Spiritual Guides

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as a simple
Buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on 6 July 1935, to a
farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, the child, then named Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the reincarnation of the previous 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso.

The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are realized beings inspired by a wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings, who have vowed to be reborn in the world to help humanity.

Ven. Thupten Legsha, (Title: Zilkar Rinpoche) is a reincarnated lama, practitioner and scholar of Buddhism. Zilkar Rinpoche is considered to be the reincarnation of KhentrulSherabJigme, who was the throne holder of Zilkar monastery and the reincarnation of Yogi DamchoeJigme, an emanation of the white Manjushri.

The current Zilkar Rinpoche was recognized at nine months old as a reincarnated lama by H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, a junior tutor to H.H. the Dalai Lama. Rinpoche received Getsul ordination from H.H. Ling Rinpoche, a senior tutor to H.H. the Dalai Lama. Later, H.H. the Dalai Lama recognized Rinpoche as the reincarnation of KhentrulSherabJigme. Rinpoche received both the Getsul and full ordination from H.H. the Dalai Lama at Dzogchen monastery. Khensur Ngawang Legden took great care of Rinpoche’s studies and practice. Rinpoche has always received the first position in every Buddhist philosophical debate and other degrees and examinations, including his final LharamGeshe degree (Ph.D in Buddhist Psychology and Philosophy) and Ngakrampa degree (Ph.D in Buddhist Tantric Studies) from Gyurme Tantric University.

Rinpoche has received many teachings from great teachers, including H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Ling Rinpoche, H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, KyabjeZong Rinpoche, DhenmaLochoe Rinpoche, Khensur Ngawang Legden, Geshe Ngawang Choesang, Choedhen Rinpoche, Kyabje Penang Rinpoche, and RatoKhyonglha Rinpoche. Rinpoche started teaching Buddhist philosophy and practice when he was fifteen years old in Sera monastery and since then has dedicated his life to the teachings and practice of BuddhaShakyamuni in Sera Mahayana Monastic University, Gyurme Tantric College, and in Buddhist Centers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe, and America.