Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche
Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche (b. 1970) is a Nyingma teacher and heir to the Ripa spiritual lineage, a line of reincarnated lamas that dates back to the 17th century in Eastern Tibet. He is the head of the lineage’s monasteries in India and Nepal and the spiritual leader of a Tibetan community residing in exile in the state of Orissa, India. His father, Namkha Drimé Rabjam Rinpoche, is the supreme head and lineage holder of the Ripa Monastery. His mother, Chimed Dolkar, also descends from a noble family.
From his early childhood in India, Jigme Rinpoche displayed spiritual tendencies. Jigme Rinpoche was recognized by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, the Head of the Nyingma School, as the reincarnation of Gyetrul Pema Yonten Rinpoche, the lineage holder and head of the largest monastery Ogmin Ogyen Mindolling, in the Pemakö region of Tibet, who was a reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Among the great tertöns, or spiritual treasure finders, five are particularly prominent—known as the Five Tertön Kings-of whom Pema Lingpa was one.
At the age of 5 years, Jigme Rinpoche was ceremoniously enthroned on the seat of the Ripa Thupten Mindolling Monastery in the presence of Anzing Rinpoche and His Eminence Namkha Drimé Rabjam Rinpoche. When he was 6 years old, he went to the local school and later attended High School in Darjeeling where he acquired his knowledge in the practical modern studies. Jigme Rinpoche excelled in his studies and was able to do well in school even with his spiritual duties and commitments to his monastery. At the age of 17, Jigme Rinpoche studied at the Buddhist College Institute of Ngagyur Dodje Ling, which was founded by Khetsün Zangpo Rinpoche. At the Institute, Jigme Rinpoche studied and practiced the teachings of tantra and sutra. Jigme Rinpoche graduated from the Institute with a Doctorate of Philosophy, 1993. At the conclusion of his Doctorate, he also received the major transmissions of the Nyingma tradition. His masters include: H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Gyalwang Drukchen Rinpoche, Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, Khetsün Zangpo Rinpoche and his uncle Anzing Rinpoche.
After completing his studies at the Institute, Jigme Rinpoche returned to the Ripa Monastery to receive the unique and profound teachings from his father, Namkha Drimé Rinpoche. From these teachings, Jigme Rinpoche was able to receive the complete cycle of Taksham Nüden Dorje, which is the main body of the spiritual practices of the Ripa lineage. Jigme Rinpoche also received the rediscovered teachings of H.E. Namkha Drimé Rinpoche, called the New Treasures Cycle, which consists of the complete Enlightened Warriors Path, based on the life and teachings of the enlightened Tibetan King Gesar. Under the guidance of H.E. Namkha Drimé Rinpoche, Jigme Rinpoche successfully put into practice the New Treasures Cycle and became highly accomplished. He therefore was initiated and authorized to begin teaching these practices for the benefit of others.