Bairo Rinpoche
Zhichen Bairo Rinpoche, also known as Zhichen Bairochana, was recognized by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö as the thirty-sixth incarnation of the lotsawa Vairotsana. He is an important holder of the Katok lineage. His main seat is Zhichen Kharmar Sangag Tangye Ling in Golok, one of the major branches of Katok Dorje Den monastery in eastern Tibet. Zhichen has its own group of over twenty branch monasteries throughout the region.
Bairo Rinpoche received teachings from Thukse Nyidha Sangpo, Tulku Kunsang Nyima, Katok Khenpo Sherab, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Katok Getse Gyurme Tenpa Namgyal, Chaktsa Rinpoche Pema Trinlé Gyatso, Khenpo Drimé Özer, Katok Khenpo Gyaltsen Özer, Katok Situ Shedrup Chökyi Nyima, Minling Chung Rinpoche, Minling Khen Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche and Lodrak Namkhai Nyingpo.
Bairo Rinpoche teaches for one month every year at his new seat, Zhichen Bairo Ling, in Kathmandu. Zichen Monastery in Tibet is currently being rebuilt under the direction of Bairo Rinpoche’s son, the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa.