Chatral Sangye Dorje

Chatral Rinpoche, Sangye Dorje

Chatral Rinpoche, Sangye Dorje (wyl. bya bral sangs rgyas rdo rje). A renowned Dzogchen master in his mid-90s, Chatral Rinpoche is reclusive yogi known for his great realization and strict discipline. Rinpoche is one of the few living disciples of the great master Khenpo Ngakchung and widely regarded as one of the most highly realized Dzogchen yogis. In addition to his relationship with Khenpo Ngakchung, Chatral Rinpoche also studied with some of the last century's most renowned masters, including Dudjom Rinpoche, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, and the famed dakini, Sera Khandro. Rinpoche is one of the primary lineage holders of the Longchen Nyingtik, and in particular the lineage that descends through Jigme Lingpa's heart son Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu and then on to Patrul Rinpoche.

Though his main lineage is the Longchen Nyingtik, Chatral Rinpoche is also closely associated with the Dudjom Tersar lineage. He was empowered as the regent of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche and is currently passing on this lineage to this master's reincarnation, who lives primarily in central Tibet.

Chatral Rinpoche has shunned institutional and political involvement his whole life, choosing instead to live the life of a wandering yogi. To this day, despite his great age, he continues to move about, rarely remaining in one place for more than a few months. A lay yogi, he is also greatly concerned with maintaining strict discipline in the context of the Dzogchen view. He is especially well known for his advocacy of vegetarianism and his yearly practice of ransoming the lives of thousands of animals in India. In addition to his emphasis on the union of view and conduct, Rinpoche also stresses the practice of retreat. He has established numerous retreat centers throughout the Himalayas, including in Pharping, Yolmo and Darjeeling.

Rinpoche currently divides his time between Salbhari, India, and Kathmandu, Nepal. He has two daughters, Tara Devi and Saraswati, with his wife Kamala.

Primary Teachers

• Khenpo Ngakchung (also known as Khenpo Ngaga, Ngawang Palzang)
  
• Dudjom Rinpoche
  
• Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
• Sera Khandro
  

Primary Students

• Dudjom Rinpoche
• Reting Rinpoche
• Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche
• Kathok Situ
• Kyabje Tulku Rinpoche
• Lopon Jigme
• Lama Dawa Gyaltsen
• Lama Sonam Topgye Kazi
• Lama Tharchin
• Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal
• Shyalpa Jigme Tenzin Wangpo
• Muktinath Lama Wangyal

Primary Lineage

• Longchen Nyingtik
  
• Sera Khandro Terma
  
• Dudjom Tersar
  

Primary Monasteries

• Katok Monastery

External Links

• A wonderful translated biography of Chatral Rinpoche's life story (rnam thar)

• Dudjomba -- biography, teachings and lineage transmission of Chatral Rinpoche

• Chatral Rinpoche Series on Lotsawa House
• Chatral Rinpoche on vegetarianism and the benefits of saving lives | links to articles in PDF

Related Publications

• Compassionate Action by Chatral Rinpoche. Edited, introduced and annotated by Zachary Larson. Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications, 2007.
• Chatral Rinpoche. Compassionate Action: the Teachings of Chatral Rinpoche. Kathmandu: Shechen Publications, 2005. Edited with Commentary by Zachary Larson.

A Long Life Prayer for Chatral Rinpoche

LU MÉ TSA SUM GYATSÖI TU JIN GYI
GAR GYI WANGCHUK SANGYÉ DORJE YI
SHYAP PÉ MI YO YÜN DU TEN SHYUK NÉ
TEN DRÖI DÖN CHEN DZÉ TRIN TAR GYÉ SHOK
Through the power and blessings of an ocean of unfailing gurus, yidam deities and dakinis,
May the life of Sangye Dorje, lord of the dance,
Remain forever firm and secure,
And may his enlightened activities to benefit the teachings and beings flourish!

Written by Dudjom Rinpoche.