Lady Kunsang Dechen (Administrator, Board Member, wife of Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche)

Lady Kunsang Dechen, affectionately known as Kunsang la, was born in Leh/Ladakh, India. She is the daughter of H.E. Drigung Rinpoche and Gangchen Dolma. She has two siblings: an elder brother, recognized as H.E. Ayang Dupchen Rinpoche.

Kunsang la completed her middle school education in Leh/Ladakh and her high school education in New Delhi. She then attended Jesus and Mary College at the University of New Delhi, an all-women’s institution, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002.

Beyond her formal education, Kunsang la has received extensive Tibetan Buddhist teachings and initiations. She has contributed to the translation of Buddhist texts from Tibetan to English, coordinated and participated in meditation retreats, and is well-versed in monastic protocols. Her responsibilities also include corresponding with other Tibetan spiritual leaders and assisting Dharma teachers. These qualifications enable her to perform official temple duties and rituals with dedication and expertise.

Venerable Geshe Lobsang Sopa (Resident teacher)

Geshe Lobsang Sopa is a highly accomplished Geshe and the Resident Teacher at the Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI). He was ordained as a Buddhist monk at a young age at Ganden Shartse Mahayana University, where he completed his studies in all aspects of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and earned his Geshe degree.

Throughout his years of rigorous study, Geshe Lobsang Sopa received invaluable teachings from many great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, and others. His extensive training and deep understanding of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy make him a respected teacher within the Gelug tradition.

Now residing in Vermont, USA, Geshe Lobsang Sopa serves under His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche at TBI.

Venerable Lobsang Tharchin (Resident teacher and General Manager of His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche since)

Ven. Lobsang Tharchin studied at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School in Dharamsala from 1962 to 1974. During his time at TCV, he was selected by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang to become his attendant and to prepare as the successor to Kungo Palden Tsering La, the former General Manager.

At the age of fifteen, Lobsang Tharchin was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and served as his attendant until Trijang Dorje Chang entered into clear light. Following his teacher’s passing, Lobsang Tharchin pursued advanced studies in all aspects of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy at Ganden Shartse Mahayana University in South India, while continuing to serve as the main attendant of Trijang Ladang.

In 1985, when Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was officially recognized as the reincarnation of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Venerable Tharchin began attending to the young reincarnation. He served in this role first at the monastery, then in Europe, and now at the Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI) in Vermont, USA.

In addition to his responsibilities at TBI, Lobsang Tharchin also teaches Tibetan language classes, making ritual cake, sharing his knowledge and expertise with students.

Venerable Tashi Jamyang (Resident monk emeritus)

Tashi Jamyang was born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1933. At the age of five, his parents offered him to Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Under Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang’s guidance, he studied for eight years at the Nyarong Sha school in Lhasa.

When Tashi Jamyang turned fifteen, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Rato Chuwar Rinpoche. In 1959, amidst political turmoil, he fled Tibet alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang.

Since that time, Tashi Jamyang has dedicated his life to serving as an attendant, first to Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and later to Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche. His unwavering commitment to these esteemed teachers spans several decades, reflecting his deep devotion to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Venerable Geshe Lobsang Youten (Resident Monk and chanting master)

Geshe Lobsang Youten is a highly accomplished Geshe who now serves as a resident monk and teacher at Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI). His journey in Buddhist studies began at a young age when he was ordained as a monk at Serpom Mahayana University.

Throughout his academic career, Geshe Lobsang Youten immersed himself in comprehensive studies of all aspects of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. His dedication and scholarly achievements culminated in the conferral of his Geshe degree in 1999, marking him as a master of Buddhist philosophical studies.

During his years of rigorous study, Geshe Lobsang Youten had the privilege of receiving teachings from numerous qualified teachers and esteemed Rinpoches. These diverse educational experiences have enriched his understanding and ability to transmit Buddhist teachings effectively.

At TBI, Geshe Lobsang Youten continues to share his extensive knowledge and wisdom, contributing significantly to the institute’s mission of preserving and propagating Tibetan Buddhist teachings.