11th Minilling Trichen Rinpoche

Khentse Rinpoche

16th Gyalwa Karmapa

8th Minlling Khenchen Rinpoche

Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche

The 9th Mindrolling Khenchen Rinpoche
 

His Eminence the 9th Minling Khenchen Rinpoche of Ög Min Ogyen Mindrolling was born in the family of Mindrolling of the divine Nyok lineage. Khenchen Rinpoche was born to Jetsun Dechen Wangmo,  the aunt of the present Mindrolling Trichen on 5th January, 1970 in the Drachi Valley in Tibet. Originally given the name of Jigmey Namgyal, Rinpoche was recognised as the reincarnation of the 8th Minling Khenchen Rinpoche by the omniscient 14th Dalai Lama, 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and Lhatog Rinpoche. Being born in the Mindrolling lineage, the Ven. Jigmey Namgyal, now known as 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 some of exceptional masters who have held this lineage. From 1976 onwards, Rinpoche began studying recitation, calligraphy and Tibetan medicine with Trlu Khenpo Tsenam Rinpoche.

In 1983, following the wish of His Holiness Mindrolling Trichen and the invitation of the Most Venerable Khochhen Rinpoche, Khenchen Rinpoche joined the Mindrolling monastery in India. In the Mindrolling Monastery, Rinpoche studied Tibetan grammar, poetry, philosophy and so on, and, particularly the rituals and liturgies of the Mindrolling tradition with the Venerable Dhagpo Rinpoche. In 1986, Khenchen Rinpoche entered the Nyingma Monastic Institute in Mysore and undertook the studies of vinaya, sutra, abhidharma, madhaymaka, logic and so on. In 1987 while visiting Dharamsala, in accordance with the wish of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Khenchen Rinpoche received together with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, instructions on the Guhayagarbhatantra from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. During this time, Rinpoche also received special empowerment of the Great 5th Dalai Lama from His Holiness the present Dalai Lama. During the summer of 1988, Rinpoche received the Yeshe Lama instructions and other Dzogchen teachings from His Holiness Dilgo Khyenste Rinpoche in Nepal. In 1990, following the instruction of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Khenchen Rinpoche received full monastic ordination from His Eminence Trulshig Rinpoche. Rinpoche also received Mind Instructions from Tulku Ugyen Rinpoche in Nepal in 1993.

In 1992, Rinpoche assumed the leadership of the Mindrolling shedra, the monastic university at Mindrolling, and began giving teachings to the monks. Rinpoche has since then developed a vast activity teaching both within India and in other countries. Rinpoche's teachings filled with clarity, depth and humour, and, attuned to the present day and age have made him a greatly respected teacher amongst the younger tulkus of today. Every year Rinpoche bestows the monastic vows to hundreds of monks on the 4th day of the 6th lunar month, the day the Buddha turned the first wheel of Dharma. In 1994, at the request of the various Nyingma Monasteries, Rinpoche accepted the position of Vice President of the Great Nyingma Monlam, a post he still holds.

Khenchen Rinpoche has continued with his studies and practices by receiving teachings and instructions regularly from the present Mindrolling Trichen. Every year Rinpoche presides over the various drubchens held at Mindrolling and spends some time in closed retreat.

Under the direction of His Holiness Mindrolling Trichen and the guidance of the Most Venerable Trulshig Rinpoche, Khenchen Rinpoche with unceasing compassion and tireless activity is engaged in nurturing the Dharma and preserving the lineage of Mindrolling.