It was recorded in the Compendium of Works written by Dragkar Rinpoche that there would eventually be three emanations of the Rigzin Chenpo, being the body, speech and mind. (An emanation originates from the source, thus having the same mind-stream). 

In addition, Tsewang Norbu wrote in the third volume of his collected works that, “In future, there will be 5, then 25, and then 108 emanations, to guide beings of residual times.” Indeed, there were three incarnations.

One of them, Rigzin Chope Wangchuk, was recognised by Pawo Rinpoche. Because of the similarity in names, some people thought that he was the incarnation of Pawo Tenpe Wangchuk. This is incorrect. 

The other two well-known ones are: Rigzin Pema Kunsang and Rigzin Lekyi Dorjie. Both of them were recognised by the renown Sharmapa as the incarnations of the body and mind of great sage of Kathog. 

Rigzin Lekyi Dorjie was born in Golok, Kham. When he was 15, he had a pure vision of Guru Padmasambhava, which spontaneously opened the space in his mind and he understood all of Guru Padmasambhava’s teachings. He didn’t need to be taught. Ekajati, Rahula and Dorje Legpa followed him everywhere he went, like his shadows. 

A prophecy said that he would leave his father, for Kyirong in Mangyul which is next to Nepal. Before he left, the omniscient Sharma Rinpoche dreamt that Rigzin Tsewang Norbu was going to visit him, to give him a purpha (dagger of yogis). Also, he told him to keep it until the next day, when the two of them would meet. 

True to the dream, at sunrise the next day, Lekyi Dorjie visited him and asked for empowerment of the Vajrakilaya. A connection between them was then established. During empowerment, there was a strong fragrance in the air, and a rainbow stream of five colours penetrated Lekyi Dorjie’s heart, as he sang:  

“Emaho!

The omniscient Sharmapa, in non-dualism, two manifests;
I bow at the feet of the protector Sharmapa, 
Vajrakumara, the glorious deity; in nine dance postures; 
Is non-dual with the guru Sharmapa; 
Today, I have the good fortune of this meeting.
I, the pitiful beggar Lekyi Dorjie; an incarnation of Tsewang Norbu;
According to a prophecy by Guru Padmasambhava, I am accepted by the three great masters; 

To receive the teachings of Mahamudra and Dzogchen.
I focused on learning: literature, medicine, and the arts.
Then becoming a sage through wisdom and ability.
Through prayers and aspirations, today, I meet the protector;
The blessing of his mind penetrated my heart; 
The great and compassionate protector.
Oh! Sharmapa.”

When he spoke, everyone was taken aback. However, the Sharmapa was already aware of the prophecies concerning the three incarnations of Tsewang Norbu. To dispel the lingering skepticism, he questioned Lekyi on specific astrological terms from Rigzin Drupai Tsi. Lekyi responded with calm clarity: “The answers are already contained in a liturgy I composed in a previous life. I entrusted it to a lama, who incorporated it into the daily practice verses. That very liturgy is now in your possession.” At this, the Sharmapa turned to the relevant page in the aspiration prayer, and all doubts dissolved.

Consequently, Shamarpa declared that Lekyi Dorjie as the mind emanation of Rigzin Chenpo, and offered to enthrone him. But the yogi said, “I came with a purpose. I am a yogi who would not settle down anywhere. There is nothing better than your honourable self giving me teachings. Please do not trouble yourself with any preparation for my enthronement.” With great care, Lekyi Dorjie requested that the Shamarpa proceed entirely according to his wishes.

At another occasion, after Lekyi Dorjie retrieved the peaceful and wrathful Guru Rinpoche terma teachings in southern Kongpo, many of his disciples earnestly asked him to tell his life story, and this was what he said,

Namo Guru Padmakara-ye! 

The Buddha Padmasambhava;
The Yidam Vajrakumara (Dorje Phurpa);
The Dakini Arya Tara;
They merge with the root lama.
This beggar sends him prayers.

In the space, please look at me compassionately;
Bestow me with great empowerments;
To liberate all that is related to me.  

A protector named virtuously pure- guru Sharmapa;
His compassion perfects all conditions, opening the door to profound termas;
Thus, my death will be with no regret.

The story of this beggar, is like the echoes in the rocks;
My unremarkable autobiography can only be given as a brief account:
An impoverished birth place; near the snow mountain Machen – a popular and prosperous sacred place.

My father – brave and loyal; a descendent of the Achak clan;
As a child, I was inclined towards the Buddhadharma;
But my parents wished that I was at home for a while.

At 15, I met the Lord Orgyen in my dream; 
I ran away; roamed the countryside; lived in hermitages;
Faced severe hardships, confessions and noble activities: practising the profound dharma.

At 21, I could recall bits of the past;
I met the Sharmapa, and received thought transmission;
Now, the door of profound treasures opens without difficulty.

In this degenerate age, I reveal and expound the enlightened activities of Padmasambhava.
In future, the sentient beings related to me;
Will be guided to the Paradise of Knowledge Holders (Rigzin);

Emanations suited to each and every, will ceaselessly work for others;
At all times, for the Buddhadharma, and sentient beings;
I shall continue to lead others onto the bodhisattva path.

Excellent!