His Eminence Geltsen Tulku Rinpoche's Biography

Kunzang Tenpé Gyelsten, more widely known as Gyelsten Tulku Rinpoche, was born in 1953 in Trashiyangtse, in Eastern Bhutan. He was orphaned at a very early age and was recognized at the age of 9 by Lopen Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche (a disciple of Shakya Shri) as the incarnation of two great masters, they themselves disciples of Shakya Shri: Trulshik Lama Gyelsten and Gyelsten Marpa.

At the age of 12 Lama Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche entrusted him to the first Kyabje Thuksay Rinpoche and he studied under the latter for over ten years in Darjeeling, at the monastery of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa. There, he held numerous positions, notably those of Umdze, master of discipline, and Dorje Lopeun (Vajra Master) while also undertaking numerous activities during this period.

Upon his return to Bhutan with Lama Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche, Gyelsten Tulku Rinpoche spent several years in retreat. Among other practices, he studied and practiced the six yogas of Naropa and Mahamudra, directly transmitted to Lama Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche by Shakya Shri.

Gyelsten Tulku was then named retreat master by the Bhutanese government. He helped to strengthen the Dharma in Eastern Bhutan where he gave numerous teachings and founded nine retreat centers.

Last year, His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa officially promoted Gyelsten Tulku to Drubpön, or retreat master, at Darjeeling in His retreat center of Chitre: Detchen Eussel Pouk, which means “Divine Happiness and Light.” Gyelsten Tulku Rinpoche has numerous responsibilities there and undertakes numerous actions.

We are very lucky that a master such as Gyelsten Tulku Rinpoche accept an invitation to share with us his experience and his knowledge. Drubpön Ngawang wishes to invite him several more times in the years to come.