The third Gangteng Truelku, Kunzang Thinley Namgyal was born in the Punakha region in 1727, amidst miraculous and auspicious signs.
The Gyalwa Karmapa Yabse identified the child as the unmistaken re-incarnation of Gangteng Truelku. The 5th Padling, Tenzin Drubchok Dorje also recognized the child as the reincarnation of Tenzin Lekpai Dhondub.
In the course of time, the young Truelku went to Lhalung in Lhodrak, Tibet and completed the study of astrology, and other essential sciences such as mask dances, drawing, painting and ritual chanting, and became highly learned.
Coinciding with an auspicious day, the young Truelku was enthroned as the 3rd Gangteng Truelku amidst an elaborate enthronement ceremony. Thereafter, the Truelku received the complete treasure teachings of the Terdag Lingpa from Thuksé Jurmey Chokdrup Pelbar Zangpo. Subsequently, the Truelku was fully ordained as a monk with Thuksé Rinpopche as the abbot, Gelong Jurmey Pelzang as the secret teacher and the entire ceremony presided over by the Sungtrul Rinpoche, and was conferred the dharma name of Pema Kunzang Thinley Nampar Gyalwai De.
Although very young, the Truelku was incomparable in terms of his learning speed and abilities. The 10th Je Khenpo, Tenzin Chogyal heard about the exceptional qualities of the Truelku and conducted a divination. When the outcome was positive, he was convinced that his wishes would be fulfilled. He then proceeded to Chitokha and received transmission on the canonical texts (Kanjur), Nyingma Lineage Teachings (Nyingma Gyudbum), Lama Norbu Gyatsho and Tshetri Dorje Threngwa from the young Truelku. The other remaining teachings were received while the Truelku was later residing at Gangteng Gonpa.
The Truelku died young at the age of 32 in 1758.
