Togden or Yogi of Khampagar Monastery at Tashi Jong
The Tibetan word Togden means one who realizes the nature of their own mind through practicing the Six Yogas of Naropa and Mahamudra meditation, as well as all other Drukpa Kagyud secret practices. Although they are fully ordained Bhikshu, the Togdens display the matted hair and white robes of the Milarepa traditional. At present, there are more then 15 Yogis at the retreat centre undergoing this profound training which requires many years to complete. Most of them have been in retreat more then 15 years. They start to wear the Yogi robe after 12 years practice. All the practices are supposed to completed within 12 years. Although they are always in strict retreat, some time during a year ,they come out for a big puja to lead monks. When H.H. the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche came to India from Tibet ,10 great Yogis also came with him. Two of these are still alive and staying at Tashi Jong - Togden Semdor, a Tibetan doctor and Togden Choelo the resident master of H.H the 9th Khamtrul Rinpoche.
