Degyal Rinpoche
Namkha Khyung Dzong is a sub-tradition of the Dudjom Tersar that began with Degyal Rinpoche (Pema Dechen Gyalpo). It takes its name from the Dharma encampment he established near Mount Kailash in West Tibet.
The First Degyal Rinpoche
Degyal Rinpoche (Pema Dechen Gyalpo) was one of the thirteen principal disciples of Dudjom Lingpa (1835–1904), traditionally recognized as having attained the rainbow body. He settled on the slopes of Mount Kailash in West Tibet and established Namkha Khyung Dzong, the Dharma encampment from which the tradition takes its name.
The Second Degyal Rinpoche
The Second Degyal Rinpoche was the father of Venerable Gyepa Rinpoche, who was born to him and Kyama Tshering on July 29, 1960, in Sandhya, India. Following his passing in 1985, Gyepa Rinpoche continued his father’s Dharma activities.
The Third Degyal Rinpoche
The Third Degyal Rinpoche continues the sacred Dudjom Tersar lineage and spiritual guidance for the monastic sangha and practitioners worldwide, upholding the profound teachings and retreat traditions of Namkha Khyung Dzong.
From an early age, Rinpoche underwent traditional monastic education and intensive retreats, receiving empowerments, oral transmissions, and quintessential pith instructions from eminent Dzogchen and Tantric masters. His training encompasses Buddhist philosophy, ritual arts, and deep contemplative practice.
Dedicated to the welfare of sentient beings, Rinpoche oversees religious ceremonies, annual drupchen pujas, and the education of young monks and nuns across the monastic centers in Nepal and India, ensuring that the authentic transmission of the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) remains vibrant and flourishing for the benefit of all.