Lamas at Kathok Gonpa
Khenchen Munsel Rinpoche (1916-1994) of Wangchen Topa, Golok; was a highly accomplished and respected Dzogchen Master and scholar who in turn instructed some of the greatest living and present-day Lamas. In his early years Rinpoche travelled all the way from Golok to Degai to enter the main Kathok monestary where he studied under many scholors. Later on he received personal instructions on DzogPa ChenPo from the most accomplished master of the time Kenpo Nagwang Palzang, an emanation of Vimalimtra. Kenpo Nagwang Palzang predicted that if he continued to accomplish DzogPa ChenPo practice he would benefit countless beings. Even during transitional times in Tibet, when he was imprisoned for many years, he continuously carried on the practice of Dzogchen with great diligence, according to LongChen Nying Thik lineage. As Rinpoche had predicted his enlightened practice benefitted countless students in Tibet who were naturally drawn to him although he lived an extremely simple lifestyle in a very remote area. From the many many disciples of Kenpo Munsel we have the great good fortune to be in the presence of such Masters as H.E. Lingtrul Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, Sorgan Rinpoche and Tulku Karzang.
Lingtrul Rinpoche is our main teacher and the one who established this retreat center. He is the head of Tra Ling Monastery in Tibet and is an emanation of Longchenpa.
A Brief Biography of H.E. Ven. Lingtrul Kadak Chöying Dorje (Lingtrul Rinpoche)
Lingtrul Rinpoche was recognised from the age of three, by H.H. Kathok Chatsa Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Ling Lama Chökyi Dorje, (the founder of Tra Ling monastery) and thus is an emanation of Longchenpa. He is the 8th throneholder of Tra Ling, a famous monastery in Golok, Tibet.
He was born in Amdo-Golok in 1955 to a humble nomad family. Due to conditions at the time his identity was kept secret.
As a young tulku, Lingtrul Rinpoche was forced to work in labor camps and hide any sign of interest in Buddhism. In 1983 there were more enlightened policies and the restrictions on religious practice were lifted. Finally, Rinpoche was able to return to his own monestary and was officially enthroned. He continuously studied with his tutor with great diligence. Later on he went to meet with his root teacher, the great Khenpo Munsel to recieve Dzonchen instructions.
The lineage of the Clear Light Great Perfection teachings began with the Primordial Buddha and was passed gradually from teacher to disciple, through Khenpo Munsel to Lingtrul Rinpoche. As one of Khenpo Munsel’s closest heart sons, Lingtrul Rinpoche received all the transmissions of the Clear Light Great Perfection over a period of 3-4 years. In retreat he practiced all the development stages of the Vajrayana from the preliminary practices through Trekchöd and Todgyal. He also received all of the Longchen Nyingthig transmissions as well as many other empowerments.
At the age of 37, Lingtrul Rinpoche journeyed to central Tibet, Nepal and India to visit the great power spots in these holy lands. While in Sikkim he also met with H.H. Dodrubchen Rinpoche and received many sacred teachings. Shortly thereafter he was invited to the United States.
Lingtrul Rinpoche presently maintains residences at Tra Ling Monastery in Golok, at Kathok Gonpa in Oakland, California and at Kathok Gonpa in Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada.