His Eminence
Chungpo Gyalton Rinpoche
His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa bestowed upon him the title of “Khenchen” (Great Scholar) of the Kagyu lineage in recognition of his high attainments and erudition. During the 16th Karmapa visit to India, Rinpoche accompanied him and at the request of the Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal, he was appointed as the spiritual Guru of the Sikkimese King. He gave many teachings, empowerments, and reading transmissions in numerous monasteries throughout Sikkim. He was highly respected by the people of Sikkim who were deeply devoted to him. He remained at the Royal Palace Monastery until his passing in 1970.
In 1983, His Holiness the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa formally recognized the young Chungpo Gyalton Tulku, who was three years old at the time, and enthroned him in the royal Palace Monastery of Sikkim and in Rumtek Monastery. He entered the Royal Palace Monastery at the age of three and stayed until the age of seven where he received fundamental instructions from his teacher Gyalton Gelong, a great practitioner and one of the main disciples of the previous Chungpo Gyalton Rinpoche.
In 1989, the young Chungpo Gyalton Tulku went to Palpung Sherab Ling Monastic Seat, where he remained under the guidance of his Guru Vajradhara the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa, and other gurus such as His Eminence Kyabje Saljey Rinpoche. After two years, he returned to Sikkim to attend an English medium school and University in South India for about ten years.
In 2002, Rinpoche returned to Palpung Sherab Ling Monastic Seat where he studied under the guidance His Holiness the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa and received teachings from the Very Venerable late Senior Drupon Tsultrim and many others master. He learned and mastered various rituals, Buddhist philosophy, Vajranathyam, and more.
From 2003 to 2006, he was appointed as the Vajra Master of the Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat by His Holiness the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa, taking on the responsibility of guiding rituals and religious activities. At the same time, he deepened his philosophical studies at the monastic college before being appointed as the principal of the primary school of Palpung Sherabling.
From year 2005 to 2009, Rinpoche received many teachings, oral transmission, instructions and empowerment of the Five great treasures (Dzod Chen Nam Nga), Shangpa Kagyu’s teachings from His Holiness the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa and His Eminence Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, alongside with H.E Jamgon Kontrul Rinpoche, H.E Yangsi Kalu Rinpoche, H.E Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, H.E Bo Kangyur Rinpoche and with many others tulkus.
In November 2010, he entered into the traditional three-year retreat at Palpung Tingzing Gephel under the guidance of His Eminence Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and the Very Venerable Senior Drupon Tsultrim and the late Drupon Tsering.
For several decades, Rinpoche has been teaching the Buddha Dharma at numerous centers affiliated with Palpung Sherabling Monastery and other centers. He officially represents H.H 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa on official travels. Rinpoche shares a deep connection with him as his heart disciple and also maintain a very close connection with His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje, accompanying him on various activities, such as the annual Kagyu Monlam Chenmo in Bodhgaya.
Since 2020, he has been appointed as one of the main teachers transmitting the “Discovering the Buddha Within” program around the world. Receiving teachings from Rinpoche is akin to receiving teachings directly from guru to disciple. Speaking perfect English, he imparts each teaching with words of truth filled with kindness and wisdom, in a direct, simple, and compassionate style. Attentive and well-informed about contemporary issues, he is particularly appreciated for his responses to questions from both young people and adults.