Tengboche Rinpoche

Lama Gulu founded Tengboche monastery in 1916 and passed away after the big earthquake in 1934. In 1935, on the same day the Dalai Lama was born, a Sherpa family from Namche Bazaar had a son. When this boy was still very small he insisted he had a home and possessions in Tengboche. His family went to visit Ngawang Tenzin Norbu in Rongbuk and this high lama, who had always been closely connected with Tengboche, recognized him as the Tulku or reincarnation of Lama Gulu. He was given the name Ngawang Tenzin Zangbu. When the family returned to Namche the monks from Tengboche came with possessions from Lama Gulu mixed in with other monks' possessions. The boy picked out everything that had belonged to the previous lama without hesitation. Everyone agreed he was the true incarnation and he was brought to Tengboche Monastery. He then undertook many years of hard study and training. He spent many years in Tibet studying with the great masters there. In 1956 he returned to Tengboche as the Abbot of the monastery and is known as Tengboche Rinpoche.

Tengboche Rinpoche starts the day early in the morning with hours of prayer and meditation. After that his doors are open to the constant stream of people who wishes to see him, both Sherpas and tourists. He will name children, conduct funeral ceremonies, bless marriages, houses and land. He is very knowledgeable about Tibetan medicine and is consulted by people seeking traditional treatments. Tengboche Rinpoche is actively involved in all aspects of the Sherpa community and if any Sherpa is contemplating a new project they will often ask for Rinpoche's blessing first. He makes sure that ceremonies are conducted at the appropriate times, supervises the running of the monastery and education of the monks at Tengboche. Tengboche Rinpoche is also referred to on matters to do with Buddhism across the whole country. He has been involved in many organizations promoting Buddhism, including the Lumbini Development Trust in creating a zone of peace at the birthplace of The Lord Buddha Sakyamuni. King and Prime Minister have acknowledged Rinpoche's contribution to the promotion of peace and harmony in Nepal. WWF (World Wildlife Fund) have given him awards for his work in protecting the environment. He is constantly asked for advice on all matters secular, medical, mundane and political as well as spiritual. Throughout the day he is involved in prayer and activities that help others. In the evening he again spends many hours in private meditation.