Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche

Biography

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, born October 15, 1982, is the recognized reincarnation of the third Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and protector Dorje Shugden officially confirmed his status on April 23, 1985, following an extensive search process initiated in 1984.

Current Roles

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche serves as the spiritual leader of numerous monasteries, Buddhist centers, institutes, and followers of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang throughout the world. His influence extends globally, guiding practitioners across diverse cultures and continents.

As the recognized reincarnation of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Rinpoche continues the legacy of his predecessor, offering teachings, initiations, and spiritual guidance to both monastic and lay communities.

His role encompasses:

  1. Principal throne holder of Shar Gaden Monastic University in South India, Karnataka

  2. Spiritual director of the Trijang Buddhist Institute in Northfield, Vermont, USA

  3. Providing spiritual direction to established Gelugpa monasteries.

  4. Overseeing the activities of Buddhist centers founded by disciples of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang

  5. Supporting and inspiring followers who uphold the lineage teachings

Rinpoche’s leadership ensures the preservation and transmission of the pure Gelugpa tradition, as passed down from Je Tsongkhapa through Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. His global presence reinforces the connection between traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices and contemporary spiritual seekers worldwide.

Education

Rinpoche has successfully completed his comprehensive Buddhist studies on the five major texts of Sutra, as well as complete Tantric studies, under the guidance of his esteemed root gurus:

Root gurus (masters)

  1. His Holiness the 14th. Dalai Lama

  2. Kyabje Lati Rinpoche

  3. Kyabje Dema Lochoe Rinpoche

  4. Kyabje Dragom Rinpoche

  5. Kyabje Ratoe Rinpoche

  6. Kyabje Shartse Choeje Lobsang Nyima

  7. Kyabje Dagpo Lama Rinpoche

  8. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche

  9. Geshe Yeshe Wangchuk

Study assistance:

  1. Geshe Konchok Tsering

  2. Geshe Thupten Tenzin

  3. Geshe Tsultrim

  4. Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok

  5. Geshe Kelsang Rigzin

  6. Geshe Lobsang Phende

  7. Geshe Nawang Tsering

This rigorous training in both Sutra and Tantra has equipped Rinpoche with profound knowledge of the exoteric and esoteric teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, enabling him to serve as a highly accomplished spiritual leader and teacher.

Lineage and Significance

As the 18th in a lineage of eminent Indian and Tibetan masters and the 4th Trijang Rinpoche, he holds a position of great importance in Tibetan Buddhism. His predecessor, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, was instrumental in preserving and spreading Tibetan Buddhism globally.

Ongoing activities

Rinpoche continues to guide activities and programs globally for the public, ordained monks and nuns, and lay practitioners, furthering the preservation and dissemination of Tibetan Buddhist teachings in general, and the Gelugpa tradition founded by Je Tsongkhapa in particular.