Our Teachers & Founders

His Holiness Drubwang Tulku Tsori Dechen Rinpoche — a title meaning "master among meditation masters" — was a distinguished teacher of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and an important lineage holder of the Longchen Nyingthig teachings.

At age three, he was recognized by H.H. Penor Rinpoche (1932–2009) as a reincarnation of the great yogi Tsori Dechen Rinpoche of Chamdo in Eastern Tibet. At age seven, he entered Namdröling Monastery in Karnataka, India, where he completed his monastic education and became one of H.H. Penor Rinpoche's principal disciples — deepening his studies in Buddhist meditation, philosophy, and traditional Tibetan medicine.

Fulfilling the wishes of his root teacher, Rinpoche traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world, sharing the Buddha Dharma with all who sought his guidance. He built and oversaw monasteries in Mainpat, India and Pharping, Nepal, and devoted his life to supporting thousands of Tibetan refugees living in Indian refugee camps. He was regularly invited to speak at international Buddhist conferences.

Rinpoche is survived by his wife, Khandro Karzang Drölma, and their children. Their youngest son, Tulku Samdrub Dorje Rinpoche — also known as Shema Terchen Rinpoche — was enthroned in June 2018 as a reincarnation of Tertön Chojung Lingpa, in a ceremony conducted by H.E. Tertön Namkha Drime Rinpoche.