Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche

The Venerable Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche was born at sunrise on October 15, 1970. His father, Namkha Drimé Rabjam Rinpoche, is the supreme head and lineage holder of the Ripa Monastery. His mother, Chimed Dolkar, also descends from a noble family.

From his early childhood, Jigme Rinpoche displayed spiritual tendencies. Jigme Rinpoche was recognized by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, the Head of the Nyingma School, as the reincarnation of Gyetrul Pema Yonten Rinpoche, the lineage holder and head of the largest monastery Ogmin Ogyen Mindolling, in the Pedmakod region of Tibet, who was a reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Among the Great Tertons, or spiritual treasure finders, five are particularly prominent - known as the "Five Kings of the Tertons"- of whom Pema Lingpa was one.

At the age of 5 years, Jigme Rinpoche was ceremoniously enthroned on the seat of the Ripa Thupten Mindolling Monastery in the presence of Anzing Rinpoche and His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche. When he was 6 years old, he went to the local school and later attended High School in Darjeeling where he acquired his knowledge in the practical modern studies. Jigme Rinpoche excelled in his studies and was able to do well in school even with his spiritual duties and commitments to his monastery. At the age of 17, Jigme Rinpoche studied at the Buddhist College Institute of Ngagyur Dodjoe Ling, which was founded by Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche. At the Institute, Jigme Rinpoche studied and practiced the teachings of Tantra and Sutra. Jigme Rinpoche graduated from the Institute with a Doctorate of Philosophy, 1993. At the conclusion of his Doctorate, he also received the major transmissions of the Nyingma tradition. His masters include: H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H. Drukchen Rinpoche, Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, Lama Kalu Rinpoche, Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche and his Uncle Anzing Rinpoche.

After completing his studies at the Institute, Jigme Rinpoche returned to the Ripa Monastery to receive the unique and profound teachings from his father, Namkha Drimed Rinpoche. From these teachings, Jigme Rinpoche was able to receive the complete cycle of "Taksham Nüden Dorje", which is the main body of the spiritual practices of the Ripa lineage. Jigme Rinpoche also received the rediscovered teachings of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, called the "New Treasures Cycle", which consists of the complete Enlightened Warriors Path, based on the life and teachings of the Enlightened Tibetan King Gesar. Under the guidance of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, Jigme Rinpoche successfully put into practice the "New Treasures Cycle" and became highly accomplished. He therefore was initiated and authorized to begin teaching these practices for the benefit of others.[1]