BIOGRAPHY
HIS EMINENCE THE 9TH KHENCHEN RINPOCHE
BORN INTO THE MINDROLLING LINEAGE
His Eminence the 9th Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, recipient of India’s esteemed Bharat Jhoti Award and Bharat Gaurav Award, as well as the Best Citizen Award of India and the Appreciation Award from the Mayor of Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, was born into the family of Mindrolling, the divine Nyok lineage, in 1970. His Eminence Minling Khenchen Rinpoche’s mother, Jetsun Dechen Wangmo, was the aunt of His Holiness the 11th Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche.
At birth, Rinpoche was given the name of Jigmey Namgyal by H.E. Minling Chung Rinpoche 1908-1980). He was recognized as the reincarnation of the 8th Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, Ngawang Khentse Norbu, by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Lhatog Rinpoche. Being born into the Mindrolling lineage, His Eminence Jigmey Namgyal, now known as Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, is the lineage holder of the Khenrab branch of the Mindrolling tradition. Lochen Dharmashri, Gyalsay Tenpai Nyima, and the previous Minling Khenchen, are a few of the exceptional masters who have been holders of this lineage in the past.
Education and Studies
Rinpoche began his studies in recitation, calligraphy, and Tibetan medicine with Trlu Khenpo Tsenam Rinpoche, the founder of the first Tibetan Medical Institute in Lhasa, Tibet. He continued studies in Tibetan grammar, poetry, philosophy, and, in particular, the rituals and liturgies of the Mindrolling tradition with the Venerable Dhagpo Rinpoche. For further studies, Rinpoche entered the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute of Namdrolling in Mysore, India, where he undertook the studies of Vinaya, Sutra, Abhidharma, Madhyamaka, and logic, under the blessing and special guidance of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. During this time, Rinpoche also received the Kama and his first Terdzo Wang from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche.
Transmissions
Rinpoche received transmission of the Terma teachings of Pema Lingpa, the Tri Yeshey Lama instructions, and numerous other transmissions and empowerments from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, His Holiness Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, His Eminence Trulshig Rinpoche, His Eminence Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, and His Eminence Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche.
Seated in front: H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kneeling: Tulku Kunga Rinpoche. Standing left to right: Tulku Rigzin Pema, Jhokhang Rinpoche, Yuda Rinpoche, Tsona Tulku, Sechen Rabjam Rinpoche, Yangthang Rinpoche, Dhakpo Rinpoche, Druk Rinpoche , Dungsay Rinpoche(son of H.H. Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche), Dzikar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Minling Khenchen Rinpoche, Khyenste Jigme Rinpoche, Tulku Sangnag, and Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
While visiting Dharamsala at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche and The 12th Mindrolling Trichen Dungsay Dhala Gyaltsen, along with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, all received instructions on the Guhayagarbhatantra from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
During this time, Rinpoche also received a special empowerment of the Great 5th Dalai Lama from His Holiness the present Dalai Lama.Under the instruction of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Rinpoche received monastic ordination from His Eminence Trulshig Rinpoche.
Rinpoche has been teaching extensively in Asia, Europe, and the USA for more than twelve years. Rinpoche’s teachings are known for their clarity, depth, and humor, and attuned to the present day and age which has made him a greatly respected teacher amongst the younger Rinpoches of today.
Head Abbot In-Charge of Ngagyur Nyingma College
Rinpoche presides over the monastic university at Mindrolling and has been giving teachings and guidance to the monks consistently since he undertook the in-charge position in 1990.
Vice President of the Great Nyingma Monlam
At the request of the various Nyingma monasteries, Rinpoche accepted the on-going position of Vice President of the Great Nyingma Monlam (World Peace Prayers), held annually in Bodhgaya, India. Additionally, Rinpoche will be sponsoring the events of the Monlam for the years 2008, 2010, and 2012. Sponsorship responsibilities for this gathering include providing the means for food and lodging for all participants, numbering in the many thousands, as well as providing for other ceremonial expenses during the ten days of the Great World Peace Prayers.
Founder of the Eastern Sun Group
Rinpoche is the Founder of the Eastern Sun Group in Taiwan. This organization oversees all of Rinpoche’s projects – in India as well as other countries. In addition to the main projects mentioned on his website, Rinpoche is also leading the printing of sacred texts of the Nyingma lineage, especially of the Mindrolling, in order to preserve them for future generations.
For the first time in Mindrolling history, a manual of all ceremonial rituals, as well as other rituals of Nyingmapa and Torma (ritual ceremony offerings) will be printed in 2011. For posterity, this will provide the assurance that the continuity of the authentic ways of doing the sacred ancient rituals will be preserved.
The Eastern Sun Group has now merged with the Lay Buddhists’ Association in Taipei, Taiwan, an organization which was established in 1968, and currently has over 5000 members. This organization has been doing charity work in numerous countries around the world. Rinpoche is the Spiritual Advisor to this well respected and renowned charitable organization, now known as The Eastern Sun Group Lay Buddhists’ Association, Republic of China.
Nurturing the Dharma and Preserving the Lineage
Rinpoche continues to engage with the studies and practices which he has received over the course of a lifetime from his many esteemed Teachers. Each year Rinpoche presides over the various drubchens (ceremonies) held at Mindrolling Monastery, as well as devoting time to closed retreats. Rinpoche, with unceasing compassion and tireless activity, engages in nurturing the Dharma, and strives selflessly to preserve the lineage of Mindrolling.
Recognition and Prestigious Awards
Throughout his life, H.E. Khenchen Rinpoche has been honored with several achievement awards. His recent awards include the following (click on the awards to read more):
- Bharat Jyoti Award large view
- Bharat Gaurav Award large view
- Certificate of Excellence Award large view
- Best Citizens of India Award large view
- Hsin-Chu City Appreciation Award large view
The ceremonies, celebrating meritorious services, extrordinary performance, and outstanding contributions were attended by government officials, international dignitaries, and dedicated community members.