Sarlo's Guru Rating Service
TIBETAN (Rinpoches, Lamas etc)

The teachers in this group for the most part do not claim to be enlightened. Tibetans, and their derivatives, are currently the most popular Buddhist line after zen, thanks to the Dalai Lama, and to the Chinese, who drove them out of Tibet. The Tibetan form(s) of Buddhism arose from the felicitous intermingling – similar to what happened in China when Buddhism traveled there and created a hybrid with Taoism – of Buddhism and the native, mainly animist religions. Tibet's former isolation has been shattered, so now the whole world, even China, can benefit from their experience. If any of them turns out to be the next Avatar or Messiah, please let me know (Feedback). An interesting female-perspective critique of the system as a whole can be found here, originally from the Winter 1996 issue of Tricycle magazine. And an Anti-page for the whole of TB, The Tibet Myth, an historical view.
Some descriptive information is included. (There is often not much.) All are of Tibetan origin unless otherwise indicated. And mucho confusion may exist due to unfamiliar names and reincarnations and same-name syndrome, eg there seem to be two Tulku Urgyen Rinpoches who have both fathered sons with similar names also in the biz, eg Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche.
An asterisk (*) indicates they don't really have their own sites, just an interview or short description on someone else's site. A yellow asterisk (*) indicates suggested or located by a visitor, thank you.

I am experimenting with a new page, Dead Tibetans, where previous incarnations and some recently departeds documented with their own pages will get a listing and a link. It is a brand new kind of sub-category, which because of the intermingling lineages and recycling peculiar to this tradition may apply uniquely here. It is intended to keep this page from getting too crowded with not-really-availables, while still listing them for aficionados.

Ngakma A'dzom Rinpoche F b1961 American, various incarnations, Nyingma, wife of Traktung, Rigdzin Community
Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche M b1939(?) trained as lama + Tib medicine, left Tibet in 1959, founded Samye Ling, returned in 1988 with humanitarian outfit Rokpa, 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
Bagyod Rinpoche (8th) M b1944 aka Karma Shedrub Chockyi Senge Trinley Namgyal was based in South India, Malaysia, now ?, id'd by 16th Karmapa and 10th Situ, brother of Drikung Ontul Rinpoche. New URL
Beru Khyentse Rinpoche M b1947 mainly active in NZ and Australia, long multi-incarnation bio, some controversy about succession, 16th Karmapa
Ven Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche M b1945ish based in US (CA) incarnation of Vairotsana, among others, Pema Lingpa lineage (Nyingma), many teachers, recognised by Karmapa and Dudjom
Tulku Buddha Maitreya Rinpoche* M b1951 Amer (CA) aka Ronald Lloyd Spencer, Tulku Karma Sonam Phuntsok Rinpoche, Babaji, Tulku Je Tsong Khapa Gyalwa Rinpoche, Lama Dorje Buddha Maitreya Jesus Archangel Michael, "metatronic tools," Church of Shambhala Vajradhara Maitreya Sangha, "The Tibetan Foundation." Anti  MORE
Kyabje Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche* M b1913 aka Chatral Yogi, Nyingma, Dzogchen, still active, Dudjom lineage, Sera Khandro. Page is in Wikipedia, links to more
HH Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche M b1946 aka Konchog Tenzin Kunsang Thrinle Lhundrup, co-head of Drikung Kagyu Order, based in India (Dehra Dun, escaped Tibet in '75). New URL, see also co-Kyabgon Chungtsang
Ven. Choden Rinpoche b1933 19-year retreat avoided Chinese, taught in S India, now in west
Khenpo Chodrak Tenphel Rinpoche M b1963ish, Karmapa. Semi-disappeared, page is an old interview
HE Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche M b1953 son of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, enthroned as reincarnation of Chokgyur Lingpa by 16th Karmapa
Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche M b1951 based in DK, travels, brother of Chokling above, 7th incarnation of the Drikung Kagyü Lama
