Presidents of the Monastery
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
The spiritual governance of Dundul Raptenling Monastery is guided by a succession of enlightened masters, a tradition formalized in 1962. Following the direct appointment of our inaugural President by the Supreme Head of the Nyingmapa, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, the monastery has maintained an unbroken chain of leadership. These masters have not only preserved the ancient Dudjom Tersar lineage but have also expanded its reach, bridging the wisdom of the East with the spiritual search of the modern world.
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
1930 — 2002
Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1930–2002) was born as Padma Gargyi Wangchuk in Kham, Eastern Tibet, and was recognized at the age of three as the incarnation of the previous Chagdud Tulku. He received teachings and empowerments from great masters including Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Dilgo Khyentse, and Kyabje Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje.
After escaping Tibet in 1959, he lived and practiced in India and Nepal before moving to the United States in 1979. From 1992, he played an important role in spreading Tibetan Buddhism in Brazil and throughout the West, inspiring numerous Dharma centers, including Rigzin Ling and Khadro Ling. He passed away in Brazil in 2002 and remained in meditation for more than five days after his passing.
Tulku Tsephel Rinpoche (1926–2010) was born in Kongpo, Tibet, and recognized as the reincarnation of Tulku Rangbar Rinpoche. He studied at Mindrolling Monastery and later served Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche for twelve years, receiving extensive teachings, empowerments, and transmissions.
After coming to India, he settled in Odisha at the request of Dudjom Rinpoche and served Dundul Raptenling Monastery, becoming its fifth President around 1975. He played an important role in establishing the monastery’s first Shedra and was renowned for his knowledge of astronomy and divination.
He passed away in 2010 and remained in tukdam for five days. Following his cremation, sacred ringsel and a rainbow-colored bone were discovered, and prayers were offered for his swift reincarnation.
Kongtul Tsephel Rinpoche
1926 — 2010
Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche
Born 1987
Lama Sonam Tashi was born in 1987 and trained in the Dudjom lineage from a young age. He studied at Nepal Dudjom Monastery and Dundul Raptenling Monastery, where he received training in Tibetan language, scriptures, rituals, and sacred dances.
Since taking responsibility for Dundul Raptenling Monastery, he has played a central role in its revival, supporting monastic education, recruiting monks, developing facilities, and preserving the Dudjom Tersar tradition. He has received numerous empowerments and transmissions from renowned masters, including Kyabje Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
He has also authored and published works on the Dudjom tradition, organized major Dharma practices and empowerments, and continues to oversee the monastery's educational activities and the ongoing Zangdok Palri project.