Rinpoche The Abbot, Ngawang Tenzin Jangpo Reincarnation. Lama Gulu founded Tengboche monastery in 1916 and passed away after the big earthquake in 1934. In 1935, the same as day the Dalai Lama was born, a Tibetan 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, a  high lama at Rongbuk Monastery on the Tibetan side of Everest. He  recognized the young boy as the Tulku, or reincarnation, of Lama  Gulu. He was given the name Ngawang Tenzin Jangpo and is known as  Tengboche Rinpoche. Early Life. After the family had returned to Namche the monks from Tengboche came with possessions of Lama Gulu mixed together with other monks'  possessions. Without hesitation, the boy picked out everything that  had belonged to the previous lama. He was accepted as the true  incarnation. 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. He  makes sure that ceremonies are conducted at the appropriate times,  supervises the running of the monastery and oversees the education of  the monks at Tengboche. Helping Others. Tengboche Rinpoche starts the day early in the morning with hours of  prayer and meditation. After 9am, his doors are open to a constant  stream of people: Sherpas and tourists, who wish to see him. He will  name children, conduct funeral ceremonies, bless marriages, houses  and land. Throughout the day, he is involved in prayer and activities  that help others. In the evening, he again spends many hours in  private meditation. Tengboche Rinpoche is involved in all aspects of  the Sherpa community and actively promotes environmental  conservation. His life is a constant offering to others. Many Activities. Tengboche Rinpoche has had to completely rebuild the monastery. He is also consulted on matters to do with Buddhism throughout Nepal. He  has been involved in many organizations, including the Lumbini  Development Trust, which is creating a zone of peace at the  birthplace of Buddha Sakyamuni. The King and Prime Minister  acknowledge Rinpoche's contribution to the promotion of peace and  harmony in Nepal. Rinpoche has also been invited abroad and  occasionally travels different countries, including Japan and  America. His advice is sought on all matters secular, medical,  mundane and political as well as spiritual. It is universally hoped  that Rinpoche's activities will continue to flourish. 'The wide expance of spiritual realisation, the true condition of the mind, is like the sky, like space, without center, without edge, without goal. It has no limit and no boundary' --Shabkar, 18th Century Tibetan Yogi. Return to top