HH Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang Rinpoche M b1942 aka Tenzin Chokyi Nangwa, co-head of Drikung Kagyu Order and deputy sec-gen of Office of Religious Affairs in Lhasa despite 23 years in prison. See also co-DK Chetsang
HE Loden Sherab Dagyab Kyabgön Rinpoche M b1940 Gelugpa, Geshe degree in 1966 in India, teaches mainly in Frankfurt. New URL, in German and English
Acharya Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche M b1951 based in US (CA), born in Nepal in yogi-rinpoche family, mastered Sanskrit, siddhis, into "teaching small groups of serious students who are committed to traversing the entire path," Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse, Künzang Dorje
Ven Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche M b1921 Drikung Kagyu Institute in northern India, Drubwang Pachung
Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche M 1904-1987, aka Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, teacher of many of the greats
Achariya Doug Duncan Sensei M b1955ish Canuck based in Japan + travel, therapist, wide and varied dharma background, Namgyal Rinpoche
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche M b1965ish, Nyingma + Kagyu
Kyabje Garchen Rinpoche M b1936, 8th Gar incarnation, Drikung Kagyu lineage, based in US (AZ)
Kyabje Gehlek Rimpoche* M b1939 based in US (MI), centers in NL and MY. Early start, long career, good English, full-service
Lama Gendun Rinpoche M d1997, set up in France
Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche (XII)* M b1954 asa Gyaltsap, one of four regents for 17th Karmapa, 
HH the Gyalwang Drukpa (XII) M b1962ish in India, chanted Amitabha mantra while in womb, father 36th incarnation of Pandit Vairochana, monasteries in Darjeeling and Ladakh
Gyatrul Rinpoche M b1925, based in US, Nyingma lineage, author, Tulku Natsog
Christopher Hansard* M b1960ish NZ based in UK, Bon physician trained 20+ years from age 4, recog by Ürgyen Namchuk, author, travels, lots on Bon trad at site, “Lha-Khu” (= Thunder Being, coming 1 / 700 years) Anti 
Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche M b1995?, 4th Jamgön Kongtrul. Site has recognition story + bios of 1st three JKRs
Jamme Choesin Rinpoche (8th) M b1939, 22 years in Chinese prison, based in Malaysia
Jamme Lhamchog Rinpoche (7th) M b1961 aka Lhatrul Nyima Kunkhyab Trinley Drodul Palzangpo, Drikung Kagyu lineage, based in Malaysia
Lama Jampa Thaye M Brit b1952 author, Sakyapa and Karma Kagyu combination, Sakya Trizin, dharma-regent of Karma Thinley Rinpoche
Lama Jigme Rinpoche M b1949 brother of 16th Karmapa, head of his org in Europe
Khayad Je Kalu Rinpoche M 1905-1989, much loved, bio page has pics of new incarnation. Dirt 
Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche M b1924
Younge Khachab Rinpoche M b1960ish grew up in Nepal, recog as 7th KR at 14, geshe training in India based in US (WI), Karmapa et al
Khandro Déchen F b1960 Brit (Cornish) thangka painter, m to Ngak'chang Rinpoche
Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche M 1932-1999, Dzogchen author, master of Surya Das
Khenpo Orgyen Thinley Rinpoche* M b1970ish based in US, Jigme Phuntsok 
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche M 1910-1991, Dalai Lama teacher, long full life of teaching and meditation, emanation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, now reincarnated as Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche
Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche M b1961 Bhutanese aka Khyentse Norbu son of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, third incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, filmmaker, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche M b1993 aka Ugyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup, reincarnation of Dilgo Khyentse (confirmed by DL) based in Bhutan
Ven. Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche M b1926 "Kadampa master," Kalachakra lineage, travels
Gerry Kopelow M b1953ish Canuck (WPG) aka Lama Gyurne Dorje author, photographer, Namgyal Rinpoche
