Thubten Chökyi Dorje, was born in 1872 in Chamdo, Kham. According to a prophecy revealed by the first Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, it was stated:"The emanation of Pema Nyingthig will appear in southern Kham, born in the Year of the Monkey, named Chökyi Dorje. If he overcomes obstacles, his Dharma activities will bring boundless benefit."

Based on this prophecy, he was recognized and enthroned as the Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche. He took novice vows and became a monk under the guidance of Pema Vajra (Pema Bangdza) and later received full ordination from Demo Awang Losang.

He studied extensively under great masters such as Patrul Rinpoche, the first Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, and Khenpo Ngawang Lodro Taye. He received teachings on the Five Sciences, Dzogchen (Great Perfection), and other profound instructions, achieving great realization. He displayed extraordinary signs of accomplishment, such as levitating a vase in the air, creating an endless flow of water from it, and leaving footprints in solid rock.

In recognition of his spiritual achievements, the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, conferred upon him the title of "Khutuktu" (a high-ranking spiritual title).

The Dance of King Gesar was revealed through the spiritual visions of the Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche, Thubten Chökyi Dorje, during his meditation in the 19th century. It is said that based on these visions, eighty unique dance masks were created, each with distinct characteristics and expressions. Since then, the tradition of the Dance of King Gesar has spread to over one hundred neighboring monasteries.

What makes the Dance of King Gesar particularly special is that it not only re-enacts the legendary stories of the Kingdom of Ling but also incorporates the sacred dances of the Vajra deities from esoteric teachings. As a result, this dance is not only spectacular to watch but also carries immense blessings.

Dzogchen Monastery has also been the source of many important works on the subject of King Gesar. Among the most famous are texts composed by the First Dzogchen Rinpoche, Pema Rigzin; Patrul Rinpoche; the Great Khenpo Pema Bangdza; Mipham Rinpoche; and the Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche, Thubten Chökyi Dorje.