His Eminence the 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche Karma Mingyur Dragpa Senge Thinle Kunkhyab Pal Sangpo 

Birth and Auspicious Beginnings

The 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche was born on December 17, 1995, in Nepal, coinciding with Tsongkhapa’s Anniversary (the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan Calendar). His birth, under an auspicious constellation, was prophesied by renowned Tibetan Buddhist masters. The day before his arrival, the 18th Sakya Trichen declared before an assembly of lamas and tulkus:

“Like prophesied, ‘from the residential quarters of the Great Manjushri’s Temple’ today Jamgon Rinpoche arrived.”

This significant day also marked the birthday of the Nepalese king, who performed a long-life ceremony in celebration.

Born to the esteemed 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche is a direct descendant in the Karma Kagyu lineage, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His arrival fulfilled the prophecy of Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche at the Great Manjushri’s Temple.

Recognition and Naming by Eminent Masters

In 1996, the young Rinpoche met the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, in Bodhgaya. Upon meeting, the Karmapa immediately recognized him as the reincarnation (yangsi) of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and bestowed upon him the name Karma Mingyur Dragpa Senge Thinle Kunkhyab Pal Sangpo. This recognition was further affirmed by Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche.

In 1997, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama conducted the traditional hair-cutting ceremony, a significant event in the life of a tulku (reincarnate lama). In 2000, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche’s status as the authentic reincarnation.

Education and Spiritual Training

Rinpoche’s early education focused on the Tibetan language and foundational practices of the Karma Kamtsang tradition. He later studied at the prestigious Sakya Institute, renowned for its rigorous academic and spiritual curriculum.

He received the three sets of Buddhist vows-self-liberation (pratimoksha), Mahayana, and Vajrayana-signifying his commitment to the complete Buddhist path. Rinpoche excelled in Buddhist philosophy, particularly in Madhyamika and Bodhicaryavatara studies.

Throughout his training, Rinpoche received numerous transmissions and empowerments from eminent lineage masters, including:

• Chenrezig Initiation from Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje

• Hevajra Empowerment from His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche

• Additional transmissions from various Tibetan Buddhist traditions

• Traditional Three-Year Retreat and Ongoing Activities

From 2018 to 2022, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche completed a traditional three-year and six-month retreat in Pharping, near Kathmandu, Nepal. This intensive retreat is a hallmark of advanced practice in Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing meditation, study, and spiritual realization.

Currently, Rinpoche divides his time between personal retreat and teaching activities, continuing the unbroken lineage of the Karma Kagyu tradition.

Tours and Global Buddhist Outreach

In 2017, Rinpoche embarked on his first European teaching tour, offering empowerments and teachings to thousands of students across France, Germany, Hungary, and Poland. Together with his father, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche, he leads the KhyenKong Centers in Singapore, Budapest, and Warsaw. 

In 2024 Rinpoche toured Asia and Europe, teaching in several countries on both continents. He plans to do the same in 2025!

To meet the needs of a global audience, Rinpoche has expanded his activities online, providing accessible teachings and transmissions to students worldwide. For more information about upcoming events and teachings, visit the official website.