His Eminence the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo (nam mkha’i snying po) was born in 1966 in the holy valley of Tongzhang Thrichu Geonpa in Eastern Bhutan to Yab Tshering Gyaltshen and Yum Sherabmo. His birth was accompanied by many auspicious and wonderful signs. The drinking water stream of the house turned milky, spectacular rainbows appeared in the sky and a shower of exquisite flowers fell. “Kharchhu”, “Kharchhu” were the very first words he uttered referring to his monastery in Tibet. He also remembered the names of old attendants and related vividly many incidents from his previous life.

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The child was recognised as the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo by His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, who had clearly predicted the rebirth describing the names of the parents and other such details. However, in order to further confirm the recognition, disciples examined the child in the traditional manner. The child was shown various rosaries, reliquaries, bells and vajras amongst which were some belonging to the previous Namkhai Nyinpo Rinpochhe. Witnessed by his predecessor’s senior disciples and a representative of the Royal Government of Bhutan, the child unerringly chose only the objects belonging to his predecessor and was thus hailed as the rightful incarnation.

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Namkhai Nyingpo is one of the twenty-five disciples and heart-sons of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche (the Precious Guru), the Second Buddha who is the founding ancestor of Tibetan/Vajrayana Buddhism. Consequently, in 1972, at the age of six, he ascended to his predecessor’s throne at the Pema Shedrup Chholing or the second Kharchu Monastery in Bumthang. His Eminence’s formal education began in 1970 and he instantly picked up the basic reading and writing skills. He had a natural ability to effortlessly read, write and memorise essential prayers.

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At the age of eight, His Eminence received the Refuge Ordination and on two occasions the Long Life Empowerment from His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa. In the same year, His Eminence received the Kalachakra Empowerment, teachings on the Bodhicharyavatra and many other major teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

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In accordance with the instructions of His Holiness Dilgo Khentse Dorji Chang, His Eminence studied the complete thirteen great texts and commentaries from Khen Rinpochhe Kunga Wanghcuk. He also received the teachings on bLabTue; the entire three parts of Kamala Shila’s meditational practice, Bimalai Rigmi Ba-dang Chigcharwa; Dakpo Thargyen and Drubthab Kintue. Thus, making him one of the greatest sutra masters of our time.

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His Eminence Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpochhe continued his intensive study of Buddhist philosophy with many masters and in the spirit of non-sectarianism has received teachings and transmissions from the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He has also transmitted his own special lineage JangTer (Northern Treasure) teachings to many other Lamas and Rinpochhes.

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His Eminence’s mother monastery is based on Lhodrak Kharchu in Bumthang where there are 700 monks and growing, eight monasteries, two meditation centers, and numerous religious and charitable actives in Asia, the USA and Australia. He has given numerous teachings, empowerments and oral transmissions at his own monastery and at other places around the world.