VISITING TEACHERS
His Holiness the GYALWA DRIKUNGPA KYABGON CHETSANG, the 37th throne holder of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage and the 7th reincarnation of the Chetsang Rinpoche is a manifestation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).
His Holiness the Gyalwa Drikungpa Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche's latest visit to Chicago was in the summer of 2015
The origins of Drikung Kagyu can be traced back to the Great Indian Master Tilopa who passed on his teachings to Mahasiddha Naropa who lived around 10th and 11th century. The founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage was Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217) of the Kyura clan, who was the disciple of Phagmo Drupa. According to historical account from the time, Jigten Sumgön's teachings attracted more than 100,000 people at a time, with the highest number of attendance recorded at 130,000.
From the founding of Drikung Thil Monastery in 1179 to the present day, the Drikung Kagyu lineage has been led by a succession of spiritual heads ("throne-holders"). One of the two current heads of the lineage, Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche Könchok Tenzin Kunzang Thinley Lhundrup (b. 1946),the 37th Drikungpa resides at Drikung Kagyu Institute at Dehra Dun, India. The other head of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage, the 36th Drikungpa, Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang Rinpoche, Könchok Tenzin Chökyi Nangwa (b. 1942) lives in Lhasa, Tibet.
His Holiness the Gyalwa Drikungpa Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche's latest visit to Chicago was in the summer of 2015
The origins of Drikung Kagyu can be traced back to the Great Indian Master Tilopa who passed on his teachings to Mahasiddha Naropa who lived around 10th and 11th century. The founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage was Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217) of the Kyura clan, who was the disciple of Phagmo Drupa. According to historical account from the time, Jigten Sumgön's teachings attracted more than 100,000 people at a time, with the highest number of attendance recorded at 130,000.
From the founding of Drikung Thil Monastery in 1179 to the present day, the Drikung Kagyu lineage has been led by a succession of spiritual heads ("throne-holders"). One of the two current heads of the lineage, Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche Könchok Tenzin Kunzang Thinley Lhundrup (b. 1946),the 37th Drikungpa resides at Drikung Kagyu Institute at Dehra Dun, India. The other head of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage, the 36th Drikungpa, Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang Rinpoche, Könchok Tenzin Chökyi Nangwa (b. 1942) lives in Lhasa, Tibet.
His Eminence Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche
H.E. Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche is a throne holder of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. He is the future regent of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and he is the most important teacher of the younger generation of Drikung Kagyu lamas
The origins of his reincarnation lineage go back to the time of the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage Jigten Sumgön ( in the 12th century). Tritsab Rinpoche was then the first successor to our founder, Jigten Sumgön (12th century)
HE Tritsab Rinpoche's last incarnation was responsible for identifying and educating both the current heads of Drikung Kagyu Lineage. Following in the footsteps of the great masters of The Practice Lineage, HE Tritsab Rinpoche completed the traditional 3-year retreat on the main Drikung Kagyu practice of the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra when he was barely 19.
Rinpoche resides at Changchub Ling in Dera Dune, India. His Eminence travels to many Dharma centers around the world; in the USA, South America, Singapore, Malaysian, and Vietnam to teach and uphold many aspects of the Dharma and the Drikung Kagyu Tradition. Chicago Ratna Shri was honored to host Rinpoche recently for the Achi Chökyi Drölma Fulfillment Ritual January 2023
H.E. Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche is a throne holder of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. He is the future regent of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and he is the most important teacher of the younger generation of Drikung Kagyu lamas
The origins of his reincarnation lineage go back to the time of the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage Jigten Sumgön ( in the 12th century). Tritsab Rinpoche was then the first successor to our founder, Jigten Sumgön (12th century)
HE Tritsab Rinpoche's last incarnation was responsible for identifying and educating both the current heads of Drikung Kagyu Lineage. Following in the footsteps of the great masters of The Practice Lineage, HE Tritsab Rinpoche completed the traditional 3-year retreat on the main Drikung Kagyu practice of the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra when he was barely 19.
Rinpoche resides at Changchub Ling in Dera Dune, India. His Eminence travels to many Dharma centers around the world; in the USA, South America, Singapore, Malaysian, and Vietnam to teach and uphold many aspects of the Dharma and the Drikung Kagyu Tradition. Chicago Ratna Shri was honored to host Rinpoche recently for the Achi Chökyi Drölma Fulfillment Ritual January 2023
HIS EMINENCE GARCHEN RINPOCHE is a Drikung Kagyu lama who was known in the thirteenth century as the Siddha Gar Chodingpa, a heart disciple of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In ancient India, he had incarnated as Mahasiddha Aryadeva, the lotus-born disciple of the great Nagarjuna. In the seventh century, he was known as Lonpo Gar, the minister of the Tibetan Dharma King Songsten Gampo.
Garchen Rinpoche was recognized and enthroned in eastern Tibet by the former Drikung Kyabgon Zhiwe Lodro. When he was seven, he was brought to Lho Miyal Monastery, which he administered from the age of eleven. Studying and practicing under the direction of the Siddha Chime Dorje, Garchen Rinpoche received vast and profound instructions on the preliminary practices (ngondro), the fivefold practice of Mahamudra and the six yogas of Naropa.
