Kongtul Tsephel Rinpoche
Tulku Tsephel was born in 1926 at Kongpo Bhuchu Dechenten, Tibet, amid numerous wonderful signs. His father was Yab Chöphel and his mother was Mayum Sangye. He was recognized as a reincarnation of Tulku Rangbar Rinpoche by the 10th Mindrolling Trirab, Gyurne Dondrup Wangyal. From the age of five he studied history, grammar, reading and writing with Tulku Jigmey Chöying Norbu at the Rigdzin Gyaling Cave Monastery in lower Kongpo, and from the age of fourteen studied at Mindrolling Monastery, completing his studies in the Nyingmapa tradition.
After completing his studies he returned to Kongpo, where his parents first met their root guru, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, and offered their son into His Holiness's care. Tulku served Kyabje Rinpoche for twelve years, travelling with him wherever he went, and received extensive empowerments, transmissions, and teachings. He completed three Ngöndro sets at Kyabje Rinpoche's recommendation.
Due to the deteriorating political situation, Tulku Tsephel was separated from his root guru, but was reunited with Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche after fleeing Tibet and arriving in India. Kyabje Rinpoche asked him to go to Odisha and settle there; from that time until he passed away, Tulku stayed in Odisha serving Dundul Raptenling Monastery. He was appointed the 5th president of the monastery in about 1975, and was especially known for his knowledge and accuracy in astronomy and divinations.
In 1997, Tulku Tsephel hosted and consulted with His Holiness Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche to establish the first shedra (monastic educational program) at Dundul Raptenling. At the suggestion of Tulku Tsephel, Lama Sonam Tashi recruited fifteen new monks in 2008.
On the fifth day of the Tibetan New Year (March 5, 2010), Tulku passed away, remaining in tukdam (meditative equipoise) for five days, during which a very light rain fell — an auspicious sign called charpa metok. His cremation was performed on the 10th day of Losar attended by lamas, monks and lay people alike; ringsel (relics) were collected, along with a rainbow-colored bone which can still be seen today.