After his studies at the Peking Buddhist College of Higher Studies he came to India in 1992 to aid his Root-Lama H. H. the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang with the building of the Drikung Kagyu Seat in Exile.
Nubpa Rinpoche completed several multi-year retreats on the holy mountain Lapchi, where he restored the old Drikung retreat centers. Nubpa Rinpoche is actually the head of Drikung Kagyu Rinchen Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The current Chenga was born in 1974. Already before leaving Tibet, he completed the three-years-retreat. He currently lives in the Gampopa Vajrayana Buddhist Center in New Jersey, USA. His mastery of specific exercises of the Six Yogas of Naropa, which are learned and brought to perfection during the three-year retreat, he impressively demonstrated in the movie The Yogis of Tibet.

At age three, he was discovered by Kyabjé Garchen Rinpoche who performed an ablution and wrote a long life prayer for him. At age seven, he was invited from Lhasa all the way back to Nyidzong Monastery in Qinghai to receive formal education for a reincarnated tulku. From 17 onward, he studied in Drikung Kagyu Drubgyu Buddhist College, Yushu State Buddhist College as well as Serta Larung Ngarik Nangten Lopling.
In 2006, while bestowing the great empowerments of Drubpa Kagye (the Eight Herukas), Garchen Rinpoche gave a crystal, a mala and some ritual objects to Sopa Rinpoche. From then on, Sopa Rinpoche became one of the lineage heart sons. Garchen Rinpoche thus praised Sopa Rinpoche, “Among the 13 tulkus recognized by me, Sopa Rinpoche is the most diligent.” At age 20, in order to revive the lineage teachings of Nyidzong Monastery, Sopa Rinpoche began the endeavor of relocating the monastery from the remote high mountain to the foothill where the monastery was first founded 800 years ago. This was prophesied long ago by the lineage masters in writing. During the Qinghai big earthquake in 2010, a large portion of the finished construction was damaged. However, Sopa Rinpoche persisted with the reconstruction plan without giving up.
In 2015, upon completing the task of relocation and rebuilding the monastery, Sopa Rinpoche immediately entered the traditional three-year solitary retreat. He completed the retreat this year and a solemn ceremony was held in honor of his completion. Over 10,000 people attended the ceremony.
Sopa Rinpoche greatly emphasizes on the education and cultivation of the monks in the monastery. Currently, there are 128 adult monks, among which 19 are studying at various Buddhist colleges; 14 monks are in the traditional three-year retreat to practice the Six Yogas of Naropa; one monk is doing the Protector Achi retreat. In addition, there are 65 young monks receiving education in the monastery.

The Origin of Nyidzong Monastery
Nyidzong Monastery is located in Cheng-duo county, Yushu, Qinghai. It was founded by one of Lord Jigten Sumgon’s major disciples, Dorje Nyingpo with a history of more than 800 years. It is one of the three major monasteries in Drikung Kagyu.
The three main reincarnations of Drikung Kagyu’s realized masters are Garchen, Lochen and Nyidzong Trichen. These three great masters are qualified to act as the regents when the new reincarnation of the Drikung Kagyu’s throne holder has not been found or is still young. Until now, Nyidzong Monastery is still flourished with masters possessing both the teachings and realizations. Many relics left by past realized masters through their miraculous powers remain in the monastery. These include the Buddha’s relics, Lord Atisha’s heart relic, and the Thokcha Phurba owned by the 17th throne holder of Drikung Kagyu lineage, the victorious Rinchen Phuntsok. The phurba is regarded as significant treasure of the monastery.

The 1st Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche: Palchen Nyedphupa

Palchen Nyedphupa is one of the Eight Glorious Sons and Thirty Heart Sons (bhulhob) of the great enlightened master Kyopa Jigten Sumgon who founded Drikung Kyagud lineage more than 800 years ago. The supreme title of "Palchen" (the Great Glorious One, synonym of Heruka) was bestowed upon Nyedphupa by Kyopa Jigten Sumgon based on his supreme knowledge and qualifications.
According to the earlier records of biographies, it was written that after Kyopa Jigten Sumgon attained Mahaparinirvana, Palchen Nyedphupa with two other yogis flew from Drikung region of central Tibet to Kham Denkhog (Kham Denma) where they were welcomed by celestial dakini Drubpai Gyalmo and offered them tea. The foot prints of Nyedphupa left on rocks where he landed and marble stone used to brew tea by dakini can still be seen.
In fact, Nyedphupa came there in accordance to prophesy to eliminate leprosy (infection caused by naga spirits) which was then prevalent in the region risking lives of many. He mediated at a cave in Denkhog and subjugated all Naga spirits infecting the disease. The diseases was soon completely eliminated and everyone realized that it was his blessings. Everyone accredited him and many became his followers. His name spread far across the land and numerous devotees gathered around him. He generously gave instructions and also established a monastery in the region. That monastery was known as Lu Gyal or Lu Kyil Gonpa (monastery victorious over Naga) and it still stands there as the base for propagation and practice of Buddha Dharma for many.

