Biography

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.  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 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.

Rinpoche began his studies in recitation, calligraphy, at a very young age. He also studied Tibetan medicine of Trlu Khenpo Tsenam Rinpoche. He studied 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.

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.

While visiting Dharamsala at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Rinpoche and The 12th Mindrolling Trichen Dhala Gyaltsen Rinpoche along with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, all received instructions on the Guhayagarbha tantra 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 in different countries 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 incharge 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.

Throughout his life, H.E. Khenchen Rinpoche has been honored with several achievement awards. His recent awards include the following

• Bharat Jyoti Award
• Bharat Gaurav Award
• Certificate of Excellence Award
• Best Citizens of India Award
• Hsin-Chu City Appreciation Award