Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche

At about this same time that he completed middle school, a new university, the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, opened in Varanasi, India. Determined to be among its first students, Khenchen Rinpoche traveled to Varanasi in October 1967 to seek admission. He then began a nine-year course of study that included Madhyamika, Abhidharma, Vinaya, the Abbisamayalankara, and the Uttaratantra, as well as history, logic, and Tibetan grammar.  In early 1968, he had the good fortune to take full monastic ordination from the great Kalu Rinpoche, and, shortly after graduating from the Institute, he received teachings from the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa on The Eight Treasures of Mahamudra Songs by the Indian mahasiddhas.

Even after completing this long and arduous course of study, Khenchen Rinpoche wanted only to deepen his knowledge and practice of the Dharma. With the same intensity that he brought to his earlier studies, Rinpoche sought out and received teachings and instructions from great Buddhist masters. One was the Venerable Khunu Lama Rinpoche (reference 1, reference 2), with whom Khenchen Rinpoche studied two works of Gampopa: The Jewel Ornament of Liberation and The Precious Garland of the Excellent Path. Rinpoche’s studies with the Venerable Khunu Lama also included Mahamudra and many of the songs of Milarepa. In all his studies, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation is one of the texts that Khenchen found to be most inspiring.  Lord Gampopa laid out the teachings in a clear and systematic way that is understandable to beginners.  At the same time, the work is such profound depth that scholars and practitioners can study it over and over and still not fully grasp its meaning.  He has said on several occasions, "Anyone who knows the Jewel Ornament well can say that they really understand Buddhism."

Maintaining a balance between theoretical understanding and the practice of meditation, Khenchen Rinpoche began the traditional three-year retreat in 1978 at Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh under the guidance of the enlightened master Khyunga Rinpoche (reference 1, reference 2). During this time, he was able to deepen and enhance his understanding of The Fivefold Path of Mahamudra, the Six Yoga of Naropa and the profound Gong Chik text of Lord Jigten sumgon. He also received many other transmissions.

In 1985, Khenchen Rinpoche traveled to the main seat of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, Drikung Thil, in Tibet. There he was able to receive personal blessings, as well as instructions and transmissions of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, from the enlightened master, the tripön of Drikung Thil Monastery, Vajradhara Pachung Rinpoche as well as his successor Vajradhara Gelong Tenzin Nyima Rinpoche.

In 1982, the force of karma and the requests of many practitioners combined to bring Khenchen Rinpoche to the United States. By late 1983, the Tibetan Meditation Center was well established in Washington, DC. Their original location was the site of innumerable teachings, practices, retreats and ceremonies.  In September 1984, and again in 1987, the young Center was blessed with personal visits and teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Through Khenchen Rinpoche's and the Center's efforts, Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche visited later in 1987, and many people were able to receive benefit from his teachings and presence.

Wanting the teachings of Dharma to reach as many people as possible, Khenchen Rinpoche has quickly adapted himself to Western forms of communication. He has made appearances on television, been a guest on many radio programs, lectured extensively at colleges and universities, and spoken to the public through countless newspaper articles. Rinpoche’s compassion and dedication to the Dharma have taken him to all parts of the world. Rinpoche travels tirelessly, giving teachings, leading retreats and opening Dharma centers throughout North America, South America and Europe. He has established centers throughout the US and in Chile, and he frequently visits in Europe, countries like Germany, Italy, Austria and Sweden, as well as Southeast Asia.

Between 1983 and 1990, Khenchen Rinpoche singlehandedly translated critical Drikung Kagyu practices, prayers and histories into English. The originals of the texts were all written out by his hand Achi Chokyi Drolma, Amitabha, Bodhicitta, Chakrasamvara, Chod, the complete Ngondro, Five-fold Mahamudra, Four-Session Guru Yoga, Green Tara, Lama Chopa and tsok, Mahakala, Mandala offering, Manjushri, Medicine Buddha, Milarepa Guru Yoga, Nyung Ne, Peaceful Guru Padmasambhava, Phowa, Refuge, Chenrezig, Vajrapani, Vajrasattva, Vajrayogini, and White Tara. The Illusory Body teachings, Supplication to Tara, Treasury of Benefit and Happiness, Meaningful to Behold, many other prayers and three books were all translated and published during this time. This priceless work formed the essential base from which the holy Dharma could be taught and practiced. Because of his efforts, western students are now able to read and perform these practices in their own language.

