Venerable Khenpo Tenzin Nyima was born in 1973. At the age of five, his grandmother and uncle taught him the basics of the Tibetan language. At fourteen, he met the Venerable Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche in whom he took refuge and who gave him the hair cutting ceremony marking his transition to a monk.
Starting at the age of fifteen, he entered the Drikung Kagyu Jangchub Ling Institute in Dehra Dun India for nine year curriculum of Buddhist Philosophy. During this period he has taken the opportunities to go to Dzongsar Institute to study on several occasions. In addition, he was one of the monks chosen to participate in the special ceremony in front of H.H. Dalai Lama during the Inauguration of the Jangchub Ling Institute in 1992. He entered the Essay Competition held by Tibet Foundation, London, and won the third-place prize. This contest was for Tibetans worldwide under twenty-four and winners were awarded scholarship and certificate for their academic excellence. After completion of his nine-year study in the Jangchub Ling Institute, He was awarded the title of Khenpo (equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy) by H. H. Drikung Kyabgon Konchog Tenzin Kunsang Thrinle Lhundrup Rinpoche upon his graduation on March 2, 1998. Referred by Lamchen Rinpoche, Khenpo Tenzin Nyima immediately went to Khenchen Petse Rinpoche’s three-month program held in Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche’s monastery in Nepal, where Khenchen Petse Rinpoche granted the entire set of Secret Essence (Guhyaarbha Tantra) empowerment and teachings. Khenpo Tenzin Nyima thus received the rare and auspicious higher tantric teachings completely.
Ven. Khenpo Tenzin Nyima eventually immigrated to the USA. He currently resides and teaches at Gampopa Vajrayana Buddhist Center founded by Ven. Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche, from whom he learned Drigung Kagyu Lineage uncommon teachings as well as Dzogchen with retreats. He is the editor-in-chief for Lamchen Rinpoche’s Rare Dharma Preservation Project.
Over the years Khenpo Tenzin has spread the nectar of Dharma by actively engaging in teaching internationally. Khenpo Tenzin assists and resides with Lamchen Glypo Rinpcohe in the USA.
