Our Teacher
Lama Tenzin Samphel Rinpoche
Lama Tenzin Samphel Rinpoche’s life has been devoted to the study, practice and transmission of the Dharma. His training and Dharma activity are rooted in the Nyingma tradition, in transmission lineages he has received and continues to transmit, and in practice cycles he has studied and practised.
Biography
Born in 1961 in the Himalayan region, Lama Tenzin Samphel Rinpoche began his monastic studies at Kyabjé Dudjom Rinpoche’s monastery in Orissa, India. He later spent twelve years studying and practising at Urgyen Dongak Chöling, Dudjom Rinpoche’s monastery in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal. He subsequently taught Buddhism and philosophy at the same monastery under the guidance of Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche.
In 1987, at the request of Dudjom Rinpoche, Rinpoche moved to France to continue his Dharma activity there as a lama and teacher.
In 1999, with the advice and encouragement of Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche, Lama Tenzin Samphel Rinpoche established Shedup Kunsang Chöling in France. Following a traditional ritual ceremony, Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche enthroned him as a lineage holder and entrusted him with spiritual authority at the centre. Rinpoche has lived there since 2002, teaching and guiding practitioners.
Rinpoche lives at Shedup Kunsang Chöling with his American wife, known to students as Khandro-la, and their four sons. His family life is an important part of the householder context in which he lives, practises and carries out his Dharma activity.
Training and teachers
Throughout his training, Lama Tenzin Samphel Rinpoche received teachings, empowerments and oral transmissions from many accomplished masters of the Nyingma tradition. Among his principal teachers were Kyabjé Dudjom Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Chadral Rinpoche and Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche.
Rinpoche holds and transmits several transmission lineages and practice cycles within the Nyingma tradition. Dudjom Tersar has a central place in many of the practices he transmits through empowerments, oral transmissions and teachings. He also holds transmission lineages of Yangti Nagpo and Longchen Nyingthig, among others.
Shedup Kunsang Chöling
Shedup Kunsang Chöling is a Buddhist centre in Septvaux, France, established by Lama Tenzin Samphel Rinpoche in 1999 with the advice and encouragement of Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche.
It is an important centre for Rinpoche’s Dharma activity in France, where he gives teachings, empowerments and practice guidance and where students and practitioners gather for retreats, teachings and group practice.
Teaching activity
Rinpoche gives teachings, empowerments, oral transmissions and practice guidance, transmitting the Dharma according to the needs and circumstances of his students.
His teaching activity is centred at Shedup Kunsang Chöling and extends through visits elsewhere, including his annual visits to the Netherlands. Padma Pura Foundation supports these visits and the related Dharma activities through which students receive his guidance and practise together.
Academic work
Alongside his Dharma activity, Rinpoche has also contributed to academic work relating to Tibetan language and Buddhist traditions.
He taught for eight years at Inalco in Paris, where he also contributed to research in Tibetology. He has also worked with graduate students at Rice University in Houston.
Lineage & Transmission
Learn more about the Nyingma tradition and the transmission lineages and practice cycles that form part of Rinpoche’s training and Dharma activity.