RIGPE DORJE CENTRE

“Throughout the ages, practitioners of the Dharma have engaged in meditation and study, both of which are necessary to attain the ultimate fulfillment of enlightenment. Like all other religious paths, Buddhism aims to help us find true peace and happiness. Many who search for real happiness cannot find it in material gain or ownership. Real, unchanging peace and happiness exist within ourselves and can only be realized through subtle intellectual inquiry and meditation.” H. E. the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche

Beginning in the 19th century with the renowned Tibetan Buddhist scholar, writer and teacher, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, the lineage of the Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoches has contributed significantly to the flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings. H. E. the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, founder of the Rigpe Dorje Centre, was a genuine Buddhist master in activity and conduct—and one of the four heart sons of the 16th Karmapa Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, Supreme Head of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.

A strong karmic bond between the Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoches and the Gyalwa Karmapas goes back through generations, and His Eminence’s devotion to the 16th Karmapa as the source of all paths and practice is a perfect illustration of the Guru-Disciple relationship. It is auspicious, therefore, that His Eminence chose to name Rigpe Dorje Foundation and Centre after his Root Teacher.

Rigpe Dorje Centre operates under the auspices of the Foundation and under the direction of H. E the Fourth Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and his Labrang (administration) at Pullahari Monastery in Nepal. The Centre’s weekly program is directed by our resident lama and includes teachings, instructions and practices. Visiting teachers supplement the regular schedule with seminars and retreats.

Acharya Choying Gyurmey, resident Lama

Acharya Choying Gyurmey was ordained as a monk by the Very Venerable Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche in 1992 when he was 10 years old. He was then admitted to Lava Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery in India. After completing basic monastic training and education in the Tibetan language, scriptures, rituals and Buddhist history, he joined the 13-year Acharya Program in Higher Buddhist Philosophy at the Rigpe Dorje Monastic Institute at Lava Kagyu Tekchen Ling Monastery. He successfully completed the program in 2014 and was conferred the Masters (Acharya) Degree in Higher Buddhist Philosophy on April 15, 2015, by His Eminence the Fourth Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche.