Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

By mark

Published on March 11, 2021

Khyentse Vision Project Chair & Principal Advisor

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is the son of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and was recognized by H.H. Sakya Trizin as an incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö. Rinpoche has founded a number of projects throughout the world, including Khyentse Foundation, 84000, Lotus Outreach, Siddhartha’s Intent, Dzongsar Institute and Kumarajiva. He is also a renowned filmmaker and author. Rinpoche is the guiding light behind Khyentse Vision Project.

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche received teachings from many of the greatest contemporary masters of Tibetan Buddhism, including the 16th Karmapa, Chatral Rinpoche, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Khenpo Appey, and his grandfathers, Dudjom Rinpoche and Lama Sonam Zangpo. His root guru was Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who began training Rinpoche from the age of seven.

While still a teenager, Rinpoche built a small retreat center in Ghezing, Sikkim, and soon began traveling and teaching around the world. In the 1980s, he began the restoration of Dzongsar Monastery in Derge, the responsibility for which he had inherited from his previous incarnation, Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö. He established Dzongsar Institute in Chauntra, which has grown to be one of the most respected institutions for advanced dialectical study in India. He also oversees two monasteries in Bhutan, and has established dharma centers in Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia. He has written several books and has conceived, written, and directed award-winning films. Rinpoche constantly travels all over the world, practicing and teaching the Dharma.