The Zimwok Tulku line began with Zhabdrung Ngawang Norbu, who was identified as the reincarnation of both Rongton Sheja Kunrik and his close disciple Dakpo Tashi Namgyel, the two founders of Nalendra Monastery. Tashi Namgyel had built a residence below Rongton's which became known as "Zimwok," meaning "below the residence," and this title was given to the first joint incarnation of the two masters. Zhabdrung Ngawang Norbu was a nephew and disciple of Jampa Ngawang Lhundrub of the Kuzhang family who were major patrons of Nalendra and Ngor Ewaṃ Choden. The Zimwok Labrang was one of the two "lama palaces" of Nalendra that provided training for abbots, alongside the Chogye Labrang.
Biographies
The Third Zimwok, Tenzin Trinle
18th cent.
The Second Zimwok, Ngawang Sanggye Tenzin
18th cent.
The First Zimwok, Zhabdrung Norbu
17th cent.
The Fifth Zimwok, Jampa Kunga Tenzin
b.1884 - d.1963
The Fifth Zimwok, Jampa Ngawang Kunga Tenzin Trinle was one of the major lamas of Nalendra. He was a disciple of the Seventeenth Chogye Trichen and a teacher to the Eighteenth Chogye Trichen.
