Togden Shakya Shri (1853-1919 [BDRC P620]).

Born in 1853 in Kham, Shakya Shri was apparently a quiet and particularly compassionate child. As a young man, he entered the monastery of Drugu as a novice and cook, where he was mocked for his appearance and lowly status; despite this, he was fully ordained as a monk and was trained in Mahamudra by the Sixth Khamtrul, Tenpai Nyima and in Dzogchen by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. Eventually, Shakya Shri gave up his vows and left Drugu, settling in a cave with his wife and practicing as a yogi. His reputation was elevated when the Sixth Dechen Chokhor Yongdzin, Sheja Kunkhyen, who was camped nearby, had a vision emanating from Shakya Shri’s cave and after discussion with him, realized his true potential. He was also held in high esteem by the famous teacher, Ju Mipam Gyatso. As his reputation grew, people from all over the region, both commoners and monastic elites, came to learn from the master in informal camps with ascetic-like conditions. Throughout his life, Shakya Shri traveled through Kham, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal, and whilst in the latter location, even sponsored the restorations of Swayambhunath and Boudanath stupas, for which photographic evidence still exists.