Then, at the age of 22, after completing a two and a half year retreat, he was imprisoned for 20 years during the political turmoil of China's Cultural Revolution. While in the labor camp, he received meditation instruction from his root lama, the Nyingma master Khenpo Munsel. Enduring hardship and practicing secretly, Garchen Rinpoche attained realization of the lama's wisdom mind. Since his release from prison in 1979, Garchen Rinpoche has made great effort to rebuild the Drikung Kagyu monasteries, reestablish the Buddhist teachings, and build two boarding schools for local children in eastern Tibet. Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona.
Garchen Rinpoche is known for his vast realization, as well as for his great kindness. Garchen Rinpoche has generously bestowed many, many empowerments and teachings at Chicago Ratna Shri Follow H.E Garchen Rinpoche on Facebook
Garchen Rinpoche was recognized and enthroned in eastern Tibet by the former Drikung Kyabgon Zhiwe Lodro. When he was seven, he was brought to Lho Miyal Monastery, which he administered from the age of eleven. Studying and practicing under the direction of the Siddha Chime Dorje, Garchen Rinpoche received vast and profound instructions on the preliminary practices (ngondro), the fivefold practice of Mahamudra and the six yogas of Naropa.
Then, at the age of 22, after completing a two and a half year retreat, he was imprisoned for 20 years during the political turmoil of China's Cultural Revolution. While in the labor camp, he received meditation instruction from his root lama, the Nyingma master Khenpo Munsel. Enduring hardship and practicing secretly, Garchen Rinpoche attained realization of the lama's wisdom mind. Since his release from prison in 1979, Garchen Rinpoche has made great effort to rebuild the Drikung Kagyu monasteries, reestablish the Buddhist teachings, and build two boarding schools for local children in eastern Tibet. Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona.
Garchen Rinpoche is known for his vast realization, as well as for his great kindness. Garchen Rinpoche has generously bestowed many, many empowerments and teachings at Chicago Ratna Shri Follow H.E Garchen Rinpoche on Facebook
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche
Khenchen Rinpoche was born in the village of Tsari in southwestern Tibet in 1946. Tsari is an important pilgrimage site in Tibet, being the sacred place of the enlightened-mind of Vajravarahi and Rinpoche lived there until 1959 when his family was forced to flee to India due to the political unrest of the time. While in India, Rinpoche attended school and eventually took the complete monk's vows from Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche in 1968.
He was among the first batch of students to graduate from the then newly established Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Varanasi. Among the great teachers Rinpoché received extended teachings from were the 16th Karmapa and Khunu Lama Rinpoché. Subsequently, Rinpoché entered into the traditional 3-year retreat with a group of young Drikung Kagyu lamas (including His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoché) under the guidance of Vajradhara Kyungka Rinpoche.
In the 1980s, Rinpoché arrived in the US and spent the next twenty years building and supporting the TMC and other centers and groups in the US. During these years, Khenchen Rinpoché translated critical Drikung Kagyu practices, prayers and histories into English and publishing several highly regarded books such as the translation of Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Garland of Mahamudra Practices and Jewel Treasury of Advice. This priceless work formed the essential base from which the holy Dharma could be taught and practiced.
In recent years, Khenchen Rinpoché spends a great deal of his time traveling in order teach the Dharma, dividing his time between teaching at traditional Tibetan monasteries in India, Nepal and Tibet and at centers in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US.
The Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha was founded under the auspices of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsand Rinpoche in 1994 by the Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche. Khenchen Rinpoche continues to generously bestow his teachings at Chicago Ratna Shri and visits often Follow him on facebook
Khenchen Rinpoche was born in the village of Tsari in southwestern Tibet in 1946. Tsari is an important pilgrimage site in Tibet, being the sacred place of the enlightened-mind of Vajravarahi and Rinpoche lived there until 1959 when his family was forced to flee to India due to the political unrest of the time. While in India, Rinpoche attended school and eventually took the complete monk's vows from Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche in 1968.
He was among the first batch of students to graduate from the then newly established Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Varanasi. Among the great teachers Rinpoché received extended teachings from were the 16th Karmapa and Khunu Lama Rinpoché. Subsequently, Rinpoché entered into the traditional 3-year retreat with a group of young Drikung Kagyu lamas (including His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoché) under the guidance of Vajradhara Kyungka Rinpoche.
In the 1980s, Rinpoché arrived in the US and spent the next twenty years building and supporting the TMC and other centers and groups in the US. During these years, Khenchen Rinpoché translated critical Drikung Kagyu practices, prayers and histories into English and publishing several highly regarded books such as the translation of Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Garland of Mahamudra Practices and Jewel Treasury of Advice. This priceless work formed the essential base from which the holy Dharma could be taught and practiced.
In recent years, Khenchen Rinpoché spends a great deal of his time traveling in order teach the Dharma, dividing his time between teaching at traditional Tibetan monasteries in India, Nepal and Tibet and at centers in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US.
The Chicago Ratna Shri Sangha was founded under the auspices of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsand Rinpoche in 1994 by the Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche. Khenchen Rinpoche continues to generously bestow his teachings at Chicago Ratna Shri and visits often Follow him on facebook
LAMCHEN GYALPO RINPOCHE is recognized as an extraordinary scholar and practitioner possessing great realization of both Dzogchen and Mahamudra. He is uniquely qualified to transmit the Drikung Dzogchen teachings. He has studied extensively with some of the greatest masters of Tibetan Buddhism.
