How things appear is my being;
how things arise is my reality;
there is no phenomenon that is not me
in the whole universe.

- Jamgong Kongtrul Rinpoche

Biography of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche

The Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche was born in 1954 to a prominent Lhasa family. Extraordinary signs accompanied his birth. Even at an early age, his devotion to His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa was unsurpassed. His entire life example manifested the perfection of a great bodhisattva.

After the passing of His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa in 1981, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche became one of the foremost holders of the Kagyu Lineage, and wore the mantle of regency with humility and great dignity. Revered by disciples of His Holiness Karmapa throughout the world, he was especially dear to students in the West who had the immeasurable good fortune to see or hear him during his short life.

In the absence of His Holiness’ physical manifestation, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche virtually adopted Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, and was a frequent visitor and teacher.

In 1984, in order to celebrate the visit of H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche to Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, the Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche gave a short teaching on the life and activity of Jamgon Kongtrul The Great, concluding that for “those who had the good fortune to experience [His Eminence the III Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's] presence and teachings during his short visit to the United States, it was abundantly clear that His Eminence is an awakened heartfelt son of His Holiness Karmapa.”

Following the passing of His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, his life story was published by the Jamgon Kongtrul Labrang at Rumtek as an offering of Dharma for free distribution. The life story was written by the Ven. Bokar Tulku Rinpoche as “A Brief Biography of His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche.” Also included in this memorial to H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Karma Lodro Chokyi Senge was a translation of the Guru Yoga for the III Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, called “Billowing Clouds of Blessing.”