 He was born to the master Tenpasung, an adept at both the sciences and the practice of mantra, and Dromza Sonamgyen, who was descended from the family of Dromton Gyelwie Jungne.Legend states that at age five, Longchenpa could read and write, and by age seven his father began instructing him in Nyingma tantras.Longchenpa was first ordained at the age of 12 and studied extensively with the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje.