PATRONAGE OR SPIRITUAL ADVISOR

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF HIS HOLINESS NINTH GANGTENG TULKU RINPOCHE KUNZANG RIGZIN PEMA NAMGYAL

His Holiness Ninth Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal is one of the most respected spiritual leaders and abbots of Gangteng Monastery, Bhutan. In a very special position, he is one of three main lineage holders of the Pema Lingpa tradition—the large branch of Tibetan Buddhism. He was recognized at a very tender age by H.H. Karmapa and H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche acknowledged him as the reincarnation of Gyalsey Pema Thinley, the grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa, a well-known treasure revealer.

His spiritual journey and education were indeed profound. He had extensive training under some of the most respected and venerated masters in Tibetan Buddhism, such as H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and H.H. Jetsuen Tenzin Dendup, the 68th Jekhenpo of Bhutan. These teachings and influences have been a strong part of his spiritual development.

This deepened his understanding and practice through a meditative retreat, 12 years of whose life he dedicated to it. His work has enabled him to perfect the transmission of two of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism: Nyingma and Kargyu traditions. His expertise over these traditions has been possible through being a pivotal figure in preservation and dissemination.

Apart from Gangteng Monastery, he is in charge of over 65 other religious institutes in the land of Bhutan. These institutes provide a place to stay for more than 4000 monks and nuns and sustain them with three meals a day, as well as a warm environment in which to practice their spirits.

Rinpoche’s influence goes beyond Bhutan. He disseminated his teaching to thousands of students worldwide. Especially, it is said that he introduced Dzogchen in Bhutan as well as internationally. Dzogchen is the most advanced practice of Tibetan Buddhism to realize the natural, primordial state.

By his tireless efforts, Rinpoche has hugely contributed to the spiritual lives of many in their pursuit of an experience of enlightenment through incessant practice, together with the continuity and expansion of the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. His leadership, teaching, and caring compassion toward the disciples mark his vital place within both the Bhutanese and global spiritual communities.