Spiritual Figures  H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche FAQs  FAQ

When and where was he born?

H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, also known as Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, was born on June 17, 1904 in Pemakö, Tibet. Pemakö is a sacred valley in eastern Tibet, known for its spiritual significance and remote location.

Rinpoche was born into a family of Nyingma practitioners, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His father, Tsering Gyurme, was a respected Dzogchen master and his mother, Tsering Dolma, was also a devoted practitioner. From a young age, Rinpoche showed great interest and aptitude for Buddhist teachings and practices.

At the age of four, Rinpoche was recognized as the reincarnation of Dudjom Lingpa, a renowned 19th century Nyingma master. He was then enthroned as the head of the Dudjom Monastery and given the title of Dudjom Rinpoche.

Under the guidance of his father and other prominent masters, Rinpoche received a traditional Tibetan education, studying Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ritual practices. He also received teachings and empowerments from other masters, including the 13th Dalai Lama and the great Dzogchen master, Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.

In 1921, Rinpoche traveled to central Tibet to receive further teachings and transmissions from the renowned master, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye. He also spent time in retreat and received many visions and teachings from various deities and enlightened beings.

In the early 1950s, Rinpoche was forced to flee Tibet due to the Chinese invasion. He traveled to Bhutan and then to India, where he continued to teach and spread the Dharma. He also established a number of monasteries and retreat centers in India and Nepal.

Rinpoche's teachings and writings are highly regarded in the Tibetan Buddhist community. He was known for his immense wisdom, compassion, and realization of the Dzogchen teachings. He passed away on January 17, 1987 in France, leaving behind a legacy of profound teachings and a lineage of devoted students.

In summary, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche was born on June 17, 1904 in Pemakö, Tibet into a family of Nyingma practitioners. He was recognized as the reincarnation of Dudjom Lingpa at the age of four and went on to receive a traditional Tibetan education and teachings from renowned masters. He fled Tibet in the 1950s and continued to teach and spread the Dharma in India and Nepal until his passing in 1987.