In November 1991, Khenchen Rinpoche and the Tibetan Meditation Center moved to Frederick, Maryland.  Nestled inside a state park, the Center is now situated on four wooded acres.  A small temple has been built there, and was consecrated by His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche in 1994.  With this larger facility and in surroundings more conducive to contemplation, Rinpoche was able to benefit even more people with his teachings. 

Then Khenchen Rinpoche has spent quite some time teaching in India, Tibet and Nepal when conditions allow. For example, he taught Gong Chik (The Single Intent) to a group of about ninety monks and nuns at the Drikung Kagyu Institute in Dehra Dun, India. With the financial assistance of friends and students worldwide, Rinpoche was able to print 1700 copies of Gong Chik and to distribute them to the students of the Institute as well as monks, nuns and monasteries in India, Nepal and Tibet.  In 1996, Rinpoche printed and distributed 1,500 copies of Essence of the Mahayana Teachings by Ngorje Repa, an important disciple of Lord Jigten Sumgon. In May 1998, Rinpoche went to Gar Monastery. First, he gave teachings to the monks and nuns in the three-year retreat. Then he taught The Jewel Ornament of Liberation and The Fivefold Path of Mahamudra. He also visited six other Drikung Kagyu monasteries and gave many teachings to monks, nuns, and lay people. Rinpoche explained the importance of studying and practicing the precious Dharma teachings to all the different people that he met. For about 4 winter months, Rinpoche gave teachings on Gong Chik and the Essence of the Mahayana Teachings. In this way, many monks and nuns were greatly inspired to further their study and practice.

In October 1999, Rinpoche returned to the Tibetan Meditation Center in Maryland. He reorganized the center and started the five-year program of Ngöndro instructions.

On January 16, 2001, Rinpoche was formally enthroned by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche as the Khenchen (great "khenpo") of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage at Jangchub Ling monastery, Dehra Dun, India.  This was indeed a very great honor and great inspiration to all of us.  We are all inspired by his unceasing altruistic effort in teaching the Dharma, in guiding us onto the Path so that we recognize Dharma as our ultimate friend. 

In 2009, Rinpoche accepted to be the first abbot for Rinchen Ling Monastery in Nepal. In March 2011, Rinpoche participated the Gong Chik seminar in which he sponsored with money he received in donations and offerings. Then he taught at Rinchen Ling in Nepal The Jewel Ornament of Liberation for about one month. Many monks benefitted from these activities. On many occasions, he contributed food to that monastery. Then in April, Rinpoche made a pilgrimage with friends from Malaysia and some other monks to Lapchi Snow Mountain where Milarepa meditated for many yearsa and became enlightened. Rinpoche had wanted to go there for a long time, but due to his health and other conditions, it did not happen. So, that prilgrimage was especially inspiring. In October 2011, rinpoche taught the very extensive Gong Chik commentary for more than two months at Rinchen Ling Monastery to help sustain the monastery and all its monks. When possible, Rinpoche spends some months every year at Rinchen Ling monastery to expound important texts such as Jewel Ornament of Liberation and Gong Chik turning the Dharma wheel for the younger generation.

A skilled and dedicated author and translator, Rinpoche has now published 13 highly regarded books: Prayer Flags, The Garland of Mahamudra Practices, In Search of the Stainless Ambrosia, , The Great Kagyu Masters, The Jewel Treasury of Advice, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Calling to the Lama from Afar, The Transformation of Suffering, Pearl Rosary, A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path, Opening the Treasure of the Profound, Wheel of Wisdom and Diamond Rosary. A short synopse for each published book can be found here.

Khenchen Rinpoche tiredlessly strive to make important texts available to the public and to provide his students with a thorough and systematic training in the Dharma. Rinpoche has taken enormous care to make each translations as precise as possible.  Because he himself has been so moved by these words that come directly from great masters, he believes it is critical that these same words be presented in an unadulterated manner.  For example, to translate this text, he and his editor went through the entire text word by word four times, sometimes spending an hour or more on a single phrase or sentence.  It is his sincere hope that, through this genuine effort, the readers will be inspired like himself by these precious Dharma teachings. The translations and commentaries were done to benefit all sentient beings, especially sincere Dharma practitioners. It is not easy to translate and write commentaries; each book took a long time and many painful measures to produce. But Rinpoche underwent this hardship without much support, just with a sincere wish to bring enlightened wisdom into the world upon seeing so many people while wanting desperately to be free from suffering,at the same time indulging in the causes of suffering. Rinpoche prayes for those individuals to be exposed to these teachings, find the path, and follow it with incisive wisdom so that they can breathe in peace and happiness - for them to really solve life's problems, not just with material consumption but by understanding the importance of the mind or consciousness. He request that anyone who has a chance to see these books to please read them carefully, digest their meaning, and apply their teachings. There is no doubt that the result will arise.

