His Holiness Gangteng Trulku Rinpoche
His Holiness Gangteng Trulku Rinpoche (Kunzang Rigdzin Pema Namgyal) is the Ninth Gangteng Tulku and a revered master of the Pema Lingpa lineage within the Nyingma tradition.
Born in 1955 in Karshong, Trongsa, his birth was accompanied by auspicious signs. He was formally recognized as the reincarnation of the Eighth Gangtey Tulku by eminent spiritual masters, including His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Dudjom Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Education and spiritual training
From an early age, Rinpoche displayed exceptional spiritual insight. He began his monastic education at the Trongsa Dratshang before pursuing higher studies in Buddhist philosophy at the prestigious Ngagyur Nyingma Institute in Mysore, India.
He received profound teachings and transmissions from high lamas across the Nyingma, Sakya, and Kagyu traditions. Integrating deep scholarship with meditative realization, he also completed a rigorous three-year retreat in Bhutan to further deepen his experiential understanding of the Dharma.
Leadership and Institutional Legacy
At the age of 16, Rinpoche was enthroned at Gangtey Monastery, the principal seat of the Pema Lingpa lineage. Under his leadership, the monastery underwent extensive renovation to become a vibrant hub of spiritual learning.
His commitment to education and preservation has led to significant milestones:
Global Mission and Heritage
Since the 1980s, His Holiness has expanded his spiritual mission globally by founding Yeshe Khorlo Dharma centers across Europe, North America, and Asia.
As a realized Dzogchen master, he is widely respected for his ability to bridge traditional Bhutanese spirituality with the modern world. His life’s work is dedicated to preserving the sacred legacy of Pema Lingpa and fostering spiritual awakening across diverse cultures.