Early Life and Recognition

Sabchu Rinpoche, a prominent figure in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, was born in Nepal. He was formally recognized as the 5th incarnation of Sabchu Rinpoche by the late 14th Shamar Rinpoche. This recognition took place during the Tersar empowerments at Nagi Gompa, presided over by the late Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. The ceremony was attended by the four Karma Kagyu regents and other esteemed masters, highlighting its significance within the Tibetan Buddhist community.

The official enthronement ceremony was held twice: first at the renowned Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, and then at the historic Swayambhu Monastery, both central sites for the Karma Kagyu tradition.

Monastic Education and Spiritual Training

From an early age, Sabchu Rinpoche moved to Swayambhu Monastery, where he immersed himself in the study of the Tibetan language and the foundational practices of the Karma Kamtsang lineage. He received a wealth of empowerments, reading transmissions, and teachings from some of the most respected Tibetan Buddhist masters:

• New Treasure Collection: Empowerments from the late Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.

• Three Dzogchen Collections: Conferred by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

• Tengyur Reading Transmission: Given by the late Tenga Rinpoche.

• Kangyur Reading Transmission: Bestowed by Nyenpa Rinpoche.

• Kagyu Ngak Dzö (Tantra Treasury): Empowerments from Trangu Rinpoche.

• Rinchen Terdzö (Treasury of Precious Termas): Conferred by the late Penor Rinpoche.

• Druptab Küntü (Compendium of Sādhanas): Received from Sakya Trizin Rinpoche.

• Gyüde Küntü (Compendium of Tantras): Given by Luding Khenchen Rinpoche.

• Chigshe Kündröl Empowerments: Transmitted by the late Shamar Rinpoche.

Sabchu Rinpoche also received extensive practice instructions from various accomplished meditation masters. His scriptural and philosophical studies were guided by Khenpo Shenpen and later by Khenpo Chödrak Rinpoche at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute.

Retreat Practice and Teaching Activities

Rinpoche dedicated one year to the intensive practice of Chöd in Pharping, a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhist retreat. At eighteen, he undertook a traditional three-year retreat in Pharping under the guidance of Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, where he received and practiced the core Karma Kamtsang transmissions.

Following his retreat, Sabchu Rinpoche began traveling and teaching throughout Europe and North America, sharing the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism with a global audience. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Production in Canada, reflecting his commitment to bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary culture.

Current Activities

Today, Sabchu Rinpoche divides his time between personal retreat and teaching engagements across Asia and Europe. His teachings continue to inspire practitioners worldwide, contributing to the preservation and growth of the Karma Kagyu lineage.

More information about Rinpoche, his activities and programmes can be found on his official website, where you can also find his precious articles.