Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche

Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche was born in Nepal on 30 June 1993, the son of Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche and Dechen Paldron. His father, the fourth Tsike Chokling, was himself a son of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. After Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche died in 1991, his close students asked Trulshik Rinpoche, his most senior disciple, to find the reincarnation. Trulshik Rinpoche had dreams and visions that included a four-line verse. In spring 1995 he sent it to Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, and once decoded it named the boy’s parents. The Dalai Lama confirmed the identification.

In December 1995, at the Maratika Cave in Nepal, Trulshik Rinpoche gave the child his name, Urgyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup, and robes. The Rangjung Yeshe Wiki dates the enthronement at Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Nepal to December 1996. The Treasury of Lives gives December 1997.

As a child he was tutored in Bhutan, studying reading, philosophy, writing and meditation with three other young monks, and travelling to Nepal each year for Tibetan New Year ceremonies at Shechen Monastery. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche arranged for him to receive the teachings and empowerments his predecessor had held, and he received a three-month course of teachings from Trulshik Rinpoche.

On 8 January 2025, Shechen Monastery’s management committee announced that he is no longer affiliated with the monastery and is relieved of all associated duties there until further notice.