Guardian

His Holiness Gurung Tulku Nima Hoisher Rinpoche, also revered as Gurudev, is a highly respected spiritual master in the Gurung Buddhist community. Recognized as a Tulku (reincarnated lama), he has dedicated his life to preserving and spreading the teachings of Mahayana-Vajrayana Buddhism. He is known for his profound wisdom, compassion, and commitment to promoting peace and harmony. As a cultural and spiritual leader, he plays a vital role in uniting Gurung Buddhists globally and guiding disciples on the path of Dharma. His teachings emphasize mindfulness and compassion through Buddhist principles and community service.
Notably, His Holiness is the first ever Tulku born in the Gurung family, a milestone that has brought deep spiritual pride and inspiration to the Gurung community. However, his service extends far beyond ethnic lines—he selflessly works for the liberation and well-being of all sentient beings, embracing universal compassion as the essence of his life’s mission.

His Eminence Tulku Sangay Yonten Gyatsho Rinpoche, Chief Trustee and Head of Rinchen Chholing Monastery in Rinchenpong, is a respected spiritual leader in the lineage of His Holiness Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche. Recognized as a reincarnated Tulku, he received advanced monastic education and spiritual training at Namdroling Monastery—the largest Nyingma institute in the world. His Eminence is deeply committed to preserving and spreading the profound teachings of Mahayana-Vajrayana Buddhism. With a heart full of compassion, he tirelessly serves all sentient beings, including children, senior citizens, and the most vulnerable in society. His guidance and teachings have touched the lives of thousands, both in Sikkim and across neighboring regions and internationally in countries like Hong Kong, the UK, and the USA. Under his leadership, Rinchen Chholing Monastery has become a sacred center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and community service, offering spiritual refuge and inspiration to practitioners from all walks of life.

His Eminence Trulku Ngawang S. Zangpo Rinpoche was formally recognized as a Tulku in 2004 at Samtse Datsang by His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, Trulku Jigme Chhoeda. This sacred recognition affirmed Rinpoche’s identity as a reincarnated Buddhist master, honoring his spiritual lineage and lifelong dedication to the Dharma. Following this, Rinpoche began his monastic training at Simtokha Dzong in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 2005 to 2010, mastering ritual traditions and building a strong foundation in Buddhist teachings. He then pursued advanced studies at the renowned Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute in Himachal Pradesh, India, earning degrees in Madhyamika, Shastri, and Acharya. His Eminence holds the prestigious role of Thridzin (Chair) of the Triratna Foundation in Bhutan and also serves as a spiritual Guardian for the Triratna International Foundation and the International Council of Gurung Buddhism (ICGB), headquartered in the USA. His wisdom continues to guide countless disciples around the world.

Venerable Tulku Thubwang Tenzin Rinpoche, the first recognized Tulku born in Nepal’s Gurung community, recently presided over a grand life empowerment (Tsewang) ceremony. Known for his humble and modest nature, Rinpoche has led several major spiritual events, each attended by thousands of devoted followers. Despite his profound spiritual contributions, he is not seen on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, or TikTok. He speaks honestly and humbly to all—whether to the children or senior citizens—reflecting the pure essence of genuine spiritual integrity.

For the past six years, Rinpoche has spent 3–4 months in solitary retreat in Mustang every monsoon season. The photo shared here was taken at Khen Rinpoche Shir Lama Gurung’s request during a four-day Vajrakilaya puja held at the Gurung Samaj House in Kathmandu, organized by the Gurung (Tamu) Lama Buddhist Society, where he wore a sacred hat blessed by His Holiness Drukpa Rinpoche.

His monastery from his previous life and many devoted elderly disciples remain spiritually strong and well-organized. H.E. Tulku Rinpoche wants to work to expand the Buddha’s teachings everywhere.