The current incarnation, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche
Of the countless attained lamas of the Gelug lineage, few have become household names in the way of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche. Undoubtedly one of the most famous lamas of his generation, the previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche is best known as the *junior tutor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
However, to spiritual practitioners – Tibetan or otherwise – the previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was widely respected and celebrated for his tireless turning of the Dharma wheel to keep the Gelug tradition alive. All Gelug lamas of the 21st century owe their learning, knowledge and scholarship to Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s compassion. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was one of the great lamas present at His Holiness Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s famous Lam Rim teachings. Having composed notes and memorised everything perfectly, Trijang Rinpoche brought this knowledge with him into exile where he proceeded to record all of Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche’s teachings into a book. Published under the title Liberation in the Palm of Your Hands, this book now forms the core text for monasteries and Dharma centres around the world, studied by both Shugden practitioners and non-Shugden practitioners alike.
His Holiness the previous 3rd Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso
Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche himself taught tirelessly. Understanding that by educating countless monks to become accomplished teachers themselves, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche ensured that the pure Gelug lineage and practices were preserved. In this way, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche is often known as the “teacher of teachers”.
On 9th November 1981, the world lost a leading figure when His Holiness the previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche entered into clear light. You can read more about his illustrious incarnation by clicking here.
His reincarnation, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, was born in perfect form on 15th October 1982 to a Tibetan family in Dalhousie, India. The search for the new incarnation was spread-headed by the main assistant of the previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, Kungo Palden who consulted Dorje Shugden.
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche (right) with one of his gurus Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche (left)
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s incarnation was recognised by Dorje Shugden as well as many other high Gelug lineage lamas, including the late Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and His Holiness the 98th Gaden Tripa Jampel Shenpen. On 23rd April 1985, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognised Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche as the reincarnation of his predecessor. Following his recognition, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche completed his primary studies under the compassionate tutelage of his gurus Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche.
Click on the image to enlarge.
Due to increasingly violent persecution for his reliance on the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche escaped India for Europe when he was 13 years old. Arriving in Switzerland, he lived there for a time under the guidance and protection of His Eminence Gonsar Rinpoche. In 2004, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche migrated to the United States, where he established Trijang Buddhist Institute in Northfield, Vermont.
Located on nearly 400 acres of pristine woodland, Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI) is the North American seat of Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche. It was established by a devoted student of His Eminence Domo Geshe Rinpoche, Rea Barkley. She had begun renovating pre-existing buildings with the intention of offering everything to her lama, who instead instructed her to offer it to Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.
The view from the gompa (prayer hall) at Trijang Buddhist Institute. Click on the image to enlarge.
On 18th September 2004, Trijang Buddhist Institute was officially dedicated to Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche and on 23rd April 2009, His Holiness the 101st Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal announced his support of Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s position as the Spiritual Director of Trijang Buddhist Institute.
The previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche had an extremely close relationship with the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden and in this life, it is no different. As a result, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has had death threats directed at him and his people. His students have suffered attacks, and regularly receive verbal abuse.
Translation: This object of veneration is offered to Trijang Buddhist Institute with the prayer that the Buddha’s teaching flourish, that all sentient beings may obtain the treasure of the Dharma, and that they may live in happiness and virtue.
Signed,
Dalai Lama, Buddhist Monk
May 9, 2007
Instead of returning like for like, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche remains unwavering in his guru devotion and Dharma practice. Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche advises his students to be respectful of the Dalai Lama, saying that he has received teachings from His Holiness and therefore respects him as one of his gurus. To this end, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has displayed in TBI’s gompa an image of the Dalai Lama, signed by the Dalai Lama himself.
This reincarnation is living proof that Dharma study and practice DO result in the attainments of great compassion and wisdom. After all, despite obstacles created by the ban, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche continues to manifest more and more the accomplishments, erudite scholarship, grace and leadership of his previous incarnations. At such a young age, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche already shows all the signs of a great Dharma leader, with the bravery to stand against the mighty forces which wish to silence him.
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche on a recent trip to Mongolia where he received a very warm welcome
Thus, unlike many others who have become involved in politics, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche has maintained a dignified silence against the rhetoric of the ban. His main and only focus continues to be the Buddhadharma. This is surely the clearest sign that he is the unmistaken incarnation of his predecessors, here to continue and further their works and accomplishments to benefit sentient beings.
All of us at DorjeShugden.com make this virtual offering of a butterlamp to the most erudite master, the incomparable His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, requesting him to remain for another 1,000 years to continue turning the wheel of Dharma and benefiting countless beings.