From His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Gyalpo Rinpoche received such profound teachings as Mahamudra, and Karmapa Rangjung Dorje's Tsig-chigma; from Situ Pema Wangchog, Abishekas, commentaries and experiential insight; from Zigar Kongtul Rinpoche, Rinchen Terzo and Abishekas, commentaries, and transfer of experiential insight on all Yidam deities; from Ripa Seljey Rinpoche, Karma Kagyu empowerments and teachings; and from Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche, Nyingmapa tantras, sadhanas, and experiential insight in general and Nyingthig Yabshi teachings in particular.
Gyalpo Rinpoche received from other such enlightened masters as Poli Khenchen Dorjechang, Nyoshul Khenpo Jampal Dorje and Khenpo Thubten Rinpoche numerous aspects of Dzogchen empowerments, teachings, and conveyance of experiential insights with special emphasis on Longchen Nyingthig. From former Drugpa Chogon, Drugchen Thamche Kyenpa, and Yoge Rigzin Gyalpo Rinpoche received thorough introduction to the very essence of Mahamudra and the Great Perfection and Drugpa teachings with special emphasis on Doha. From his root guru, Khunu Rinpoche Tenzin Gyaltsen - the lifeline of all Buddhist traditions - Gyalpo Rinpoche received bare naked unadulterated teachings on the core of Mahamudra and the Great Perfection with special emphasis on tregchod and thogal.
The teachings of such profound masters were practiced from the Preliminary to the stages of Arising and Completion, punctuated with retreats and propitiation of deities which included three Major retreats and Yidam Propitiations.
"Presenting himself in many appearances" Gyalpo Rinpoche was a regional lord/administrator, he is also a Tulku, a monk, was a bureaucrat, and a lama in different aspects while dwelling in the same unchanging essence.
"The holder of the dharma's lifeline with the word 'Gyal' in his name refered to Gyalpo Rinpoche's contribution to the rekindling of the Drikung Kagyu Tradition in exile: Gyalpo Rinpoche looked for the location, found, raised funds, and purchased the land on which the exile seat of Drikung Kagyu Tradition stands today.
In a successful effort to reach out to Lineage followers, Gyalpo Rinpoche toured every single Drikung monastery from the regions in Eastern Tibet to Mt. Kailash. He also assisted His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche with the history of Drikung and other such writings and helped to hang on to the "dharma lifeline" at such difficult times as in the beginning. Not unsimilar, Gyalpo Rinpoche also created the basic conditions to enable the establishment of the Seat of Dorje Drag - the lifeline of Nyingmapa Tradition - in Simla as well.
In his youth, Gyalpo Rinpoche was also Vajramaster, Regent, and Chant Master of the former Lo Bongtul Rinpoche at his monastery, Lungkar Thubten Shedup Ling while he was in retreat.
When in exile, Gyalpo Rinpoche served in the Tibetan government in exile for 11 years first as Senior Secretary and later as Executive Manager of Tibetan Self-Help Handicraft Center in Simla, India. Towards the end of his 11 years' service, Gyalpo Rinpoche was asked by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche to join him, and Gyalpo Rinpoche resigned from the Tibetan government service. While with His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche, Gyalpo Rinpoche served as his Private Secretary, General Secretary of Drikung Kagyu Institute at the time of founding and registration, and had been a contributor throughout the various stages of the building the seat of the Drikung Kagyu Tradition in exile. Read more about Lamchen here.
From His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Gyalpo Rinpoche received such profound teachings as Mahamudra, and Karmapa Rangjung Dorje's Tsig-chigma; from Situ Pema Wangchog, Abishekas, commentaries and experiential insight; from Zigar Kongtul Rinpoche, Rinchen Terzo and Abishekas, commentaries, and transfer of experiential insight on all Yidam deities; from Ripa Seljey Rinpoche, Karma Kagyu empowerments and teachings; and from Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche, Nyingmapa tantras, sadhanas, and experiential insight in general and Nyingthig Yabshi teachings in particular.
Gyalpo Rinpoche received from other such enlightened masters as Poli Khenchen Dorjechang, Nyoshul Khenpo Jampal Dorje and Khenpo Thubten Rinpoche numerous aspects of Dzogchen empowerments, teachings, and conveyance of experiential insights with special emphasis on Longchen Nyingthig. From former Drugpa Chogon, Drugchen Thamche Kyenpa, and Yoge Rigzin Gyalpo Rinpoche received thorough introduction to the very essence of Mahamudra and the Great Perfection and Drugpa teachings with special emphasis on Doha. From his root guru, Khunu Rinpoche Tenzin Gyaltsen - the lifeline of all Buddhist traditions - Gyalpo Rinpoche received bare naked unadulterated teachings on the core of Mahamudra and the Great Perfection with special emphasis on tregchod and thogal.
The teachings of such profound masters were practiced from the Preliminary to the stages of Arising and Completion, punctuated with retreats and propitiation of deities which included three Major retreats and Yidam Propitiations.
"Presenting himself in many appearances" Gyalpo Rinpoche was a regional lord/administrator, he is also a Tulku, a monk, was a bureaucrat, and a lama in different aspects while dwelling in the same unchanging essence.
"The holder of the dharma's lifeline with the word 'Gyal' in his name refered to Gyalpo Rinpoche's contribution to the rekindling of the Drikung Kagyu Tradition in exile: Gyalpo Rinpoche looked for the location, found, raised funds, and purchased the land on which the exile seat of Drikung Kagyu Tradition stands today.
In a successful effort to reach out to Lineage followers, Gyalpo Rinpoche toured every single Drikung monastery from the regions in Eastern Tibet to Mt. Kailash. He also assisted His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche with the history of Drikung and other such writings and helped to hang on to the "dharma lifeline" at such difficult times as in the beginning. Not unsimilar, Gyalpo Rinpoche also created the basic conditions to enable the establishment of the Seat of Dorje Drag - the lifeline of Nyingmapa Tradition - in Simla as well.
In his youth, Gyalpo Rinpoche was also Vajramaster, Regent, and Chant Master of the former Lo Bongtul Rinpoche at his monastery, Lungkar Thubten Shedup Ling while he was in retreat.
When in exile, Gyalpo Rinpoche served in the Tibetan government in exile for 11 years first as Senior Secretary and later as Executive Manager of Tibetan Self-Help Handicraft Center in Simla, India. Towards the end of his 11 years' service, Gyalpo Rinpoche was asked by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche to join him, and Gyalpo Rinpoche resigned from the Tibetan government service. While with His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Rinpoche, Gyalpo Rinpoche served as his Private Secretary, General Secretary of Drikung Kagyu Institute at the time of founding and registration, and had been a contributor throughout the various stages of the building the seat of the Drikung Kagyu Tradition in exile. Read more about Lamchen here.
DRUPON YESHI RINPOCHE has in the past served as the head retreat master at the Drikung Kagyu Institute in India. He was born at Drikung Yangre Gar in 1941, near the village of Trolung. His father is Dang Drung and his mother is Dolma. At the age of 12 he took the novice monk vows from H.E. Thritsab Thubten Wangpo (the former Thritsab Rinpoche). Afterwards he became perfectly well trained on how to play ritual instruments, how to chant, perform ritual ceremony, and the traditional Lama dance.At the age of thirty he took the full ordination vows from late master Pachung Rinpoche; hence he has received many teachings from Pachung Rinpoche and his close disciple, fully ordained Tenzin Nyima Rinpoche. Under the guidance of Pachung Rinpoche and Tenzin Nyima Rinpoche, he has perfectly completed his three-year retreat on the Five-fold path of Mahamudra and Six yoga’s of Naropa at Drikung Thil Monastery.
After his beloved Pachung Rinpoche passed away, he constructed a commemoration Stupa for his teacher. He has also performed many ritual ceremonies for his teacher through his body, speech and mind, uninterruptedly. Rinpoche is someone who was able to please his teacher with his enthusiasm in the practice of Dharma. For three years he has done a strict sealed retreat on Mahamudra, day and night.
After his beloved Pachung Rinpoche passed away, he constructed a commemoration Stupa for his teacher. He has also performed many ritual ceremonies for his teacher through his body, speech and mind, uninterruptedly. Rinpoche is someone who was able to please his teacher with his enthusiasm in the practice of Dharma. For three years he has done a strict sealed retreat on Mahamudra, day and night.
During 1992, Rinpoche received all the Drikung Kagyu lineage empowerments and oral transmissions from various Drikung Kagyu masters, in particular from H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche during the Monkey Year teachings. He has also received teachings from different masters, in particular from H.H. Dalai Lama. Afterwards he went on a pilgrimage to holy places of the Buddha in India. Then H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche asked him to lead the Three-year retreat for Rinpoche’s monks and nuns. Meanwhile His Holiness appointed Rinpoche as one of the head retreat masters in the Drikung Kagyu Lineage. At that time, he was also appointed as Dorzin (The representative of the head of lineage) for the holy place of Labchi.
In the year 1996, he led the traditional three-year retreat, hands-on instruction from the late Drubwang Pachung Rinpoche to twenty-three monks and nuns including H.E. Thritsab Rinpoche, Senge Tenzin Rinpoche, Lama Kunsang Rinpoche, Konchog Khandro, Lama Konchog Sangya Rinpoche and so on at Almora, India. His Holiness stressed to all the practitioners who were in three-year retreat, that Drubpon Yeshi Rinpoche is someone who has perfected his understanding in the pith instructions and practice. After a successful three-year retreat, H.H. highly praised Drupon Yeshi Rinpoche for his excellent duty in guiding the three-year retreat in a very skillful and enthusiastic way. In honor of all of his noble activities within the past many years, his many years of sincere practice, and his realization His Holiness honored him with a compliment letter and a recognition letter of being an authentic retreat master within the Drikung Lineage.
He is one of Ven. Drupon Rinchen Dorjee's most important teachers.