The 10th Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche: Jigme Choewang Lodro

Jigme Choewang Lodro was born in Kham Dzachukha to father Jampa Zangpo and mother Dolo from Kham. He was recognized as the 10th incarnation of Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche by the previous H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Zhiwi Lodro Rinpoche.
He received many teachings from both Drikung Holinesses and one of his main Guru was Dzogchen master of his time, Dzogchen Khenpo Thubga from Changma Rithro in Dzachukha. In the Kham region, he had many followers from different regions and monasteries of Tibet practicing different sects of Buddhism. He was recognized for his profound teachings covering all sects of Buddhism.
There are golden statues of Yamantaka and other deities belonging to the 10th incarnation of Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche. Yamantaka is an emanation of Lord Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
During the later part of his life, he traveled to Drikung Terdrum region and spent the rest of his life in the caves of Guru Padmasambhava and Yeshey Tsogyal. There he recognized his consort, special dakini, Khandro Thinley Wangmo. Before passing into the Parinirvana, he showed Khandro Thinley Wangmo of his passing and signs that they will meet again in his next reincarnation.

The 11th Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche: Konchog Thinley Lhundrub Namgyal

Rinpoche was born as the eldest son of Yogi Lama Jorjel and Yangchen Dolkar in Kathmandu, Nepal in the year 1984 A.D, with many auspicious signs.
Lama Jorjel was the direct descendent (the eldest son and 6th generation) of Terton Geru Choegyal Dorje; one of the 108 Treasure revealers prophesied by Guru Padmasambhava himself. His Eminence 11th Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche is the eldest son and 7th generation, the main holder of sacred Geru Choegyal lineage. Yangchen Dolkar is the descendant of Atitsang family who was one of the ministers in King Gesar's court. In the history of Ati family, many high enlighten masters and leaders were born.
Soon after Rinpoche was born, His Holiness Dungsey Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, son of His Holiness Kyabje Dujom Rinpoche and a great master of Dzogchen, performed Gana-chakra Tshog ritual and composed a long-life prayer. He then made a prophecy thus; "the child is an incarnation of a great master and one great lama will recognize him in near future".
Accordingly, His Holiness the 37th Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche recognized him as the 11th Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche. His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche performed cleansing rituals and said young incarnation is being protected by his yidam deity Yamantaka, wrathful form of Manjushri.

The present Chime Dorje Rinpoche was born in 1984, with many auspicious signs occurring at the time of his birth, he was recognized by H.H the 37th Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche and was officially enthroned in 1992 at Jangchubling Monastery, Dehra Dun, India.

Chime Dorje Rinpoche completed his basic monastic education at Jangchubling Monastery. Rinpoche also received the entire set of empowerments, oral transmissions and instructions of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage from H.H Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche, H.H Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang Rinpoche, H.E Garchen Rinpoche as well as from many other eminent Rinpoches of the Drikung Kagyü Lineage. Rinpoche also visited the Gar Monastery in Kham, Tibet and studied at the Buddhist Institution, Larong Serta Narig. Back in India he joined the Zongsar College and studied there for many years. Growing up in this modern era, he expresses openness and interest towards the problems faced by modern day practitioners.

Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsens Projects

It has long been Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen’s particular concern, to make the Heart Essence of Mahāyāna Teachings (theg chen pa'i bstan snying po) known in the West. The Heart Essence of Mahāyāna Teachings ranks among the most important texts of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. It contains essential teachings of the lineage founder Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217) and was written by his personal student Ngorje Repa. The Heart Essence is a comprehensive fundamental work. Starting from the treatment of the topic of Buddha Nature it outlines the entire buddhist path as gradual path to enlightenment that concludes with an explanation of the Fivefold Path of Mahāmudrā, one of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage’s own practice. Aside from the Gongchig (The Single Intent), the most important philosophical legacy of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön, Khenchen Rinpoche teaches with passion and with great enthusiasm the Heart Essence of Mahāyāna Teachings. It is his heartfelt wish that this important and comprehensive text will be made available in translations in three volumes. In order to promote this project, he works at the Milarepa Retreat Center closely with translators. The German translation of the first part of the Heart Essence is completed and will be published in the near future. Currently work is being done on the English translation of the first and the German translation of the second part.

Khenchen Rinpoche is a wonderful author and translator who has translated for many years important Dharma texts and has written profound commentaries on them, to allow his students and those seriously interested in the Dharma, to come into contact with authentic Dharma knowledge. Rinpoche has published twelve books. These books are all available in English. In his latest book, Opening the Treasure of the Profound, Khenchen Rinpoche presents songs of realization by Jigten Sumgon and Milarepa.

A list of the highly reccomended books by Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche:

• Pearl Rosary: The Path of Purification. Vajra Publications, Gainesville, 2007
• The Garland of Mahamudra Practices. Snow Lion, Ithaca, 2002
• In Search of the Stainless Ambrosia. Snow Lion, Ithaca, 1988
• The Great Kagyu Masters: The Golden Lineage Treasury. Snow Lion, Ithaca, 1991
• The Jewel Treasury of Advice: A Hundred Teachings from the Heart. Vajra Publications, Frederick, 2001
• The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Noble Teachings. Snow Lion, Ithaca, 1992
• Calling to the Lama from Afar: Verses of Supplication and Praise to Lord Jigten Sumgön. Vajra Publications, Gainesville
• A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path. Snow Lion, Ithaca, 2010
• Wheel of Wisdom: Three Teaching Poems and a Guru Yoga Practice. Vajra Publications, Gainesville, 2012
• Prayers Flags. The Life and Spiritual Teachings of Jigten Sumgön. Snow Lion, Ithaca,1986
• Transformation of Suffering: A Handbook for Practitioners. Vajra Publications, Gainesville
• Opening the Treasure of the Profound: Teachings on the Songs of Jigten Sumgön and Milarepa. Snow Lion, Boston & London, 2013

From 2005 onwards, Buddhist texts have been translated into foreign languages under his guidance for four to five months every winter. In addition, in 2008 he started to teach in Dharma centers in the East and West during his annual holidays. In 2013, he was appointed the second Khenchen of the main seat of Drikung Kagyu in India by H.H. the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang. Directed by H.H., he is leading the Vikramashila translation project, giving teachings and translation instructions in the Milarepa Center in Germany for three months every year.

He also studied and practiced a few Drikung Kagyü rituals while there. In 1987 he went to the Drikung Kagyü Institute in Dehra Dun, India to pursue advanced Buddhist studies. There, over a period of nine years, he studied the twelve main commentaries of the masters of Nalanda as well as Drikung Kagyü treatises such as the Gong Chig, “The Heart of the Mahayana Sutras” and others under the skilful guidance of Khenpo Togdol Rinpoche, Khenpo Könchog Mönlam, Khenpo Könchog Tashi and Khenchen Könchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche. After completing his studies in 1996, he travelled in Europe and Southeast Asia as H.H. Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang’s translator. He has also taught in Drikung Kagyü centers in Malaysia, Singapore, North America, Estonia and Latvia.

For a few years, he served as Resident Khenpo in the Songtsen Library in Dehra Dun/ India. In addition to his instructions in the Library, he translated rare Drikung Kagyü texts into English and issued a number of English-language books.

He has been living in Vienna since 2015 and works at the University of Vienna at the Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies and is a participant in the research project “Neue Erwägungen zur Buddha-Natur” (i.e. new considerations on Buddha nature). Khenpo Thamphel teaches in English and now also speaks a little German so that various questions and topics can be discussed directly with him.

Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl worked for 20 years as a physician and is a Buddhist since 1983.
From 1988–1998, he received his training in Buddhist philosophy and meditation as well as Tibetan language mainly at Marpa Institute For Translators in Kathmandu, Nepal (director: Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche). He also studied Tibetology, Buddhology, and Sanskrit at Hamburg University, Germany (1988–1990 and 2001–2005). Since 1989, Karl served as a translator, interpreter, and Buddhist teacher mainly in Europe, India, and Nepal. Since 1999, he has acted as one of the main translators and teachers at Nitartha Institute (director: Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche) in the USA, Canada, and Germany. From 2000–2007, he also taught regularly at the Vidyadhara Institute in Gampo Abbey (Canada).

