gyalson extended his heartfelt wishes to His Eminence for a prosperous future and a long, fulfilling life, acknowledging the significant responsibilities he will undertake. He also highlighted the invaluable role of the lamas in supporting the people of Ladakh through difficult times and their contributions in fostering a strong and united community.

Renowned environmentalist Chhewang Norphel, known as the 'Ice Man of India,' shared his deep connection with the previous Chechok Rinpoche and expressed gratitude for receiving blessings from the reincarnated Rinpoche.

Biography of Dubpon Sonam Chechok

Sonam Chechok was born in Rong Kungyam (Lakat) in the Ladakh Stod region in the Water Female Ox year of the fifteenth Rabjung (1913 A.D.). He was the son of Yab Norzang Stobgyal and Yom Ishey Chosron. From an early age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and a deep spiritual inclination, showing unwavering faith in the Dharma and great compassion for others.

He received numerous teachings, empowerments, and transmissions from the Fifth Skyabgon Stakstang Raspa. At the age of forty-five, he contracted smallpox, which affected his vision and interrupted his studies. However, despite his blindness, he deepened his spiritual practice under the guidance of Skyabgon Stakstang. Assisted by his sister, Urgain Zangmo, he embarked on pilgrimages to Karzha and Tso Padma, where he studied with Kyabje Kunga Rinpoche. Through relentless practice of refuge and the Mani Vajra mantra, he attained profound spiritual realizations and even gained clairvoyance.
Despite his visual impairment, he remarkably traveled independently from Leh to Kungyam. He carried only essential personal items such as a bell, a hand drum, and a water pot. His extraordinary abilities and unwavering devotion to the Dharma inspired faith among the people. He practiced rigorous fasting and accumulated an astounding thirteen billion Vajra Guru mantras, along with continuous offerings and prayers.

Once, during a period of illness suffered by Kyabje Bakula Rinpoche, Sonam Chechok performed a long-life ritual. When asked to inspect the ritual offerings, Bakula Rinpoche witnessed the miraculous appearance of the self-arising 'Aa' in the decorations. Following this, his illness was cured. Later, when Ladakh faced the threat of war, Bakula Rinpoche entrusted him with averting the crisis. Sonam Chechok undertook a month-long retreat in Chushul, and through his spiritual practices, he is believed to have averted the impending danger. His unwavering faith reassured the fearful residents of Chushul, who stayed rather than flee, and they remained unharmed.

Kyabgon Stakstang Gongma Ngawang Jampal Gelek Gyaltsen, upon visiting him, expressed profound admiration for his dedication and composed a verse in his praise. Sonam Chechok dedicated his life to benefiting beings across Ladakh, from Shar Changthang Dechok Lhari Karpo to the lower Sham Dha Hanu region.

In 1999, at the age of eighty-seven, he announced that his life's work was complete. Demonstrating signs of spiritual liberation, he entered meditation and passed away on the tenth day of the ninth month, leaving behind auspicious omens.

Reincarnation of Chechok Rinpoche

His reincarnation was born in Kungyam Thangka Pa Rong to parents Nawang Yarphel and Lhamo Yutron on the eighth day of the first later month of the Iron Dragon year, at sunrise (March 12, 2000). His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche, Jigme Pema Wangchen, formally recognized him as the unmistaken reincarnation of Yudi Chemchok. In 2009, during the Earth Ox year, he was enthroned at Amitabha Monastery in Nepal and named Jigme Chokyi Gyatso, marking the continuation of his profound spiritual legacy.
Biography by Geshe Sherab Palden