In the year 1996, he led the traditional three-year retreat, hands-on instruction from the late Drubwang Pachung Rinpoche to twenty-three monks and nuns including H.E. Thritsab Rinpoche, Senge Tenzin Rinpoche, Lama Kunsang Rinpoche, Konchog Khandro, Lama Konchog Sangya Rinpoche and so on at Almora, India. His Holiness stressed to all the practitioners who were in three-year retreat, that Drubpon Yeshi Rinpoche is someone who has perfected his understanding in the pith instructions and practice. After a successful three-year retreat, H.H. highly praised Drupon Yeshi Rinpoche for his excellent duty in guiding the three-year retreat in a very skillful and enthusiastic way. In honor of all of his noble activities within the past many years, his many years of sincere practice, and his realization His Holiness honored him with a compliment letter and a recognition letter of being an authentic retreat master within the Drikung Lineage.
He is one of Ven. Drupon Rinchen Dorjee's most important teachers.
TULKU TENZIN NORBU RINPOCHE is a reincarnated Tulku from Ven. Drupon Rinchen Dorjee's monastery in India. Tulku Tenzin Norbu studied in Southern India at Genden Monastery. Then, was in retreat for three years at Labchi (Drupon's Monastery). Currently, he is in retreat at Almora Monastery in India. In 1979 Tulku Tenzin Norbu was born in Punakar, Bhutan to his father Gyaltsen and his mother Rigdzin Drolma. In 1989 he entered into the program for monastic training and Dharma study at Gaden Jangtse Monastery in India. In 1996 he was recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Ziji Tulku from Tana Gonpa in Naqchu, Tibet. In 2004 he was enthroned by His Holiness Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche during the Monkey year teachings at the holy site of the Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini. It was also then that he received from His Holiness the general teachings of the common vehicle along with the exceptional empowerments, transmissions, and pith instructions passed down by the great masters of the practice lineage, as well as empowerments and teachings for the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa.
For the duration of nineteen years, from 1989 until 2008 Tulku Tenzin Norbu stayed at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, completing his studies in the basic curriculum of the monastic college and developing a strong competency in logic (Tib. rig lam), the collected topics (Tib. bsdus grwa), mind sciences (Tib. blo rtags), pramana (Tib. rnam ‘grel), the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom (Tib. phar phyin), and Madhyamaka (Tib. dbu ma), etc. He engaged in the extensive study and contemplation of many the most important scriptures composed by the great Indian masters as well as the texts written by many of the great Tibetan scholars, and received the first level certificate for highest academic achievement.
Moreover from the years 2009 to 2013 under the direction and guidance of his own kind root lama H.E. Nubpa Rinpoche he stayed in retreat at the holy place of Jetsun Milarepa, Lapchi snow mountain, during which time he once again received all the empowerments, transmissions, and teachings for the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra, together with the Six Yogas of Naropa, and was able to carry their the practice through to completion.
Currently he is now staying in retreat at Almora, in northern India, engaging in continuous meditation practice.
He has also had the fortune to receive extensive teachings from Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen on the Gongchig (the Single Intent), as well as the Tekchen Tenpai Ningpo (The Essence of the Great Vehicle’s Teachings), along with Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon’s Zab Chö Kha Bum (Jigten Sumgon’s Collected Teachings of Profound Dharma), etc.
For the duration of nineteen years, from 1989 until 2008 Tulku Tenzin Norbu stayed at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, completing his studies in the basic curriculum of the monastic college and developing a strong competency in logic (Tib. rig lam), the collected topics (Tib. bsdus grwa), mind sciences (Tib. blo rtags), pramana (Tib. rnam ‘grel), the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom (Tib. phar phyin), and Madhyamaka (Tib. dbu ma), etc. He engaged in the extensive study and contemplation of many the most important scriptures composed by the great Indian masters as well as the texts written by many of the great Tibetan scholars, and received the first level certificate for highest academic achievement.
Moreover from the years 2009 to 2013 under the direction and guidance of his own kind root lama H.E. Nubpa Rinpoche he stayed in retreat at the holy place of Jetsun Milarepa, Lapchi snow mountain, during which time he once again received all the empowerments, transmissions, and teachings for the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra, together with the Six Yogas of Naropa, and was able to carry their the practice through to completion.
Currently he is now staying in retreat at Almora, in northern India, engaging in continuous meditation practice.
He has also had the fortune to receive extensive teachings from Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen on the Gongchig (the Single Intent), as well as the Tekchen Tenpai Ningpo (The Essence of the Great Vehicle’s Teachings), along with Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon’s Zab Chö Kha Bum (Jigten Sumgon’s Collected Teachings of Profound Dharma), etc.
DRUPON THINLEY NINGPO RINPOCHE was born in the
Nag-chu District of Tibet. From his earliest years, the Venerable Thinley
Ningpo was distinguished by a loving and compassionate nature and an active
concern for the welfare of others. He entered school at the age of eight and
diligently pursued his elementary education. As he became the outstanding
student in his school, he was rewarded with an appointment as teacher for the
lower grades when he turned 17 years old. At that time he held a second job as
a clerk for the municipal government. In addition to his teaching and clerical
work, the Venerable Thinley Ningpo pursued studies in veterinary medicine.
