The Treasury of Lives

Jampel Dorje ('jam dpal rdo rje) was born in the Derge region of Kham in the mid- to late-nineteenth century, into the family of Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab (rig 'dzin kun bzang shes rab, 1636-1698), the founder of Pelyul Monastery (dpal yul).

He ordained under the Third Karma Kuchen, Orgyen Dongak Chokyi Nyima (karma sku chen 03 o rgyan mdo sngags chos kyi nyi ma, 1854-1906), the eighth abbot of Pelyul.

Muksang Khenpo Lerab Dorje (rmugs sangs mkhan po las rab rdo rje, d.u.) taught him the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra and other scriptures. He also studied with Mipam Namgyel Gyatso (mi pham rnam rgyal rgya mtsho, 1846-1912), Dzogchen Khenpo Zhenga Zhenpen Chokyi Nangwa (rdzogs chen mkhan po gzhan dga' gzhan phan chos kyi snang ba, 1871-1927) and others, receiving from them numerous tantric transmissions and initiations.

A master in both Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen, he served as one of the initial teachers of the new monastic college there, ultimately becoming the head teacher and head of the summer retreat, posts held until he passed away.

During the Chinese invasion of Kham in the early twentieth century, under Zhao Erfeng, Jampel Dorje is said to have secured the safety of Pelyul and protected the members of the community.