Trépo Sönam Yangchen
The younger brother of Tulku Jampal Norbu (1880?-1940’s?)—hence the paternal uncle of Dudjom Rinpoche and Tulku Palden—Trepo Sönam Yangchen (1885?-1920?) became the 25th Kanam Depa and ruler of Powo when his brother renounced the throne. In the beginning of his reign which started around 1902, a dispute emerged between his followers and the residents of Shulmo Gön Püntsok Dargyé Ling, a Karma Kagyü monastery located in northern Powo. After three years of war, a truce was agreed. But on the occasion of the dispute’s resolution signature, Trepo Sönam Yangchen was treacherously killed. His successor (the 26th Kana Depa) was Trepo Pema.
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
