His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa

Supreme Head Of The Kagyu Lineage

The Seventeenth Karmapa the successor of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, the head of the Kagyu lineage and main teacher of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche during his education in Sikkim. Born in Tibet June 26, 1985, from the age of 8 years, HH the 17th Karmapa presided over Tsurphu, the traditional seat of the Karmapas in Tibet since the Thirteenth Century. At the age of fourteen years, he escaped Tibet for India, the ancient birthplace of Buddhism, to fulfill the role of the Karmapa, to pursue his religious education and to aid the Tibetan people. Go to Karmapa Information Section.

His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Supreme Head Of The Nyingma Lineage (1988-91)

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) is universally recognized as one of the greatest realized meditation masters and teachers of all time. The head of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism from 1988 until his passing, he was also the leading proponent of the non-sectarian or Rime tradition. More on HH Khyentse Rinpoche is available at the Shechen Monastery website.

Ven. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche

Great Modern Day Yogi and Impeccable Scholar Of Buddhism

Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso is an impeccable scholar renowned for his equally flawless compassion. He also embodies the arduous training and imperturbable temperament of a true yogi. Go to the Khenpo Rinpoche Section.

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

The Founder And Spiritual Director of Nalandabodhi

Acknowledged as both a meditation master and one of the foremost scholars and educators of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche is known for his sharp intellect, humor, and the lucidity of his teaching style. Fluent in the English language and well-versed in Western culture, Rinpoche is also an accomplished calligrapher, visual artist and poet. Go to The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche Section.

Ven. Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche

His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa's General Secretary

The second Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche was born in Rumtek, Sikkim on August 8, 1965, and recognized as a tulku by the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa. Since the XVIIth Karmapa arrived in India in January 2000, Rinpoche has been at Gyuto Monastery serving the Karmapa as his primary attendant. Rinpoche also has substantial responsibilities for Dhilyak Monastery in Boudhanath, Nepal, and is an advisor to Nalandabodhi. He resides primarily in Rumtek. Go to Article.

Acharyas and Lamas

Teachers in Residence