Biography of Chamtrul Rinpoche
The present and Third Chamtrul Rinpoche, Lobsang Gyatso, is the recognized reincarnation of the Second, Pema Nangsel Dorje, who was one of the heads of Mardo Tashi Choling Monastery in Tibet, and the recognized reincarnation of the First, Kunzig Jigme Dorje. (The present Chamtrul Rinpoche is the eleventh in a line of recognized reincarnations - it is the last three who have formally been given the same title.)
Chamtrul Rinpoche
At fourteen, he entered his monastery , Mardo Tashi Choling, to study with his first root guru, the great dzogchen master Naljor Yeshe Wangchuk Rinpoche.
Under this accomplished master he studied the preliminary practices (ngondro), heat yoga (tummo), and dzogchen, and completed the ngondro accumulation three consecutive times.
Chamtrul Rinpoche then joined the shedra program of philosophical studies, first at the great Katok Monastery, and then at Larung Gar, a highly renowned Buddhist institute that at its peak could hold ten thousand students.
For many years he engaged in rigorous studies of the Five Sciences curriculum, the traditional fields of knowledge of a Buddhist scholar. Closely supervised by his main root guru, His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, he gained a vast and profound knowledge of sutra and tantra and was conferred the title 'Khenpo' - roughly equivalent to 'Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy'.
Chamtrul Rinpoche again received this title from Katok Monastery, where he was also honored with the traditional pandit's hat of the Khenpos. Further, he received all the cycles of teachings, empowerments and transmissions from more than twenty five accomplished masters and scholars throughout India and Tibet.
Chamtrul Rinpoche conducts a ceremony at his monastery, Mardo Tashi Choling
Having completed his studies, he returned to his monastery, opened a monastic college, and stayed there for a number of years to teach the monks.
Since 1996, he has been teaching in numerous Buddhist institutes around the world, and regularly at the Bodhicitta Dharma Centre in the Indian Himalayan town of Dharamsala. Over the years he has taught thousands of students from about a hundred different countries.
Always ready to give Dharma teachings wherever they are needed, and following numerous invitations from many of his students, Chamtrul Rinpoche frequently travels the world, giving teachings, empowerments, transmissions, and lectures.
Teaching in accordance with his students' temperaments, interests, and capacities, his range of subjects include sutra, tantra, and dzogchen. Through his invaluable knowledge and practical advice, he compassionately guides them towards inner peace and happiness.
Chamtrul Rinpoche
In Chamtrul Rinpoche's own words:
"Teaching is what I do in this life, wherever someone asks me to teach, I am there.
Without discriminating against anybody based on their gender, race, creed and so forth, I wish them to enjoy excellent peace and harmony.
I try to the best of my ability to promote the view, meditation and conduct of non-violence, which is the indispensable source for the spread and enhancement of the inner peace of mind."
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