After continuing this work for some time, his natural inclination towards
religion developed into a determination to pursue higher spiritual studies. His
father supported his decision, and applied to the proper authorities. He then
entered the 'Brong-ngur Monastery where he became a student of the eminent
Buddhist scholar, Lama Kedrub Siddhi Rinpoche, who chose him from among all the
new students to be his disciple. He engaged in the study of a wide range of
Drikung Buddhist traditions, including ritual practices, mandala and stupa
design and construction and the art of producing bronze images of sacred
beings. Subsequently, he was made director of the project to construct a new main
stupa for the monastery. After completing this formidable project in an
excellent manner, he went on a pilgrimage to Drikung Thel Monastery where he
met the great yogin and scholar, Drubwang Pa-chung Rinpoche. Ven. Thinley
Ningpo was inspired to ask for the essential precepts for the higher spiritual
practices. Recognizing his unique abilities, Rinpoche agreed and asked him to
return at daybreak. He thus was able to receive the profound essence
instructions in the practice and mastery of the peerless Mahamudra.
In 1988 Ven. Thinley Ningpo went on a pilgrimage to the sacred places of Tibet. This brought him to the western regions where he took a fortuitous opportunity to escape to India. This was accomplished through a very perilous two-month journey on foot across the Himalayas. Once safely in India, he proceeded to the Drikung Kagyu Temple and entered into the institute of higher education. After completing his course of study, he was appointed as dean of the institute. He served in this capacity for six years.
Ven. Thinley Ningpo spent 1994 in spiritual retreat, during which time he accomplished all the preliminary practices of the Five-fold Mahamudra. He then went to the Dorje Redrubde hermitage in Alora where he entered into the traditional three-year retreat, where he accomplished the practices of the Five-fold Mahamudra and the profound path of the Six Yogas of Naropa. He participated in the Drikung Kagyu Snake Year teaching retreat where he received the entire body of Drikung Kagyu empowerments, transmissions, and instructions for advanced practice. In this way he completed the process of advanced training in all the profound and sacred traditions of the Drikung and earned the title of Drupon "master of spiritual attainment".
Motivated by his deep and constant desire to help others to attain liberation, Ven. Thinley Ningpo traveled to America where he served as Spiritual Director and Retreat Master of the Tibetan Meditation Center in Frederick, MD.
Drupon-la now travels extensively with the blessing of HH Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, teaching the precious Dharma and leading Dharma students in retreat. He has traveled to South America in the last two years and keeps a busy domestic and international travel schedule for teaching and retreat. Drupon Rinpoche has recently relocated to Wesley Chapel, FL, just north of Tampa, and is establishing a Dharma center for study, practice and retreat there. We have been very blessed here in Florida by Drupon-la’s kindness and practical wisdom, which shines forth like the rays of the sun. Drupon-la possesses the special quality of being able to understand deeply the needs of Western students and to provide the Dharma Teachings needed in the moment, so that they can progress on the Path.
In 1988 Ven. Thinley Ningpo went on a pilgrimage to the sacred places of Tibet. This brought him to the western regions where he took a fortuitous opportunity to escape to India. This was accomplished through a very perilous two-month journey on foot across the Himalayas. Once safely in India, he proceeded to the Drikung Kagyu Temple and entered into the institute of higher education. After completing his course of study, he was appointed as dean of the institute. He served in this capacity for six years.
Ven. Thinley Ningpo spent 1994 in spiritual retreat, during which time he accomplished all the preliminary practices of the Five-fold Mahamudra. He then went to the Dorje Redrubde hermitage in Alora where he entered into the traditional three-year retreat, where he accomplished the practices of the Five-fold Mahamudra and the profound path of the Six Yogas of Naropa. He participated in the Drikung Kagyu Snake Year teaching retreat where he received the entire body of Drikung Kagyu empowerments, transmissions, and instructions for advanced practice. In this way he completed the process of advanced training in all the profound and sacred traditions of the Drikung and earned the title of Drupon "master of spiritual attainment".
Motivated by his deep and constant desire to help others to attain liberation, Ven. Thinley Ningpo traveled to America where he served as Spiritual Director and Retreat Master of the Tibetan Meditation Center in Frederick, MD.
Drupon-la now travels extensively with the blessing of HH Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang, teaching the precious Dharma and leading Dharma students in retreat. He has traveled to South America in the last two years and keeps a busy domestic and international travel schedule for teaching and retreat. Drupon Rinpoche has recently relocated to Wesley Chapel, FL, just north of Tampa, and is establishing a Dharma center for study, practice and retreat there. We have been very blessed here in Florida by Drupon-la’s kindness and practical wisdom, which shines forth like the rays of the sun. Drupon-la possesses the special quality of being able to understand deeply the needs of Western students and to provide the Dharma Teachings needed in the moment, so that they can progress on the Path.
VEN. LOPON THUBTEN NIMA RINPOCHE was born in the Kham (eastern) Region of Tibet in 1965. When he was 14, Lama Thubten Nima had the good fortune to receive instruction on the effects of virtuous and harmful actions by the great Yogi Damga, and he completed the four hundred thousand accumulations of the preliminary practices (Ngondro) according to the Buddhist Yangzab terma.
Lama Thubten Nima made great efforts to travel to Gar Monastery where he received refuge ordination from the profoundly loved and respected Garchen Rinpoche. He then received full monastic ordination and the bodhisattva vow from the great siddha Karma Norbu, and was then admitted to Gar Monastery.
