Born in Golok, Jigme Rabten was recognised and enthroned by the Auspicious Heruka – Dudjom Lingpa, as an incarnation of his guru in a previous life. He was a yogi. He had married the daughter of the Chief of Chakchung when he came of age. So he wore white robes and also, kept his hair long. Some time later, the first Dudjom Rinpoche gave him a palm-sized copper statue resembling him, and said: 

Emanation of Kahnapa, O Abhaya (fearless; Jigme in Tibetan);
Your activities are like the sun, and the moon. 
You will expound the secret teachings continuously

Inspired by this, Jigme Rabten studied under great masters such as Abang Rinpoche and Lingtrul Pema Lunggtok Gyatso. Later, he traveled to Kathog Monastery, where he received teachings and empowerments from two terma lineages, those of Dudrul Dorje and Longsal Nyingpo. At the same time, he also received empowerments and transmissions from both the Nyingma (Ancient Translation) and Sarma (New Translation) traditions.

He also actively propagated the teachings of the Dudjom New Treasures and Kathog lineage, in places such as Mura Monastery, Kangsur Monastery, and Awangtsang Monastery.

There is a story that once, when he did an exorcism ritual for Wasie, the Lord of Qiaokou, the water in the lake there started to boil before the cursed objects floated to the surface. Yet another story recounted how, as bandits were attacking his camp, the sky was covered by dark clouds and a sudden roaring thunder was heard when he called upon the activity of Rahula. This caused the bandits to spit blood, faint, becoming immobile. They only recovered after they repented, and they realised that Jigme Rabten was a yogi with great power. A third story recounted how he had put out a fire burning the palace of the Chief of Kangsar, by simply exclaiming PHET whilst throwing his hat to the floor.

Worthy of special mention is that Jigme Rabten had gained awareness of emptiness, and wisdom. Indeed, he had perfected his practice. The reputable guru of Amdo – Achoktsang Rinpoche had invited him to his monastery to teach extensively, and to bestow empowerments. Before he left, he acceded to Rinpoche’s request to help his monastery prosper. Rinpoche’s instruction was that he should turn his horse thrice to face the monastery before riding off. This is possibly one of the reasons why the Achoktsang Monastery prospered.

Jigme Rabten also taught extensively, and bestowed empowerments upon the scholar Wamang Panchen (Sechen’s Ma-de’s incarnation), and Drikung’s yogi Dorje Namkai. By this time, his teachings flourished along the river banks of the River Ma (Yellow River). This, indeed were signs of his wisdom and accomplishments. To the many curious as to how this was even possible, his poetic reply to them was:

Emaho!
The source of all qualities is the lama! 
If you can continuously send him your prayers;
You will easily obtain ordinary and ultimate accomplishments.
Please understand, fortunate men and women! 

The root of the teachings of the supreme vehicle is the cultivation of bodhicitta.
If you can continuously practise the training of mind;
Both the aspiration and application aspects;
You will attain the power of immense enlightened activity.
Please understand, fortunate men and women!

The heart of all teachings of the Buddhadharma is in Dzogchen. 
If you can practise the pith instructions of Trekcho and Togal;
You will attain liberation in this life, there is no doubt.
Please understand, fortunate men and women! 

I myself, had relied on these instructions;
And the three signs of accomplishments appeared.
Should you truly love these, you might have wonderful accomplishments.
Please understand, fortunate men and women!