Rinpoche always makes it clears to his students that Buddhism is neither as a religion nor as a culture but rather as the reality. Thus Rinpoche emphasizes the importance of engaging in study, practice, contemplation and meditation of the foundation teachings and practices such as the Ngöndro from the bottom of our hearts rather than chasing after empowerments or high Vajrayana teachings or practices or engaging in cultural ritualism.

Remembering the struggles of his early years, Khenchen Rinpoche inspires and supports monks, nuns and the laypeople in their practice of the Dharma and is always ready to assist them in whatever way he can. To turn the Dharma wheel, Khenchen sacrifices all his comfort.  After retiring from the Tibetan Meditation Center, Khenchen Rinpoche does not establish any personal abode anywhere, but continues to write, to translate texts, and to teach whenever Dharma is needed at monasteries in India, Nepal, and Tibet and at many centers and groups in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. To all, he gives of himself freely. With his heart and mind turned firmly towards the Dharma, he compassionately and with great patience shows the way. 

Then, Rinpoche taught upon request The Six Yogas of Naropa teachings (mostly transmissions) to the retreatants at the GarMonastery. The year before, Rinpoche stayed there for ten days explaining the Five Fold Mahamudra.

This is the largest Drikung Kagyu monastery (in terms of the number of monks, more than seven hundred monks) in Tibet and Rinpoche stayed there for six days.  He taught  Serkhangma (The Golden Chapel Prayer by Kyobpa Jikten Sumgön)  for three days and one day practising Lama Chöpa. This was Rinpoche's second visit since 1998.

Rinpoche visited the nunnery for one day, giving oral transmission of the root text of Heart Essence of Mahayana Teachings to more than two hundred nuns.

This was Rinpoche's second visit since 1998.

Rinpoche taught Serkhangma for three days and one day practising Lama Chöpa.  All the participants have strong devotion to the Dharma and highly appreciated Rinpoches' teachings.  They strongly requested Rinpoche to return in the near future.

Rinpoche stayed there for 20 days teaching Serkhangma, Ngöndro and giving other transmissions at the Buddhist College at the foot of the mountain. The teachings ended with one day of Lama Chöpa Tsog Offering. This was Rinpoche's first visit.

Rinpoche spent two days at the monastery which is located near a cave at the edge of a steep cliff.  Rinpoche gave transmission on the Five Fold Mahamudra and the practice of Lama Chöpa Tsog Offering.  Twenty to thirty students attended the transmission. This was Rinpoche's first visit.

The donations made to these monasteries all came from the offerings made by Dharma Centers and individuals to Khenchen Rinpoche. So, you can see that these donations were used well. Everyone should dedicate this merit, and rejoice in those individuals’ good deeds.

by Victoria Huckenpahler (from Snow Lion summer 2001 newsletter)

(from left to right) His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche His Holiness Dalai Lama Ven. Drubwang Konchog Norbu Rinpoche Ven. Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche

Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen, teacher and author, whose glowing smile and down-to-earth presence have endeared him to students worldwide, was elevated earlier this year to the status of Khenchen (Great Scholar) by H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche, head of the Drikung Kagyu. He is the only member of that lineage to bear the title.

On 14 May, the event was celebrated at the Tibetan Meditation Center in Frederick, Maryland, which Rinpoche had founded (originally in Washington, DC) in 1982. The festivities included a Lama Chöpa (Guru Puja and Tsok Offering), remarks by Khenchen Rinpoche, and a salutation by the Center’s President.

