Dear Friends,

FPYB is happy to present a new article by Dmitry Ermakov.

This article is based on the presentation given at the Sixth International Conference of Bon Studies, Triten Norbutse Institution, Kathmandu, 7–8 February 2025, during Yongdzin Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche’s centenary jubilee celebration. On that occasion, I had to cut or summarise some points due to time constraints, so I have re-inserted them here in full as well as including some additional material spurred on by the questions and discussions that my presentation sparked. It has taken me some time to rearrange the material and prepare it for publication, and during those weeks, Yongdzin Rinpoche passed into Great Bliss on 12 June 2025 in Jarsing Pauwa, Nepal. So I dedicate this article to his cherished memory. May the compassionate wisdom of Yongdzin Rinpoche and the precious teachings of Yungdrung Bön spread like sunrays, illuminating the path to Buddhahood for all sentient beings!

Abstract

In this article, I shall examine and compare the phenomenon of Rainbow Body in Dzogchen with the Transfiguration, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.

Over the years, Western academic researchers and religious figures, both Buddhist and Christian, have compared Jesus Christ to Buddha or a Boddhisattva. Chiming with the occasion of the centenary of Yongdzin Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, I thought it pertinent to discuss this matter with reference to conversations I have had with him over our 30 plus years of close association. As such, I shall base my arguments on his oral teachings on various aspects of the Dzogchen view, path and fruit and, in particular, on the qualities of someone who is about to achieve Rainbow Body. The points put forward by Yongdzin Rinpoche are compared with relevant citations in the Gospels and other Christian literature, as well as with explanations by the Buddhist Dzogchen master and great scholar Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and 14th Dalai Lama.

Centring around the fundamental question: Could Jesus Christ have achieved Rainbow Body? The discussion will be divided into three parts: 1. Inner Aspects: The View and the Methods; 2. Outer Aspects: The Signs; and 3. The Conclusion.

Read full article below: