Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche
Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche (Wyl. gzhan phan zla ba) was born in Kongbu, Tibet on February 17, 1950. He is one of Dudjom Rinpoche's sons and main holders of the Dudjom Tersar lineage.
Birth and Family
He was recognized by Karmapa Rangjung Rigpé Dorje as the reincarnation of Taksham Tulku, a famous Nyingma tertön master, who discovered many teachings, and also of Tulku Pema Yeshe (Khenkhen Tulku), an emanation of His father’s father, Jamphel Norbu.
Training
As the only son of Dudjom Rinpoche’s second wife Sangyum Rigzin Wangmo, Shenphen Rinpoche was not sent to the Taksham Monastery for training, but instead, was personally raised by his father. Dudjom Rinpoche trained him in all aspects of Vajrayana meditation and medicine.
Shenphen Rinpoche attended a Catholic school and a Protestant school in India. He received his Bachelor degree in English from St. Josephs College in Darjeeling, India in 1971. He received the highest level Doctorate degree in Tibetan Philosophy and the five Sciences. He received instruction from master and scholar Khenpo Lachung, the Chief Abbot of Mindroling Monastery.
Activity
Shenphen Rinpoche's mastery of the English language and insight into western culture has established him as one of the foremost precious teachers in the East and West.
Currently he has followers with monasteries and retreat Centers in Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, United States, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Switzerland.
Family
From his first marriage to H.R.H. Ashi Pema Chodon Wangchuk, he has two sons:
- Tulku Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche who now spends his time between New York and the Himalyan Region and
- Tulku Katok Situ Rinpoche who lives in Bhutan.
From his marriage to Sonam Chokyi, he has two daughters: Dechen and Tseyang.