*junior is in reference only to the order of Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche’s appointment as a tutor of the Dalai Lama, and does not imply any inferior status to Kyabje Ling Rinpoche
During Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s 32nd birthday celebrations at Trijang Buddhist Institute (Vermont, USA)
For more information about this great master, check out these links:
A Tribute to His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/great-masters/tributes/a-tribute-to-his-holiness-kyabje-trijang-rinpoche/)
Download: Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang’s Autobiography (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/downloads/texts/download-kyabje-trijang-dorjechangs-autobiography/)
The Third Trijang Rinpoche, Lobzang Yeshe Tendzin Gyatso (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/the-third-trijang-rinpoche-lobzang-yeshe-tendzin-gyatso/)
Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/advice-from-kyabje-trijang-dorje-chang/)
Trijang Rinpoche in Mongolia 2014 (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/trijang-rinpoche-in-mongolia-2014/)
Trijang Rinpoche Visits Europe 2012 (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/trijang-rinpoche-visits-europe-2012/)
Trijang Rinpoche Confers Initiation in Europe (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/trijang-rinpoche-confers-initiation-in-europe/)
Current Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche Conducts Dorje Shugden puja (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/current-trijang-chocktrul-rinpoche-conducts-dorje-shugden-puja/)
Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche in Mongolia (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/kyabje-trijang-choktrul-rinpoche-in-mongolia/)
H.H. Trijang Rinpoche Consecrates Amarbayasgalant Monastery in Mongolia (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/h-h-trijang-rinpoche-consecrates-amarbayasgalant-monastery-in-mongolia/)
Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche leads Vajra Yogini Fire Puja (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/trijang-chocktrul-rinpoche-leads-vajra-yogini-fire-puja/)
H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche Accepts Tenshug from Shar Gaden (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/h-h-trijang-chocktrul-rinpoche-accepts-tenshug-from-shar-gaden/)
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche Carrying Buddha’s Relics (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/videos/lamas-teachings/kyabje-trijang-chocktrul-rinpoche-carrying-buddhas-relics/)
Ganden Tripa Authorizes Dorje Shugden Practitioners to represent the Gelugpa tradition (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/ganden-tripa-authorizes-dorje-shugden-pratitioners-to-represent-the-gelugpa-tradition/)
H.H. Ganden Tripa’s Dedication to Kyabje Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/hh-ganden-tripa-lungri-namgyels-dedication-to-kyabje-trijang-choktrul-rinpoche/)
Dalai Lama Used 2014 Lamrim Teachings To Undermine His Guru (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/dalai-lama-used-2014-lamrim-teachings-to-undermine-his-guru/)
THE TRUTH behind who saved the Dalai Lama’s life (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/controversy/articles-controversy/the-truth-behind-who-saved-the-dalai-lamas-life/)
Radio Interview with Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/controversy/articles-controversy/radio-interview-with-trijang-chocktrul-rinpoche/)
Shartse’s Abbot sees Trijang Rinpoche: The Conclusion (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/features/shartses-abbot-sees-trijang-rinpoche-the-conclusion/)
UPDATE: Abbots Urgently Sent to the USA (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/update-abbots-urgently-sent-to-the-usa/)
Abbots Urgently Sent to the USA (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/the-controversy/abbots-urgently-sent-to-the-usa/)
Trijang Buddhist Institute (http://www.dorjeshugden.com/places/trijang-buddhist-institute-tbi/)
Trijang Buddhist Institute (external link) (http://www.tbiusa.org/)
His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche
(Source: http://www.tbiusa.org/director)
Trijang Rinpoche is a reincarnation of the late Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, who was recognized as one of the foremost Tibetan Buddhist Masters of our time, taking birth at the turn of the 20th century and passing away in 1981. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang was revered for his extraordinary method of teaching and his precious activities, particularly in the tradition of Je Tsongkhapa. Up to the end of his life, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang continuously turned the Wheel of Dharma for the sake of all sentient beings. The flourishing of the Dharma in the West is strongly connected with him, because of his own teachings as well as the precious activities of his great disciples such as Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Venerable Geshe Rabten Rinpoche, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Venerable Lama Yeshe, and many others. Without him, the situation of Tibetan Buddhism and in particular the tradition of Je Tsongkhapa would be very different.
During Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s 32nd birthday celebrations at Trijang Buddhist Institute (Vermont, USA)
His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche is the eighteenth in a lineage of eminent Indian and Tibetan pandits and masters. The supreme reincarnation was discovered in a Tibetan family in Northern India and was officially recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on April 23, 1985. Rinpoche has completed his primary studies under his root guru H.E. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche. Presently Rinpoche is doing further studies under the guidance of H.E. Dagpo Rinpoche, H.E. Yongyal Rinpoche and study helper Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok. As the Spiritual Director of the Trijang Buddhist Institute, he will guide the Institute’s activities and programs for the public, for ordained monks and nuns, and for future lay teachers whose Dharma training is anticipated in coming years.
Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche arriving at the opening of Gaden Khachoe Shing Monastery (Indiana, USA)
May Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul live 1,000 years to turn the wheel of Dharma for all sentient beings
Click on the image to enlarge.