Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (1931–2011)
Kyabje Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche was born in 1931 into a blessed Dharma family. His father was the great Nyingma master Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, and his mother was Kusho Tseten Yudron.
From a young age, Rinpoche devoted himself to the study and practice of Buddhism. He studied for nine years at Mindrolling Monastery, one of the great monasteries of the Nyingma tradition in Tibet. During this time, he received many precious teachings from great masters, including his own father.
In the mid-1950s, during the difficult time in Tibet, Rinpoche left his homeland and later stayed in Bhutan with his family. Under the guidance of his father, he designed and built the Thimphu Memorial Chorten in 1974 to honour the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
In 1991, through auspicious circumstances, Rinpoche found a peaceful place in the hills of upstate New York. He named it Kunzang Gatshal, which means “Always Noble Joyful Park.” This became his home and an important center for Dharma activities for many years.
In the mid-1990s, Rinpoche built a temple there and personally guided every part of its construction with great care and devotion. Around the same time, he also founded White Lotus School, where young children could learn and preserve the pure Dharma teachings and practice.
Rinpoche passed into parinirvana in California on December 26, 2011, according to the Tibetan calendar, on the second day of the eleventh month of the Iron Rabbit year.
Since then, Kunzang Gatshal has continued under the guidance of his son, Dungsey Jampal Dorje Rinpoche.
“No matter how many teachings or explanations are given, there is only one thing we truly need to realize — awareness itself, our true nature. By recognizing this one truth, everything is liberated.”
— Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdral Yeshe Dorje
Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdral Yeshe Dorje (1904–1987) was one of the greatest Buddhist masters of recent centuries and a highly respected teacher in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Dudjom Lingpa when he was only three years old. Dudjom Rinpoche was born in the sacred region of Pemako in southeastern Tibet into a noble family connected to the royal lineage of Powo.
He was naturally calm, kind, and deeply wise from a young age. His spiritual understanding and realization were extraordinary, and everyone who met him felt inspired by his presence. He carried himself with grace, dignity, and humility in all situations. Even a short meeting with him left many people feeling the depth of his wisdom and compassion.
Dudjom Rinpoche also received a vast and complete education. He studied traditional subjects such as grammar, poetry, astrology, medicine, and philosophy, along with the profound teachings of Buddhism. He trained deeply in the teachings and practices of the Nyingma school, including meditation, tantra, rituals, chanting, sacred dances, mandala drawing, and the making of tormas. He practiced every aspect of the spiritual path with great dedication and care.
After leaving Tibet, Dudjom Rinpoche became the Supreme Head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. For the rest of his life, he worked tirelessly to preserve and spread the Dharma. He wrote many important texts and teachings, including one of the most significant histories of the Nyingma tradition available today. Through his wisdom, compassion, and teachings, he continues to inspire Buddhist practitioners around the world.