While at Gar Monastery Lama Thubten Nima studied tantric ritual practices of the Old and New Schools, and engaged in a wide array of other religious trainings. Lama Thubten Nima received special training from the Hlo Lungkar Monastery Chant-master (religious ritual master), Lama Yungthar, including the Eight Heruka Sadhanas, the Embodiment of the Masters' Realization, Vajrakilaya, and Essence of Great Bliss. He then served as chant master for Gar Monastery and later as the disciplinarian.
Thereafter, Lama Thubten Nima sought-out and received teachings from many of the greatest living Buddhist masters including: Dzogchen Trekchod and Thogal from the highly-renowned and respected Khenpo Munsel Rinpoche; the entirety of the Drikung Kagyu protectors and the higher and lower tantra sections from His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.
Lama Thubten Nima also received personal, one-on-one instruction from the great Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche also gave Lama Thubten Nima the Kalachakra Empowerment and teachings and Kilaya cycle of teachings from Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche's own terma (mind treasure). Lama Thubten Nima is the resident Abbott at Drikung Rinchen Choling read more here.
Lama Thubten Nima made great efforts to travel to Gar Monastery where he received refuge ordination from the profoundly loved and respected Garchen Rinpoche. He then received full monastic ordination and the bodhisattva vow from the great siddha Karma Norbu, and was then admitted to Gar Monastery.
While at Gar Monastery Lama Thubten Nima studied tantric ritual practices of the Old and New Schools, and engaged in a wide array of other religious trainings. Lama Thubten Nima received special training from the Hlo Lungkar Monastery Chant-master (religious ritual master), Lama Yungthar, including the Eight Heruka Sadhanas, the Embodiment of the Masters' Realization, Vajrakilaya, and Essence of Great Bliss. He then served as chant master for Gar Monastery and later as the disciplinarian.
Thereafter, Lama Thubten Nima sought-out and received teachings from many of the greatest living Buddhist masters including: Dzogchen Trekchod and Thogal from the highly-renowned and respected Khenpo Munsel Rinpoche; the entirety of the Drikung Kagyu protectors and the higher and lower tantra sections from His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.
Lama Thubten Nima also received personal, one-on-one instruction from the great Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche also gave Lama Thubten Nima the Kalachakra Empowerment and teachings and Kilaya cycle of teachings from Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche's own terma (mind treasure). Lama Thubten Nima is the resident Abbott at Drikung Rinchen Choling read more here.
Bardor Tulku Rinpoche was born in 1949 in Kham, East Tibet. At a very early age, he was recognized by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa as the third incarnation of Terchen Barway Dorje.
When Rinpoche was a small child, with his family and his Dharma tutor he maintained a nomadic life style. Rinpoche was six when he left East Tibet in the company of his grandparents on a journey that took him first to Lhasa, then Tsurphu, and finally to Drikung where Rinpoche was to remain for a couple of years at the home of his grandparents.
After Rinpoche’s grandparents passed away, his parents and siblings joined him in Drikung. When the political and social conditions in Tibet worsened as a result of the Chinese Communist occupation, Rinpoche and his family—initially a party of thirteen—set out toward India over the Himalayas along with many other Tibetans who were also fleeing the fighting.
They traveled through Kongpo to Pema Ku. In Pema Ku, at the border of Tibet and India, as a result of the arduous journey, all Rinpoche’s family members died. When Rinpoche’s father—the last member of his family—died, Rinpoche left Pema Ku and continued on toward Assam with other refugees.
At the township known as Bomdila, where the borders of Tibet, Bhutan, and India meet, a bombing raid dispersed the group. Rinpoche and a young friend fled the attack and traveled westward, along the border of Bhutan and India, to Siliguri and eventually to Darjeeling. When they arrived in Darjeeling, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa was notified that Rinpoche had safely made his way out of Tibet. Filled with joy at the good news, His Holiness arranged for Rinpoche to be brought to Sikkim, and for Rinpoche’s friend to be taken care of.
Bardor Tulku Rinpoche was enthroned as a tulku at Rumtek Monastery when he was in his teens. It was also at Rumtek Monastery, under the tutelage of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, that Rinpoche’s formal training took place.
After completing many years of study and practice, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche accompanied the 16th Karmapa on his world tours in 1974 and 1976. In 1977, His Holiness asked Rinpoche to remain in Woodstock, New York, at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD). During his first two years at KTD, Rinpoche worked side-by-side with the staff to renovate and winterize the house and prepare for the last visit of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa to the West. During that last visit, in 1980, His Holiness directed that his monastery and seat in North America be established at KTD, and he performed the formal investiture. After the groundbreaking ceremony in May of 1982, Bardor Rinpoche directed the construction activities and labored each day to build the monastery. When the construction of the shrine building was essentially completed in early 1990s, he assumed responsibilities as a teacher at KTD and its affiliate Karma Thegsum Chöling centers (KTCs).
In 2000, with a blessing from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and His Eminence the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche established Raktrul Foundation in order to help rebuild the Raktrul Monastery in Tibet and provide educational facilities for monks and the lay community. In 2003, Rinpoche established Kunzang Palchen Ling (KPL), a Tibetan Buddhist Center in Red Hook, New York. Based on nonsectarian principles, KPL offers Dharma teachings from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and serves as a base for preserving and bringing to the West the terma teachings of Terchen Barway Dorje.