Künga Dawa M b1938ish Scot based in US (CO) aka Richard Arthure, Chögyam Trungpa. Page is a request for retreat support
Kunzang Dechen Lingpa Rinpoche M b1928 Dzogchen, "Lodhak Terton, reincarnation of Terton Longsel Nyingpo, of the Drubchen Melong Dorje lineage," Dudjom R
Lama Karma Kunzang* M b1947ish Brit based in Canada (BC) aka Rodney Devenish, (tulku of) Kunzang Palden Rinpoche, 16th Karmapa, Namgyal Rinpoche, Jean Dunn et al
Kyabjé Künzang Dorje Rinpoche M b1929 Nyingma lineage, Dzogchen, tantric based in Nepal, accessible mainly thru Ngak'chang Rinpoche et al
Lho Böngtül Rinpoche (7th) M b1965 aka Tendzin Nyima based in Malaysia
Lho Kunsang Rinpoche (8th) M b1942 based in Malaysia, id'd by 16th Karmapa
Khensur Denma Locho Rinpoche M b1928 Yamataka specialist, principal, abbot, taught in US, now in Dharamsala
Yeshe Lodoy Rinpoche* M b1943 Gelugpa, based in Mongolia, travels RU, incarnation of Yelo Tulku; Dulwa Khenpo Ngawang Thubten Choikyi Nyima
Lama Lodro* M b1948ish American-born relocated to Canada (YK!) aka Jeff Alvin Olson author, travels, Namgyal Rinpoche
Ven Losang Samten M b1953 asa Lobsang escaped to Dharamsala in '59, master sand painter based in US (PA). New URL
Ven Sumati (Lama) Marut* b1959ish Amer (CA / MA) aka Brian Smith PhD scholar in Skt + comparative religion, offers yoga + Gelukpa Buddhism, Geshe Michael Roach
HH Menri Trizin Lungtok Tenpai Nyima* M b1929 aka Sangye Tenzin Jongdong, Geshe at age 25, many pilgrimages, trips to Europe, made abbot of Menri Bon monastery, leading Bon preservation and restoration efforts 
Minam Rinpoche M b1966 aka Konchok Trinley, Mipham Namgyal, based in Malaysia
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche* M b1962 son of Chogyam Trungpa, aka Sakyong Mipham Jampal Trinley Dradül Rinpoche, Ösel Rangdröl Mukpo, the Sawang, much training in US, Nepal, etc, took over Shambhala (CT's org) in 1995, Khyentse Rinpoche

Karma Tensing Dorje Namgyal Rinpoche M Canuck (TO) 1931-2003 aka Leslie George Dawson, Ananda Bodhi, first with Sayadaw U Thila Wunta then recog by 16th Karmapa, traveled extensively
Rigdzin Namkha Gyatso Rinpoche M b1967 fled Tibet in 1997 recognized as 12th Rigdzin Drag Ngak Lingpa by Dilgo Khyentse was in US with Traktung and A'dzom, now Switz 
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche M b 1938, Dzogchen, reincar of Adzam Drugpa (1842-1934), "mind emanation of Drug Zhabdrung Rinpoche," etc, long time in Italy, now based in US (CA), Rigdzin Changchub Dorje
Ngak'chang Rinpoche M b1952 German-Brit, m to Khandro Déchen, Dilgo Khyentse, Dudjom et al.
Lama Geshe Thubten Ngawang M 1932-2003 ran Tibetisches Zentrum in Hamburg. New URL, site is in German
Ngulchu Thogme * ?, no info. Site is long poem
Nubpa Rinpoche (12th) M b1922? asa Nupa, aka Konchok Tenzin, Drikung, based in Malaysia. Page is mostly past lives
Hannah Nydahl F 1955ish-2007 Danish, interpreter, m to Ole
Lama Ole Nydahl M b1945ish Danish, 30 years with Karmapa, big in K's Euro org, has founded 100s of centers. Anti 
Nyidzong Tripa Rinpoche M b1974 aka Tulku Choedak Rinpoche, Drikung, based in Malaysia
Ogyen Trinley Dorje M b1985 in China asa Urgyen, Orgyen, etc, one of two candidates (big controversy) for 17th Karmapa, recog by Dalai Lama. MORE
Drikung Ontul Rinpoche (3rd) M b1950 aka Konchog Tenzin Thrinle Rabgye Palzangpo, based in Malaysia and India id'd by 7th Drigung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and 16th Karmapa, brother of 8th Bagyod. New URL
Ven Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok Rinpoche M b1970ish based in US (CA) Nyingma, recognised by Dudjom
Lama Tenzin Osel M b1985 Spanish aka Osel Hita Torres, reincarnation of Lama Thubten Yeshe now (2009) disavows his training and lamahood 
Lama Padma Karma* M b1952 Amer (CT) aka Felix Esquerdo, Center for Dzogchen Studies, site in annoying text-as-image format, eight years in China, Pukang Monastery, HH Kyabje Chadral Sangye Dorje, Tulku Serdo Rinpoche Anti 
Lama Palden Drolma * F b1955ish American (CA) aka Caroline Alioto, Vajrayana, psychotherapist, mother, Kalu Rinpoche
Ranyak Patrul Tenzin Rinpoche M b1963, based in Belgium, centers all over Europe, + Buryatia!
