The Fourth Moktsa Tulku, Jikdrel Chokyi Langpo (rmog rtsa 04 'jigs bral phyogs kyi glang po) was born in Lhasa in the nineteenth century, presumably around the mid-century. At a young age he was identified as the reincarnation of the Third Moktsa, Jikdrel Tutob Dorje (rmog rtsa 03 'jigs bral mthu stobs rdo rje). He was brought to Katok (kaH thog rdo rje gdan) and enthroned to the seat of his line in the monastery. He was said to possess a seriousness, intelligence, and powerful interest in the dharma that inspired the public.

He received complete commentarial teachings, empowerments, esoteric instructions on many scriptures of kama (bka' ma) and treasure (gter ma) from a number of distinguished masters including the Second Katok Situ Orgyen Tenpa Namgyel (kaH thog si tu 02 o rgyan bstan pa rnam rgyal, 1820-1879), Adzom Drukpa Pawo Dorje (a 'dzom 'brug pa 'gro 'dul dpa' bo rdo rje, 1842-1924), and the Fifth Dzogchen Drubwang, Tubten Chokyi Dorje (rdzogs chen drub dbang 05 thub bstan chos kyi rdo rje, 1872-1935).

He was said to have a strong command over the dharma protectors, capable of employing them in various religious activities that proved highly conducive in accomplishing his wishes in dharma performances.

He was also an authoritative and confident lama, one who reviewed and reformed some systems in the administration of the monastery, particularly the codes of the disciplines. He introduced practice of Mashin Purba (ma gshin phur pa) and established a practice center (sgrub sde) for it. Having strong interest in religious dances ('cham), he commissioned sixty golden masks (gser 'bag) for the Kama Trocham (bka' ma khro 'cham) that was performed occasionally at Katok.

This lama was known for his supernatural power in knowing hidden objects and facts, and for foreseeing situations. He was also known for bringing forward many hidden treasures of scriptures and substances relating to Pakar Drubpa (phag dkar sgrub pa).

No details of his late life are available. Jikdrel Lodro Tenpai Gyeltsen ('jigs bral blo gros bstan pa'i rgyal mtshan, d.u.), born in Kham Derge was identified as his reincarnation, the Fifth Moktsa Tulku.

Samten Chhosphel earned his PhD from CIHTS in India where he served as the head of Publication Dept. for 26 years. He has a Master’s degree in Writing and Publishing from Emerson College, Boston. Currently he is an adjunct Assistant Professor at the City University of New York, and Language Associate in Columbia University, NY.

Published July 2011