While the traditional dresil (sweetened rice) and Tibetan tea were served, Rinpoche thanked the audience, some of whom had come from as far as Seattle, for joining him in celebrating the occasion which marks the culmination of his nearly two decades of service in this country and abroad. He then recounted the Dharma activities he has performed since the turn of the year, beginning in India where, besides being enthroned Khenchen, he taught the seminal Drikung work, Gong Chik. This historic teaching cycle formed part of the great Snake Year teachings, held only once every twelve years. This was followed by appearances in Taiwan, Los Angeles, Big Sur, and Tucson, among others. "The time was well spent," Rinpoche remarked. "I felt privileged, despite fatigue, the time changes, and the fact of having to change beds every week." And some, he noted with typical humor, "were harder than others!" He then cautioned that though we sometimes approach the Dharma as just another hobby, it is in fact the most important part of our lives. Nor is the cultural aspect key, but rather, the implementation of the practice. He concluded by reciting his daunting schedule for the remainder of the year which, besides the annual Spring retreat in Frederick, includes an around-the-world tour, starting with a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash, followed by appearances in Malaysia, Europe and Hawaii.

TMC President Paul Palmer then graciously recounted Rinpoche’s multitudinous achievements from the time he was ordained bhikshu (full monk) by Kalu Rinpoche, to his arrival in America nearly 20 years ago, until his present enthronement as Khenchen. Working in the early days in the US under conditions which Palmer termed "spartan," Rinpoche not only taught tirelessly, but translated numerous sadhanas, authored seven books of lineage prayers, and histories (including The Jewel Ornament of Liberation and the forthcoming The Garland of Mahamudra Practices), and twice hosted H.H. the Dalai Lama at the Center – all between teaching engagements in the North and South America, Europe and Asia. By popular demand he established additional Drikung centers around the world, thus making Dharma in general more available to the public, while establishing the Drikung lineage in particular as a solid, widespread presence. When the Tibetan Meditation Center moved from DC to its present, expanded quarters in Frederick, Rinpoche continued a back-breaking schedule of writing (the Center founded its own publishing company, Vajra Publications); hosting such eminent teachers as HH the Drikung Kyabgon, HE Garchen Rinpoche, and the yogi, Drubwang Konchog Norbu; ordaining Western monks and nuns; and establishing annual Spring Retreats. In addition, he has made smaller appearances at schools, colleges, and prisons, and has granted numerous interviews to the press. Because of his unflagging efforts, combined with the purchase of 36 acres of mountainside property in Frederick, the Center looks forward to a future in which it will doubtless draw retreatants from all over America. Palmer also remarked on Rinpoche’s unblemished maintenance of ethical discipline, a cherished trait in this time of degeneration, and one which has inspired the respect of visiting teachers, as well as the confidence and veneration of his students. The Drikung Kyabgon himself has noted that Rinpoche "protects his pure monk’s vows as fiercely as his own eyes," and Center members know that he has always avoided even the hint of administrative divisiveness. In this way he has taught as much by example as through formal instruction.

Rinpoche’s long-time followers are gratified that his back-breaking efforts, which for many ears were seemingly valued below their full worth, are now being acknowledged both officially by his recent enthronement, and by students around the world who are manifesting a growing eagerness to avail themselves of his gems of wisdom. Rinpoche’s Long Life Prayer reflects the sentiments and well-wishes of all his followers in the words; "You who are richly endowed with the glorious wealth of Dharma knowledge, who through reflecting and meditating, have actualized the self-aware absolute reality and shine with the hundred-thousand light rays of ethical discipline of the Buddha-Dharma, may you, Khenchen Ratna Dwaza, live long!"

 

An interview with most Venerable Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche TOP         

An interview with most Venerable Khenchen Rinpoche by Jeff Cox appears in the recent Snow Lion Newsletter (Volume 20, Number 3, Summer 2006) about the 3 poisons (ignorance, desire and anger). 

Below are a few excerpts from the article:

”…there is an intellectual understanding of impermanence, and there is the actual experience. In our intellectual understanding, we know things are changing constantly, people are born and die. At the same time, in the mind, there is ignorance and the desire to hold on to the object as something permanent—there is grasping due to the habit of lifetimes to grasp onto objects. That habitual tendency to grasp is so powerful that we may understand impermanence intellectually but practically speaking that understanding is not accepted. That is how we are suffering.”

“First you must understand the disadvantages of ignorance, desire, anger, pride, jealousy – the poisons. You need a strong understanding that these need to be purified. This is the fundamental way to reveal our inner mental qualities. To have this you must have strong devotion, determination, and dedication—which is not so easy. We do need outer comforts, but they will not bring actual happiness or joy. We have to realize that. When we are fully convinced of this, and we work with an authentic teacher, then we can overcome the delusions and confusions of samsara and be free from this cycle—and reveal the enlightened qualities.”

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