The term "ngakphang" is a gender neutral word to cover ngakpa & ngakmo, though this may be of relatively recent construction. Historically, Ngagpa may marry, have children and work in the world, though they are required to devote significant time to retreat and practice and in enacting rituals when requested by, or on behalf of, members of the community. Van Schaik (2004) ties Ngagpa to "Mantrin", that is, one who practices Mantra in a book dedicated to the Longchen Nyingtig of Jigme Lingpa: