Our Spiritual Director:

Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoché 

Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoché is an accomplished scholar and teacher of Buddhist philosophy, rituals, practices and history.  He began his education and training at a young age, entering the monastery at age 14.  After escaping from Tibet, he joined the Jangchub Ling monastery in Dehra Dun, India and came under the tutelage of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoché.  After years of study and retreat and in recognition of his training and skills, Khenpo Rinpoché was elevated to the rank of “khenpo” by His Holiness in 1998. Khenpo Rinpoché continued his role as an educator at the monastery until 2001 when he came to the United States to help Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoché at the Tibetan Meditation Center in Frederick, Maryland, where he has resided ever since.

Khenpo Rinpoché was appointed to be Spiritual Director of TMC almost two decades ago and, as such, has hosted many distinguished leaders of the lineage.  He has organized and led the annual Spring and Winter Retreats as well as numerous other retreats.  Weekly programs and special teachings are planned and implemented by Rinpoché based upon the Tibetan Buddhist calendar and the needs and requests of practitioners.  In addition to shrine room activities, Rinpoché has been the inspiration and force behind the physical improvements to the TMC facility including the development and maintenance of the Enlightenment Stupa, Memorial Wall and other meditation locations around the TMC grounds.

Khenpo Rinpoché is recognized as a scholar and teacher who shares his knowledge and compassion with practitioners around the world. He travels to centers in Asia, Europe and Latin America as well as teaches by online forums so that the reach of his wisdom and generosity is international.  Further, Khenpo Rinpoché has published several books and guides, including Profound Protection, A Commentary on Lord Jigten Sumgon’s Seven Supplications to Tara, and Words of Vajradhara Dharmakirti, Instructions on the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra.  He has also translated numerous texts and guides from Tibetan to English for the benefit of his students.

As a dedicated teacher and scholar, Khenpo Rinpoché has inspired countless individuals to learn, study and practice Tibetan Buddhism in a manner that brings meaning and peace into their lives.  His energy and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge have resulted in the widespread fruition of Dharma in the U.S. and abroad.