Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche

Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche

Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche is a renowned master of Tibetan Buddhism. He has been teaching Buddhist philosophy and practice for over three decades and is considered one of the most influential living teachers of this tradition. A prolific author, Rinpoche's writings include many books on meditation and the Lotus Sutra, as well as several translations from Sanskrit, Chinese and Pali. He is the founder of two major monasteries in Nepal, and is the spiritual head of many other monasteries around the world. He travels extensively to teach and give Dharma teachings to his students and continues to be a leader in the worldwide Buddhist community.

Rinpoche was born in Nepal in 1967 to devout Buddhist parents. At the age of six, he entered the shedra, a Tibetan Buddhist monastic university, at Swayambhunath Buddhist Monastery. As part of his studies, he received full ordination from H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. During the 1980s, he continued his studies, first in Kathmandu and then in India. Here he had the good fortune to receive teachings from Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche and Khunu Lama Tenzin Gyaltsen.

Rinpoche is renowned for his work in preserving and propagating the Dharma. He has written and published many books on meditation and the Sutra, as well as several translations from Sanskrit, Chinese and Pali. He is an accomplished master of the vajrayana teachings, and his books have been translated into many languages. The most popular of his books is “This Very Moment,” which provides a step-by-step guide to understanding and practicing mindfulness. He has also written on Buddhist philosophy, the dharma, and more recently, bodhicitta and the middle way.

In the late 1990s, Rinpoche was invited to become the abbot at two monasteries in Nepal: Pharping and Lakhngchen. He accepted the role of abbot and became the spiritual head of many other monasteries throughout the world. He also founded Chokgyur Dechen Ling Shedra in Kathmandu, which is now one of the most respected monasteries in Nepal.

Rinpoche’s engagement with students has been remarkable. He has taught the Dharma in the East and West, and has established numerous retreat centers. In addition, Rinpoche is one of the most in-demand teachers in the Buddhist world and continues to be invited to lecture at universities and Buddhist centers around the world.

Rinpoche’s influence is worldwide, not just among the Buddhsits but also the society at large. He has travelled extensively in order to give talks and Dharma teachings, particularly on the importance of inner transformation, ethical values and social engagement. He has encouraged his students to be fully engaged in the modern world, while at the same time remaining deeply dedicated to their own spiritual paths. Additionally, Rinpoche has been instrumental in providing a framework of meditation and instruction that can be used effectively by others.

Despite his incredibly hectic schedule, Rinpoche still carries out the regular schedule of a Tibetan monk: long days of life, contemplation and study in his monasteries, followed by weeks of teaching and travel. He makes time to visit his students and practice Dharma. In recent years, he has also been focusing on building a Dharma center in the Himalayas to ensure the survival and growth of the Dharma for future generations.

Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche is without a doubt one of the most important and influential Buddhist teachers of our time. His monumental work in teaching and writing has helped spread the Dharma to thousands of people around the world. His dedication, wisdom and compassion for all beings are demonstrated in the way he lives his life. His teaching is of utmost importance to the survival of the Dharma and its transmission to future generations.

Author books:

Radically Happy: A User's Guide to the Mind

Radically Happy: A User's Guide to the Mind

Radically Happy is a guide to understanding your mind, and transforming your experience through the power of mindfulness.