Kyabje Tingkey Gonjang Rinpoche offers blessings to wildlife on Dalai Lama’s birthday at Himalayan Zoological Park

On the sacred occasion of the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Kyabje Tingkey Gonjang Rinpoche (Jigmed Thinley Kunkhyap Pal Zangpo) offered his heartfelt blessings and prayers for the well-being of the wild residents of the Himalayan Zoological Park. His gesture symbolized not only compassion for all sentient beings but also a deep commitment to the preservation of the natural world and the timeless teachings of the Dharma.

Recognised as the 10th incarnation of the great Tertön and yogi Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo of the Jangter (Northern Treasures) lineage, Rinpoche was born in the Water Tiger Year near Shar Chog Beyphug in South Sikkim—one of the sacred caves blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. His recognition was affirmed by eminent Buddhist masters including H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, and H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.

Ordained at Sangchen Pemayangtse Monastery, Rinpoche undertook rigorous spiritual training, including a traditional three-year retreat at Chorten Drupkhang under H.H. Dodrupchen Rinpoche. He pursued further studies at Drejong Shedra and received teachings and transmissions from many revered masters such as H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and H.H. Pema Norbu Rinpoche.

In his lifelong dedication to preserving the Jangter lineage, Rinpoche founded Gonjang Monastery at Rongbull in the early 1970s and later established the Gonjang ODC Monastery near Gangtok in 1980. These monastic centers remain vital for the continuation of esoteric Buddhist practices and teachings. His influence spans beyond Sikkim, reaching centers in Bhutan, Nepal, Taiwan, and the United States.

Rinpoche’s contributions extend far beyond spiritual realms. He has led large-scale restoration projects at sacred sites like Shar Chog Beyphug and Khandro Sangphug, constructed temples and retreat houses, and initiated projects that merge heritage with community well-being. His service to humanity is evident in his health outreach—organizing free eye camps and cataract surgeries in collaboration with Dr. Sanduk Ruit’s team from Nepal’s Tilganga Eye Hospital.

Education has also been a priority. Rinpoche established a monastic school in Zangkhar, Eastern Bhutan, to provide underprivileged youth access to traditional Buddhist training. In 2024, he launched the “Buddhism: A Way of Life” series in Gangtok, which has attracted young people, students, and lay practitioners eager to connect with the practical values of compassion and mindfulness.