His Eminence the 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche

The Khyentse Lineage: A Brief Introduction

The Khyentse lineage traces its origins to the great Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892), a central figure in the non-sectarian (Rimé) movement of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. As an emanation of Bodhisattva Manjushri, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s legacy continues through successive incarnations, including the 1st and 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoches. For more on the Rimé movement, visit Rimé Institute.

Early Life of the 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche

Birth and Auspicious Signs

The 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered Tibetan Buddhist master and lineage holder also known as Drongsar Khyentse Chokyi Wangpo, was born in 1947 in Nyethang, near Lhasa, Central Tibet. His birth was marked by numerous auspicious signs, such as the discovery of sacred objects and unusual natural phenomena, symbolizing his spiritual significance.

Family Background

Rinpoche’s father, Ngawang Lobsang, hailed from the Ling clan of Kham, while his mother, Dolma, came from a prominent family. Despite early hardships, including the loss of his father at age six, Rinpoche’s family nurtured his spiritual inclinations from a young age.

Recognition and Enthronement as a Tulku

Formal Recognition by the 16th Karmapa

At age nine, Rinpoche was formally recognized as the true mind emanation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. The Karmapa’s clairvoyance and a detailed recognition letter confirmed Rinpoche’s identity, fulfilling the prayers of devoted disciples.

Enthronement and Early Training

Rinpoche’s enthronement took place at Nyethang Tashi Gang Monastery, followed by a second ceremony at Tsurphu Monastery. The Karmapa bestowed upon him the name Karma Drubgyud Tenpa Yarphel Gyurmey Gocha Trinley Kunkhyap Palzangpo, along with robes, a Gampopa hat, and special empowerments. These ceremonies established Rinpoche as a high-ranking Kagyu Lama and a Kagyu Gyalwa Yabsey.

Spiritual Education and Retreats

Monastic Education and Early Practice

From the age of three, Rinpoche studied rituals and Buddhist philosophy at Nyethang Tashi Gang Monastery. He demonstrated exceptional intelligence and spiritual maturity, engaging in religious activities and impressing local communities with his wisdom.

Exile and Continued Study

During the Cultural Revolution, Rinpoche and his followers embarked on a perilous journey from Tibet to Nepal and then India, guided by Dharma protectors. Despite hardships, he continued his studies under Khenpo Chime, mastering texts such as the Bodhisattvacaryavatara and Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation.

Three-Year Retreat

In 1968, at age twenty-one, Rinpoche entered a traditional three-year, three-month retreat in Mainpat, India, under the guidance of Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche. This intensive retreat included Mahamudra, the Six Yogas of Naropa, and advanced tantric practices, solidifying his realization and authority as a lineage holder.

Key Teachers and Lineage Transmissions

Throughout his life, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche received teachings and empowerments from many eminent masters, including:

• • His Holiness the 16th Karmapa – Kagyu transmissions and Mahamudra teachings

  • Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche – Karma Kamtsang and Shangpa Kagyu empowerments

  • H.H. Sakya Trizin – Lamdre and the Thirteen Golden Dharma

  • H.H. the Dalai Lama – Kalachakra and mind-training instructions

  • Khunu Rinpoche Tenzin Gyaltsen – Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachings

These profound transmissions enabled Rinpoche to serve as a bridge between the major Tibetan Buddhist lineages, embodying the Rimé spirit.

Global Dharma Activities and Teaching

Spreading Tibetan Buddhism Worldwide

Since the 1970s, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche has traveled extensively across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas, establishing Dharma centers and teaching thousands of students. His accessible teachings, empowerments, and commentaries-including his popular English translation of the 9th Karmapa’s Mahamudra text-have inspired practitioners globally. Learn more about Mahamudra.

Major Events and Contributions

• • Led world peace aspiration prayers under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya

  • Hosted the enthronement of the 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Yangsi at his Bodhgaya monastery

  • Conducted major empowerments and teachings in Malaysia, Singapore, and France

  • Continues to mentor and ordain new generations of practitioners

Legacy and Dedication

Beru Khyentse Rinpoche is recognized as one of the five principal heart sons of the 16th Karmapa and a key Kagyu lineage holder. His life exemplifies the compassionate activity and non-sectarian vision of the Khyentse lineage, dedicated to the liberation of all beings.

Through his tireless efforts, over 20,000 people have formally embraced Buddhism, and more than 150,000 have received his blessings and teachings. His aspiration remains that all beings achieve liberation and enlightenment.