Shyalpa Jigme Tenzin Wangpo

His Eminence Shyalpa Rinpoche was born in a Tibetan refugee camp. Trained as a Lama from the age of four, His Eminence received transmissions from all of the four major Tibetan Buddhist lineages. He received the complete Nyingma cycle of teachings and empowerments from his precious root guru, Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche. This includes the complete teaching cycle of Dzogchen, the ultimate teachings. His Eminence Shyalpa Rinpoche has also received transmissions and teachings from H.H. Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche, H.H. Deshung Rinpoche, H.H. Khyentse Rinpoche, and H.H. Tsetrul Rinpoche.

Fulfilling the wish of his teachers, Rinpoche has given tirelessly of himself, teaching throughout the world. His Eminence founded Rangrig Yeshe, Inc. in the United States, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve Tibetan Buddhist teachings and benefit all sentient beings through meditation, teachings and compassionate activities.

Under the umbrella of Rangrig Yeshe, Rinpoche has founded the Dzogchen Ati Ling meditation and teaching centers in Jamestown and Syracuse, New York, the Dharmachakra Fund and the Tibetan Refugee Children’s Fund. “Buddhafield, the Center for Enlightenment”—a beautiful and pristine refuge covering 40 acres in Millerton, New York—will become the future site of a great temple to preserve and promote the profound teachings of his lineage for all future generations.

In 1989, His Eminence founded the Tibetan Refugee Children’s Fund. This project finds sponsors for needy Himalayan children living in Nepal and India. To date, over 300 children have been housed, sheltered and sent to school. In addition, Rinpoche has re-established the Shyalpa Monastery and Retreat Center and started Shyalpa Nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal. Under his guidance, many young monks and nuns are studying and practicing the spiritual traditions of the Longchen Nyingthig (Heart Essence of the Great Expanse).

In Munich, Germany, Rinpoche has established “Dharmachakra Europe.” Similar to its American counterpart, Dharmachakra Europe will preserve and make available the teachings of his precious lineage, the Longchen Nyingthig. Rinpoche envisions Dharmachakra Foundations throughout the world. All revenue generated from Dharma teachings is donated back to the foundations and funds of the particular country to further the compassionate activities of Rinpoche.

With his profound understanding of Western culture, His Eminence Shyalpa Rinpoche provides a unique opportunity for Western students to study Buddhist teaching with a Tibetan master. His Eminence has given teachings, retreats, seminars and empowerments at many centers throughout the world and has lectured at Harvard, Yale, Wesleyan University and the Naropa Institute, among others. Rinpoche has appeared on television, radio and newspapers throughout the world. His current teachings schedule includes North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

Along with his exceptional kindness and humor, Rinpoche has the unique ability to transmit and clarify both the esoteric and exoteric essence of the Buddha’s teachings in fluent English. He provides a framework for students to use everyday situations to realize moment-by-moment the highest potential within us.

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