After working tirelessly for thirty-one years with the Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, the abbot of KTD, to firmly establish KTD and its affiliates in the United States, in October 2008, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche resigned from all his responsibilities at KTD. In August 2009, the KTD Board of Trustees issued an appreciation letter acknowledging Bardor Tulku Rinpoche’s role in the establishment KTD and its affiliates in North America.
Since he left KTD, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche has been directing the activities of Kunzang Palchen Ling, guiding Palchen Study Groups nationwide, overseeing translation projects of terma texts of Terchen Barway Dorje and the construction of the new facility at Kunzang Palchen Ling that is an implementation of his vision for KPL. Rinpoche also serves as an adviser for Dharma TV, an online Buddhist television project.
When Rinpoche was a small child, with his family and his Dharma tutor he maintained a nomadic life style. Rinpoche was six when he left East Tibet in the company of his grandparents on a journey that took him first to Lhasa, then Tsurphu, and finally to Drikung where Rinpoche was to remain for a couple of years at the home of his grandparents.
After Rinpoche’s grandparents passed away, his parents and siblings joined him in Drikung. When the political and social conditions in Tibet worsened as a result of the Chinese Communist occupation, Rinpoche and his family—initially a party of thirteen—set out toward India over the Himalayas along with many other Tibetans who were also fleeing the fighting.
They traveled through Kongpo to Pema Ku. In Pema Ku, at the border of Tibet and India, as a result of the arduous journey, all Rinpoche’s family members died. When Rinpoche’s father—the last member of his family—died, Rinpoche left Pema Ku and continued on toward Assam with other refugees.
At the township known as Bomdila, where the borders of Tibet, Bhutan, and India meet, a bombing raid dispersed the group. Rinpoche and a young friend fled the attack and traveled westward, along the border of Bhutan and India, to Siliguri and eventually to Darjeeling. When they arrived in Darjeeling, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa was notified that Rinpoche had safely made his way out of Tibet. Filled with joy at the good news, His Holiness arranged for Rinpoche to be brought to Sikkim, and for Rinpoche’s friend to be taken care of.
Bardor Tulku Rinpoche was enthroned as a tulku at Rumtek Monastery when he was in his teens. It was also at Rumtek Monastery, under the tutelage of His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, that Rinpoche’s formal training took place.
After completing many years of study and practice, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche accompanied the 16th Karmapa on his world tours in 1974 and 1976. In 1977, His Holiness asked Rinpoche to remain in Woodstock, New York, at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD). During his first two years at KTD, Rinpoche worked side-by-side with the staff to renovate and winterize the house and prepare for the last visit of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa to the West. During that last visit, in 1980, His Holiness directed that his monastery and seat in North America be established at KTD, and he performed the formal investiture. After the groundbreaking ceremony in May of 1982, Bardor Rinpoche directed the construction activities and labored each day to build the monastery. When the construction of the shrine building was essentially completed in early 1990s, he assumed responsibilities as a teacher at KTD and its affiliate Karma Thegsum Chöling centers (KTCs).
In 2000, with a blessing from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and His Eminence the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche established Raktrul Foundation in order to help rebuild the Raktrul Monastery in Tibet and provide educational facilities for monks and the lay community. In 2003, Rinpoche established Kunzang Palchen Ling (KPL), a Tibetan Buddhist Center in Red Hook, New York. Based on nonsectarian principles, KPL offers Dharma teachings from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and serves as a base for preserving and bringing to the West the terma teachings of Terchen Barway Dorje.
After working tirelessly for thirty-one years with the Venerable Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, the abbot of KTD, to firmly establish KTD and its affiliates in the United States, in October 2008, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche resigned from all his responsibilities at KTD. In August 2009, the KTD Board of Trustees issued an appreciation letter acknowledging Bardor Tulku Rinpoche’s role in the establishment KTD and its affiliates in North America.
Since he left KTD, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche has been directing the activities of Kunzang Palchen Ling, guiding Palchen Study Groups nationwide, overseeing translation projects of terma texts of Terchen Barway Dorje and the construction of the new facility at Kunzang Palchen Ling that is an implementation of his vision for KPL. Rinpoche also serves as an adviser for Dharma TV, an online Buddhist television project.
KHENPO KONCHOG SAMDRUP RINPOCHE was born in Kham. He received Refuge vows from Garchen Rinpoche when he was 7 and ordained as a monk when he was 12 years old. After travelling with his root lama for 3 years he met the Dzogchen master Khenpo Munsel, from whom he received instructions on Trekchod and Togyal, as well as pointing out instructions on the nature of mind. At Khenpo Jigme Puntsok’s monastery in Amdo, he received many pith instructions, empowerments and teachings. He also visited the great yogi Khenpo Chokyab, from whom he received many pith instructions and clarifications on the meaning of texts. Due to restrictions he worked for a while as a teacher at his father’s small village school, as well as giving dharma instructions at the local monastery. Later, he studied for 4 years at Dzogsar Shedra and then graduated and taught at Kagyu College. He escaped to India, where he met and received the blessings of H.H. the Dalai Lama and H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche. Read more about Khenpo here