In 2005, Karl was appointed by Dzogche Ponlop Rinpoche as one of five Western teachers of the Nalandabodhi sangha and received the title “Mitra” (“spiritual friend”). He also teaches weekend seminars and Nitartha Institute courses in Nalandabodhi centers in the USA, Canada, and Mexico as well as other locations.

Karl is the (co-)author and translator of more than twenty books on Buddhism in English and German, such as The Heart Attack Sutra (Snow Lion Publications), A Lullaby to Awaken the Heart, and Sounds of Innate Freedom (Wisdom Publications).

 

He has both a four year training at the Higher Institute of the Italian Federation of Yoga and a two year diploma from the Satyananda Yoga Center (tradition according to the parameters of the Bihar University of Yoga India) completed in 2004.

In 2006 Giorgio decided to deepen his meditation practice in India and met His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup and took Refuge and began his training in the Five Fold Path of Mahamudra and the 6 Yogas of Naropa. Giorgio spent over 3 years on and off in India from the beginning of 2006 to 2009 in retreat under the guidance of his retreat masters, Drupon Champa Rinpoche, Drupon Sonam Kunga Rinpoche and Lama Manu from Chile who completed two three year retreats in the Drikung Kagyu tradition. Giorgio has also taken teachings on the Six Yogas and Mahamudra and empowerments from HE Garchen Rinpoche.

Giorgio has been teaching Hatha Yoga in Italy and Switzerland for over 15 years and more recently been assisting retreatants and meditation students at the Milarepa Retreat Center in Germany in improving their relationship with their body, breath and mind which is vital for progression on the yogic path of Tibetan Buddhism.

Drubpon Rachel Dodds has officially received the title „ Drubpon“ (Meditation-Master) by H.H. The Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup.

Since 2010 Drubpon Rachel has been living in Italy and teaching and leading retreats in various Drikung Centers in Germany, Ukraine, Estonia, Poland and Russia as well as teaching Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation Classes in Italy and Switzerland.
She began 2016 her position as the „Drubpon“(Meditation-Master) at the Milarepa Retreat Center. She travels there regularly to lead teachings and group retreats and support practitioners in long term solitary retreats.
Under her guidance the second traditonal Three-Year Retreat with a group of six international disciples began in 2018, where she lead them through the 5 Fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa.

She will lead the third Three-Year Retreat, supported by Giorgio Savigliano.

Authority Letter of His Holiness The Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup

 

Letter of Introduction from H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

To Whom it may concern,

Rachel Dodds (Yeshe Zangmo) has been my disciple since 1999.
From then until 2004 she attended most of the summer retreats in Chino Valley, Arizona learning Buddhist philosophy and meditation practices. She lived and worked as a volunteer at the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Arizona, engaging in daily practice and completing the 100-day solitary retreat on the four contemplations in 2002.

From 2003 to 2004 she was instrumental in initiating and organizing the first three year, three month group retreat including westerners in the Drikung Kagyu tradition, which took place in Almora India from 2004 to 2008 under the auspices of H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup . The retreat was lead by Drupon Champa Rigzin Rinpoche and was conducted in the traditional monastic style and done together with Drikung Kagyu monks from various regions of the Himalayas. During the retreat she practiced in full The Five Fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, complete with elaborate fire pujas and training in all aspects of ritual.
From 2008 to 2009 Rachel continued her study of ritual including sand mandala and torma sculpture and deepening her knowledge of various aspects of the three year retreat practices. Living at Songtsen Library in Dehradun, India - the seat of the Drukung Kagyu in exile- she was able to assist H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup Rinpoche with various duties, as well as continue her study of classical and colloquial Tibetan language.
I am very pleased with the progress that Rachel has made in her practice and studies and fully support her as a teacher of Buddhadharma. I have faith in the qualities of Rachel’s outer trainings and inner practice, including her view and meditation. Because of these qualities and her true wish from the bottom of her heart to benefit sentient beings, I have been authorized by H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup to give her the title of Drupon or Retreat Master.

