His Holiness Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche
1920 - 2007

His Eminence Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche was head of the Tsharpa sub-lineage of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism. He was the 26th patriarch of Phenpo Nalendra Monastary, founded by Rongton Sheja Kunrig (1367-1449). Born in 1920, His Eminence was recognized by the 13th Dalai Lama as 18th in the lineage of Chobgye Trichens.

After going into exile, Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche built two monastaries: one in Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha and the other in Kathmandu. Rinpoche is regarded as a master of masters; most Tibetan Buddhist lineage holders are his disciples, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Sakya Trizin and the late Dudjom Rinpoche. Rinpoche conducted a series of three and a half year solitary meditation retreats for senior Sakyapa monks over the past fifteen years. Rinpoche spent so much time in meditation retreat that he was regarded as a hidden master.