Ane Pema Chödrön F b1936 American aka Deirdre Blomfield-Brown, nun, author, director of Gampo Abbey (NS), Chogyam Trungpa  Interview
HH Penor Rinpoche M 1932-2009, aka Kyabjé Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche, 11th Palyul Nyingma head
Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche (7th) M b 1966, heir to grandfather Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, now teacher for DKR reincarnation, Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche
Ven. Ribur Rinpoche M b1923 tortured by Chinese, historian, leads retreats in US (CA)
Ngala Rig'dzin Dorje M b1954 Brit, lineage from Yeshé Tsogyel, Khandro Déchen Tsédrup Yeshé et al
Geshe Michael Roach M b1952 American (CA) Diamond Mountain University, many years at Sera Mey, Khen Rinpoche, Geshe Thubten Rinchen
Sakya Trizin (41st) M b1945 aka Ngawang Kunga lineage back to Bön, head of a whole branch, Sakyapa, of Tibetan Mahayana, many centres. Leadership in Sakyapa passes, unlike the rest of Tib Bud, not via reincarnation but from father to first-born son
Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche M b1963 based in Nepal, Karmapa
Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche M b1952 aka Mipam Chokyi Lodro, 14th Shamarpa, nephew of 16th Karmapa, eschews "HH" and "HE" titles, no monks and nuns except those willing to take 100s of serious vows
Shangpa Tulku Rinpoche M b1960 based in Singapore, ordained by 16th Karmapa at age 9
Sogyal Rinpoche M b1962ish author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Jamyang Khyentse
Lama Sonam Tsering* M b1952ish based in US (OR), Nyingma 
Geshe Lhundub Sopa Rinpoche M b1923 long-time prof in US (WI)
Kenting Tai Situ(pa) M b1954 (12th), author, travels widely, founded Sherab Ling monastery, teacher of Karmapa XVII, taught by XVI
Tarthang Tulku M b1935 left in 59 multi-author based in US (CA) Nyingma Inst in city + rural retreat, Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro
Lama Tashi Deleg* M b1954 based in US (CA), Dudjom Rinpoche
Lopon Tenzin Jigme Rinpoche (3rd) M b1960 Taiwanese, first tulku in Taiwan, recog by Shamarpa Rinpoche
Ven Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche M b1926, travels but based in India, founded Menri Bönpo monastery in Dolanji, India, Dzogchen, Bon; Bonruponlob Rinpoche, Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche. "Secure site," ie https//:etc, can sometimes not be displayed, try google cache
Ven. Tenzin Palmo F b1944 English aka Diane Perry, 12 years in a cave, founded Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery in Himachal, Khamtrul Rinpoche
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche* M b1933ish Dzogchen, based in US (CA), Dudjom 
Trinley Thaye Dorje M b1983 in Tibet, one of two candidates (big controversy) for 17th Karmapa, recog by Shamar Rinpoche. MORE
Karma Thinley Rinpoche M b1931, based in Canada (TO), many centers, Sakyapa and Karma Kagyu combination, 16th Karmapa, 40th Sakya Trizin
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche M b 1933 9th TR based in Nepal, centers all over
Geshe Thubten Rinchen M b1944ish 40 years teaching at Sera Mey 
Tulku Thubten Rinpoche* M b 1968, Nyingma, based in US
Traktung Rinpoche M b1959 American (MI) aka Stuart Kirkpatrick, Tantra Master Prem Pranama, m to A'dzom, Nyingma, Tantra. Anti-niceness interview
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche (9th) M b1955 in Kham made abbot of Thrangu at age 2 by 16th Karmapa, E-Vam Institutes in Melbourne and upstate NY
Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche M b1920, 18th CT, tutor of Dalai Lama, does long retreats, "hidden master"
Menri Ponlob Trinley Nyima Rinpoche* M b1962 lineage of Yangton lamas goes back18,000 years to Buddha Tonpa Shenrab, head teacher at Menri Bon monastery
Ven. Trulshik Rinpoche M b1945ish? travels to west, guru of Zopa, disciple of Khyentse
Trungpa Rinpoche (XII) M b1989 aka Chokyi Senge from yak-herder family discovered by Tai Situ, blessed by Mipham (XI's son) and XI's wife Diana
Trungram Gyaltrul Rinpoche* M b1968, 4th TGR, based in Nepal, Tibet, multilingual, Harvard, Nalanda, 16th Karmapa
Ven Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche M 1918-2003 Bhutanese big in Nepal and traveled, 16th Karmapa, many others
HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche M b1965 aka Torgut Prince Iska Minh, mother = Mongolian princess, raised in US, studied at Gaden Monastery in India, made abbot, asked to teach in Malaysia. Said to have the funniest dharma video on the net, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche* M b1966, 3rd DTR, Nyingma, author of "Carefree Dignity" and "Fearless Simplicity" based in Nepal, Khamtrul R, Dongyu Nyima, his father Tulku Urgyen R, Dilgo Khyentse R, Nyoshul Khen R and Adeu R
Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche M b 1934
Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa Tsultrim Phuntsok* M b1942ish former abbot of Drepung Gomang Monastery
Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche M 1920-1996, based in Nepal, toured, Dzogchen, Mahamudra, Nyingma, father of Chökyi Nyima
Jigme Pema Wangchen M b1963, 12th Gyalwang Drukpa based in Darjeeling, travels all over, teachers include Dudjom, Ontrul, DL
Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche M b1959ish in India, Bonpo / Dogchen author based in US (VA), Lungtok Tenpai Nyima, Sangye Tenzin, Tenzin Namdak, Yungdrung Namgyal. Whole site now "secure," ie https//:etc, can sometimes not be displayed, try google cache
Yeshe Wangmo * F b1949 Canadian, based in US (HI), author, weaver of complementary paths now on her own, Tharchin, Kalu Rinpoche
HE Khempo Yurmed Tinly Rinpoche M b1950ish based in US (FL) Nyingma, long CV, "Dedicated to Generating Positive Energy for American Buddhism and World Peace"
Zasep Tulku Rinpoche M b1948, 10th ZTR, based in Canada (BC), Geshe Thubten Wanggyel
Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche M b1946 Sherpa international heir of Lama Yeshe

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