The Third Dupseng Rinpoche is renowned as a vajra master within the Karma Kagyu lineage, guiding both monastic and lay practitioners on the path of the Buddhadharma. Rooted deeply in the tradition of retreat practice throughout his previous two lives, Rinpoche continues this dedication in his current lifetime.
Rinpoche’s educational journey began in Nepal, where he studied under esteemed masters in Pokhara, including Lama Khedup, Lama Dupten, and Khenpo Ngedon. At age 14, he joined the Vikrama Shilla Buddhist Institute, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Buddhist Philosophy. He continued his studies under Professor Sempa Dorje in Kalimpong and pursued correspondence courses from Delhi University to prepare for admission to Cambridge University.
In 2003, Rinpoche attended Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, studying English Literature and Theology. He completed his studies and graduated in 2007 with a Master’s degree in Theology.
Alongside his academic pursuits, Rinpoche received extensive Dharma teachings, oral transmissions, and empowerments from various teachers and lineage holders. Notably, he studied under the late Ven. Bokar Rinpoche and Ven. Lama Kunkyab. He also completed several retreats, including a Six Naro Yoga and Vajra Varahi retreat at Le Bost, France, guided by Kenchen Trinley Paljor Rinpoche, who transmitted many initiations and oral transmissions.
Rinpoche undertook the traditional Karma Kagyu three-year and three-month retreat from 2008 to 2011 under Ven. Lama Sherap Gyaltsen Rinpoche at Karma Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Center, Sarangkot Mountain, Pokhara. He also received significant transmissions, such as the Kalachakra from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Drepung Monastery, Kagyu Ngagzog from HH Shamar Rinpoche in Delhi, and Do Joe Bum Zang and Dudjom Chokhor from His Holiness the late Trulshig Rinpoche in Kathmandu.
Omitted repetition: The sentence "Rinpoche himself entered the traditional Karma Kagyu three year and three month retreat from 2008 to 2011. This intensive retreat was undertaken under the guidance of Ven. Lama Sherap Gyaltsen Rinpoche at the Karma Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat center located at Sarangkot Mountain in Pokhara." was condensed and merged with the previous paragraph for clarity and to avoid repeating the same information about the retreat.
Rinpoche serves as the retreat master for the Karma Kagyu traditional three-year-three-months retreat at Karma Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Center, Sarangkot, Nepal. He is dedicated to guiding both monastic and lay students through intensive Dharma development. For years, Rinpoche has traveled extensively, offering group retreats and courses for students of all backgrounds.
In 2018, Rinpoche launched a retreat program for lay yogis based on the traditional three-year-three-months curriculum. This innovative program is tailored to the demands of modern life, enabling lay practitioners to achieve the same accomplishments as traditional retreatants. Regular events are held in Thailand, Nepal, Denmark, and potentially in Germany.
Rinpoche teaches all levels of Buddha Dharma, described as the source of both momentary and ultimate happiness. He offers practical advice on practice, stating:
"Cleansing during practice is like washing clothes. When the clothes are on us, they look clean and nice, but when we wash them, the dirt comes out. Similarly, when we practice, heavy emotions and illnesses will be pushed out. Without washing, we don’t know if the clothes are dirty; without practice, we don’t know how much burdenwe carry."
In addition to his teaching and retreat responsibilities, Rinpoche manages several important institutions. He oversees Jangchub Choling Monastery, Vikrama Shilla Buddhist Institute, and Dupgyud Choling Monastery, collectively home to 160 monks. He is also responsible for the Kagyu Institute for Buddhist Studies in Kirtipur/Kathmandu and Tharpa Choling Nunnery in Muktinath, which houses 48 nuns.
Dupseng Rinpoche’s teaching activities extend worldwide. He is frequently invited by disciples and students to teach in Australia, Eastern and Western Europe, the USA, South America, and Canada. His travels have taken him to over a hundred countries.
Through his global activities, Dupseng Rinpoche continues to guide students in the practice of the Buddhadharma, upholding the Karma Kagyu lineage’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.