Anam Chatralwa

Anam Chatralwa was born in 1859 into the Anam clan of the Markog region of Golok, eastern Tibet. According to Gompa Lama Chokyi Dorje, he was the reincarnation of Gyalwa Jangchub, one of the twenty-five disciples of Padmasambhava. Gompa Terton Jigme Dorje also stated that he was an emanation of many masters of the past, such as Gyalwa Jangchub, Rigdzin Jatson Nyingpo, and so forth. He was adopted at an early age by the chieftain of the Hor tribe. At that time, he became a vegetarian and demonstrated authentic compassion towards people as well as animals. His surrogate parents wanted him to follow a conventional way of life and become a parent too; however, he took a different path and dedicated his life to the Dharma.

He met Dudjom Lingpa when he was a teenager and took him as his guru. He received profound teachings from Dudjom Lingpa as well as treasure revelations. After Dudjom Lingpa left the Markog region, Anam Chatralwa traveled as a wandering yogi for a while. Then he decided to enter a lifelong retreat on the peak of the sacred mountain Takyak. It became his hermitage for the rest of his life. Only now and then would he come forth at the request of his devotees to perform ceremonies. He vowed not to wear animal skins; he only wore quilts made out of sheep hair. He lived by eating very simple food. Later in his life, he was asked to be the treasurer keeper of Chokyi Dorje, which he accepted.

At an early age, his guru Dudjom Lingpa advised him to visit Mount Kailash where he would overcome many obstacles and benefit many. He prepared to go but his devotees persistently prevented him from traveling such a far distance from them.

He often demonstrated siddhis; the people regarded him as Mahasiddha and a true renunciate. When he passed away in 1930, his devotees built a stupa to commemorate his life. Its evidence can be seen today.