H.E. Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche

H.E. Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche was born in 1971 in Kham, Nangchen Chodrak in Eastern Tibet, close to a very sacred place of Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava.

At the tender age of six, the boy Sonam Butsa was recognised to be the fourth reincarnation of Rabzang Rinpoche. He was offered the title of Karma Jampal Sonam Tenzin Palzangpo Rinpoche by His Holiness the 9th Chodrak Saljey Rinpoche, lineage holder and head of the Barom Kagyu lineage.

At the age of eight, he was ordained as a novice monk at Chodrak Monastery, under His Holiness Chodrak Saljey Rinpoche, Ven. Lama Yeshe Rabje Rinpoche and Ven. Tonka Rinpoche, according to the Kagyu tradition.

At this very young age, Rinpoche had been entrusted by His Holiness Saljey Rinpoche with the responsibility of spreading the rare Barom Kagyu lineage to the world wide communities. For the next thirteen years in Tibet, H.E. Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche successfully undertook full foundation practice and monastic training. He studied philosophy, received many teachings and transmissions from Ven. Lama Yeshe Rabje Rinpoche. He also undertook a number of solitary retreats.

H.E. Sonam Tenzin Rinpoche’s Current Activities He works tirelessly to build Dharma Centers in many countries, including the United States.

In his friendly and joyful manner, Rinpoche has always encouraged all his students to make time in their daily life to undertake Buddhist practices. He highlight the importance of fundamental practices, necessary for those aiming for highest results.

Always available, never despondent, Rinpoche creates all favorable conditions for his students to have the courage to engage in true practice. Inspired by his insight, many students has successfully complete Ngondro, the preliminaries to the precious Mahamudra, integrate Buddhism practices as part of their daily routine, and create strong bond with the Buddha lineage.

Rinpoche consistently repeated that “we just need to keep our genuine devotion to the Three Jewels and diligently practice, then miracles naturally come.”