His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche
His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche was born in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. He was recognized as a holy child and began training as a lama from the age of four. Rinpoche attended the Buddhist university in Sarnath, India, and later received teachings, empowerments, and transmissions from many of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of his time, including H.H. Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche, H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H.H. Penor Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and his root teacher Sangye Dorje Chatral Rinpoche. Rinpoche is a lineage holder of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, with transmissions in the Longchen Nyingthig, Pema Sangthig, and Düdjom Tersar traditions.
With great compassion and wisdom, His Eminence teaches us how to actualize the essence of our precious human lives. Just as a small key can open the door to the vast and splendid treasures hidden within a palatial mansion, Rinpoche’s pithy and succinct teachings can reveal profound, life-changing instructions on how to transform our way of being in everyday life. For over 30 years Rinpoche has conducted countless retreats, seminars, and empowerments throughout Asia, North America, and Europe.
In Kathmandu, Nepal, His Eminence established Shyalpa Monastery and Nunnery, Mipham Institute, and the Himalayan Children’s Fund. In 2009, Rinpoche founded Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation in Hong Kong (and later branches in Taiwan and Malaysia) to support his compassionate activities in Asia.
In 2013, the Nepalese government entrusted His Eminence with the task of developing a precious tract of land in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Rinpoche’s vision is to build a sanctuary that will honor the sacred birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha and serve as a pilgrimage site for visitors of every race, color, and creed.
In April 2018, the construction of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace commenced. His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche invites everyone to participate and support this most worthy project. In this way, everyone will have the opportunity to share in the meritorious karma.
Always heed the circumstances; don’t consider self-interest first.
However the circumstances arise, be flexible and bend as the situation demands.
The circumstance becomes the music, the environment becomes the stage, and you become the dancer.
The greatest dancer will dance beautifully on a small stage, and dance without difficulty on a large stage.
The greatest dancer will dance with skill, whatever the music.
Be the most flexible dancer.
If the circumstance demands you to stand straight with head high, be able to do that.
If the circumstance requires you to lower your head and bend down, be able to do that.
This is the understanding of the preciousness of human life.
This becomes effortless.
This is the joy and happiness of the dancer.
Dance well!
From Spontaneous Verse on the Preciousness of Human Life
by Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche