Tengboche Rinpoche Chairperson of Sacred Land Initiatives

The Abbot of Tengboche monastery, Ngawang Tenzin Jangpo is the inspiration and guide for Sacred Land. Known as Tengboche Rinpoche he is a recognised Tulku, or incarnation of the renowned Lama Gulu. 

Lama Gulu founded Tengboche monastery in 1916. He passed away after the big earthquake in 1934. In 1935 a family from Namche Bazaar had a son. When this boy was still very small he insisted he had a home and possessions in Tengboche. His family went to visit Zatrul Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, the high Lama in Dza Rongbuk. He recognized him as the Tulku, or manifestation of Lama Gulu. He was given the name Ngawang Tenzin Jangpo. When the family returned to Namche, the monks from Tengboche came with possessions from Lama Gulu mixed in with other monks’ possessions. The boy picked out everything that had belonged to the previous lama without hesitation. Everyone agreed he was the true incarnation and he was brought to Tengboche monastery. He then undertook years of rigorous study and training and spent a long time in Tibet studying with the great masters there. In 1956 he returned to Tengboche as the Abbot of the monastery.

Tengboche Rinpoche makes sure that ceremonies are conducted at the appropriate times, supervises the running of the monastery and education of the monks at Tengboche. He starts the day early in the morning with hours of prayer and meditation. After that his doors are open to a constant stream of people who wish to see him, both Sherpas and tourists. He will name children, conduct funeral ceremonies, bless marriages, houses and land. He is very knowledgeable about Tibetan medicine and is consulted by people seeking traditional treatments. Tengboche Rinpoche is involved in all aspects of the Sherpa community and actively promotes environmental conservation.

Tengboche Rinpoche is also referred to on matters to do with Buddhism across the whole of Nepal. He has been involved in many organizations promoting Buddhism, including the Lumbini Development Trust which is creating a zone of peace at the birthplace of The Lord Buddha Sakyamuni. The King and Prime Minister have acknowledged Rinpoche’s contribution to the promotion of peace and harmony in Nepal. He is constantly asked for advice on all matters secular, medical, mundane and political as well as spiritual. Throughout the day he is involved in prayer and activities that help others. In the evening he again spends many hours in private meditation.

Tenzin Nuru Sherpa

Mr. Tenzin Norbu Sherpa has lived at Tengboche monastery since he was 12 years old. He had been the close assistant and attendent of Tengboche Rinpoche for over 25 years. Throghout this time Tenzin has been the right hand of Tengboche Rinpoche. He is virtually day and night at with him.

Michael W. Schmitz

Mr. Michael Schmitz, a German architect, urban planner and economist has lived in Nepal for 30 year and worked in Tengboche for 15 years. He wrote and implemented the Tengboche Development Master Plan and with togeather with Helen Cawley is very much committed to making Tengboche Monastery sustainable and independent..