De overdrachtslijn
Biography of Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche
Lineage – RIMÈ – refers to the non-sectarian philosophy in Tibetan Buddhism that respects and transmits all lineages without bias. The Rimé emphasizes that different traditions are valid and valuable for different practitioners, promoting a non-partisan approach to understanding and practicing the Dharma. It encourages appreciation for the diversity of teachings, fostering mutual respect among various traditions, such as the Nyingma, Gelug, Kagyu, Sakya, Jonang and others.
The precious Buddhist teachings have been transmitted from teacher to student through an unbroken oral lineage that ultimately traces back to Buddha Shakyamuni himself. This transmission ensures the authenticity and integrity of the teachings, and for this reason, it is customary to introduce a teacher by first presenting the teachers who shaped and guided their spiritual development.
Among the many revered masters who guided Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche throughout his life, his principal teacher was the great Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche (1933–2004), one of the most influential Buddhist masters of the 20th century. Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok began teaching in the 1980s in a remote valley in Eastern Tibet, where the Serthar Larung Gar Buddhist Institute eventually took shape. Over time, this institute became the largest and most vibrant center of Buddhist learning in Tibet, home to tens of thousands of monks, nuns, and lay students from across Tibet, China, and around the world. Under his guidance, thousands of students became accomplished teachers themselves, spreading the Dharma far and wide. Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche had deep connection with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama during his travels to India and Nepal in 1990. His legacy continues to illuminate the path of countless practitioners.
Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche also received teachings from many other accomplished masters. At the age of nine, he met his first teacher, the great yogi Siddhi Lama Shenphen Dewe Nyima, from whom he received the Dudjom Tersar teachings and completed the preliminary practices under his guidance. At Tratsok Monastery, Rinpoche grew up with an extraordinary Gelug and Nyingma lineage teachings. He received Dzogchen transmission from Lama Tokden Rinpoche. Lama Pema Samten bestowed upon him the instruction to teach the Dharma and formally conferred upon him the title of Khenpo meaning abbot or master, in front of a large gathering of monks and practitioners. Though Lama Jigme himself preferred solitary mountain retreats and intensive practice, Lama Pema Samten advised him that his destiny lay in teaching others. Before their final parting, Lama Pema Samten instructed him never to forget his birthplace and encouraged him to take responsibility for the future of Tratsok Monastery.
Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche also received extensive teachings from Khenpo Munsel (1916–1993), who was a preeminent disciple of Khenpo Ngakchung (1879–1941). At Serthar Larung Gar, Rinpoche received a thorough and profound training in Buddhist philosophy, Tantra, and meditation for several years. Later, after his arrival in India and Nepal, he received teachings from many of the greatest masters of our time, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Penor Rinpoche, Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Minling Trichen Rinpoche, Sakya Trizin, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and great Jonang masters.
Born in 1973 into a nomadic family in Amdo-Golog, Eastern Tibet, Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche entered Tratsok Monastery at the age of eight, beginning his formal monastic training at a very young age. Ten years later, he travelled to Serthar Larung Gar, where he immersed himself in the vast curriculum of Buddhist studies. He subsequently taught numerous monks and lay practitioners in Tibet before leaving for Europe on the advice of his teachers. This was a courageous and decisive step, as he spoke no European language and had little knowledge of Western culture. Through personal effort and dedication, he learned English and gradually gained a deep understanding of Western society.
In Europe, Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche founded two centers: the Tibetan Cultural Center (Centre Culturel Tibétain) in Luxembourg and Phuntsok Chö Ling in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Over the years, he has become widely respected not only as a meditation master but also as a teacher deeply engaged with contemporary society. He has been active in giving teachings at universities, offering Dharma and secular trainings in prisons, and providing leadership and mind-training programs at the Military Academy of the Netherlands for generals and officers. He has also worked with directors and professionals in various fields, training them in methods of mindfulness, compassion, and ethical leadership.
Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche is deeply engaged in interreligious dialogue and participates in academic and spiritual conferences worldwide, particularly on topics of secular ethics, contemplative science, and mind training. His openness and skillful means enable him to communicate profound teachings to a broad range of audiences, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike.
One of Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche’s most precious offerings to the Western world is his unique and extensive experience as a P’howa (transference of consciousness) Master. He has accompanied many dying individuals, supported families in grief, and offered guidance to those facing death, loss, and profound life transitions. He is known for being closely and compassionately present with dying people, offering both spiritual and practical support during these critical moments. Those who wish to request his guidance in such situations are welcome to contact his centers directly.
Lama Jigme Namgyal Rinpoche is also a renowned Chöd Master, giving numerous retreats every year focused on the profound practice of Chöd—cutting through ego-clinging and directly engaging with fear and attachment. He offers both group and individual retreat guidance, providing direct instructions to Dharma students, practitioners, and laypeople, including those who do not identify as Buddhist but wish to engage in genuine mind training.
His teaching activities extend far beyond Europe. He has offered teachings in many countries around the world, including Costa Rica, Luxembourg, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland, India, Switzerland, and many other places. Through his distinctive presence, deep realization, and sense of humor, he reaches people’s hearts and offers a living experience of the Dharma that transcends words.
