Jigme Gyalwai Nyugu

Jigme Gyalwai Nyugu (1765–1843) was one of the foremost disciples of Jigme Lingpa and a teacher of Patrul Rinpoche. He was born in Kham, named Pema Kunzang. When he met Jigme Lingpa for the first time at Tsering Jong, Jigme Gyalwai Nyugu felt incredible joy. Jigme Lingpa began to give instructions and empowerment to this new disciple, and gave him the name " Jigme Gyalwai Nyugu". He lived as a hermit for many years in his life, sometimes under a rocky ledge, or even out in the open. As advised by Jigme Lingpa, he devoted the entire latter part of his life to teaching whoever came to listen, giving empowerments or meditation instructions to all who were devout and sincere. His disciples included Patrul Rinpoche, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Gyalse Shenpen Thaye. During this period, he gave Patrul Rinpoche teachings on the ngondro of Longchen Nyingtikno less than twenty-five times, as well as teachings on tsalung practice and Dzogchen. His instructions on the preliminary practices are recorded in Patrul Rinpoche's famous Words of My Perfect Lama.