Konchog Gyaltsen [a.k.a. Kyabje Garchen Triptrul Rinpoche]
February 16th 2010

 

Her personal meditation experience is mainly based on the practice of the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. In her attempt to be an optimal support for retreatants she has broadened her education with psychological counselling and biographical writing.

In her activities Drubpon Ingrid focusses on the support of practitioners in their (self-) awareness and the integration of their deeper experiences in everyday life.

Through many years of practicing Achi Choky Dolma, Ingrid Lama feels a strong devotion and connection to this protectress. With the wish that more practitioner deepen their connection to this powerful Dakini, she offers regularly short term retreats with that focus.

 

Drubpon Khandro went on retreat on the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra the Drikung monastery Densa Thil for seven years.
H.E. Garchen Rinpoche sent her to the celebrated Nyingma abbot Khenpo Munsel. There, Drubpon Khandro received Dzogchen teachings and an introduction to the nature of mind. She then returned to Drikung Densa Thil and completed her first Three Year Retreat there.
In 1999 she completed her second Three Year retreat on the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Drubpon Khandro has been living in Sweden since 2006 and guides Dharma practitioners there.

In the course of a 100 day retreat (Shag gya) he practiced the Tonglen of the Six Realms.
In addition, he completed the traditional three year retreat comprising the five-fold path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Subsequently, H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche and H.E. Garchen Rinpoche conferred the title of a Drubpon (retreat master) upon him.

In 1997 he received the title of shastri (kachospa or dharma teacher). Lama Kunsang completed a three year retreat in India devoted to the “Six Yogas of Naropa” and the “Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra.” He concluded his time in retreat with the distinction “Retreat Master.”

In 2005, the Drikung Kagyu Dorje Ling Center with Lama Kunsang as Resident Lama, was inaugurated by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche with the blessing of H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche.

She has received teachings of various levels and Empowerments from Lamas as well as studied different techniques of meditation, mastering them in regular retreats. She has attended 3 courses of Shravasti meditation with His Holiness The Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup and completed a retreat on this technique in Nepal.

Viktorija is involved in Buddhist texts translation projects and holds the title of Dorje Lopon, granted by H.H. The Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup.

She later studied Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu for three years and then accompanied Sonam Jorphel Rinpoche as translator in his monasteries in Kathmandu and Lumbini as well as on his annual teaching trips to Germany, Austria and Vietnam.

In 2019/2020 she completed the Tibetan Translator Training Program at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu and returned to Europe in the wake of the corona pandemic. From 2021-2022 she participated in the last year of the three-year retreat at Milarepa Center under the guidance of Drupöns Rachel, Giorgio and Ingrid. Since November 2022 she has been working here as translator as well as being active in temple service (daily practice of Jigten Sumgön guru yoga in the mornings and Dharma protector practice in the evenings). She will also lead these and various other practices on-site as well as via Zoom starting in the near future.

She has been a Buddhist since 1993 and is a disciple of H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup and H.E. Garchen Rinpoche. They have both guided her in the annual retreats in Dehradun, India and in Chino Valley, Arizona that she has done since 2000.
In 2007 she participated in a Nairatmya retreat with H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup in Dehradun,
and since then, she has been practicing Nairatmya. H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Thinley Lhundup gave her special permission to participate in Phyang (Ladakh) monastery's 2019 Hevajra retreat, and she did several Hevajra retreats in preparation for it.

H.H. has instructed her to lead a Hevajra and Nairatmya practice group at Milarepa Retreat
Center.

In 2012-213 Andrey completed a training program and become a chant-master for Manjushri Yamantaka accomplishment retreat. Then he served as a chant-master for Yamantaka drubchens in Garchen Buddhist Institute (USA), Drikung Garchen Institute (Germany) and other Garchen Rinpoche’s centers in different countries.

In 2013, according to Lama Garchen Rinpoche's wish to give Ratna Lingpas’ Vajrakila practice a deep roots outside Tibet, Andrey started to learn melodies, music and rituals of Vajrakila practices. He then served as a chant-master for Vajrakila sangdrubs in English and Russian languages in different countires.

In an attempt to follow the practice path in an authentic way he participated in many accomplishment retreats (drubchen), asked questions, clarified details and received pith instructions from Lama Garchen Rinpoche, Drikung Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche, Drubpon Tsering Rinpoche, Lopon Thubten Nyima and many other teachers.