Monastery Leardership
About
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Teacher and Spiritual Leader of the Tergar Mandala
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is recognized tulku of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, a teacher, spiritual leader and best selling author. He possesses a rare ability to present the ancient wisdom of Tibet in a fresh, engaging manner. His profound yet accessible teachings and playful sense of humor have endeared him to students around the world. Uniquely, Rinpoche’s teachings weave together his own personal experiences with modern scientific research, as they relate to the practice of meditation.
As a child, Mingyur Rinpoche saw his father teaching people from a great diversity of religious and secular backgrounds. Inspired by his father’s nonsectarian approach, he became very curious about what teachings and methods would be of greatest benefit to people from other cultures and backgrounds, and discussed these questions with some of his teachers, particularly his father and Saljey Rinpoche. He learned that there is a long tradition (dating back to ancient India) of teaching the essence of Buddhist philosophy meditation practices, such as mindfulness meditation and practices to develop loving-kindness and compassion, in an experiential manner that can easily be adapted for those who are interested from other faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Mingyur Rinpoche has authored several books including two best-sellers: The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, which has been translated into over 20 languages; and In Love with the World: A Monk’s Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying. His recent TED Talk is entitled How to tap into your awareness -- and why meditation is easier than you think.
Rinpoche teaches extensively around the world and oversees Dharma and social engagement projects in Nepal and India, and meditation centers on six continents.
Khenpo Gyurmé Wangche
Abbot of Osel Ling Monastery
Khenpo Gyurmé was ordained as a monk at Tergar Monastery at a young age. There he studied the rituals, prayers, and other traditional practices of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Following his training at Tergar Monastery, he enrolled in the monastic college of Sherab Ling Monastery, the seat of Tai Situ Rinpoche. After completing his 9 years of study, he taught for three additional years and received the title of Khenpo (roughly equivalent to a PhD). Khenpo Gyurmé has also studied meditation extensively with Tai Situ Rinpoche and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Khenpo Gyurmė became the Abbot of Ösel Ling Monastery in 2010. In his role as Abbot he oversees all programs at the monastery including its monastic college (14 year shedra program for ages 14-28).
Lama Lekshe
General manager and Treasurer of Tergar Osel Ling Monastery
Lama Lekshey became a monk at Pengen monastery of the Kagyu Lineage at age of 13. With a deep devotion for his Gurus and aspiration for learning Dharma, he went to India in 1996. At Vajradhara Tai Situ Rinpoche’s Dharma seat, Palpung Sherabling Buddhist Institute, he completed the studies of hearing, contemplation and meditation for sutrayana and mantrayana in 9 years. He has served His Holiness the Karmapa as a debate and study companion in Dharamsala for 3 years earning the Karmapa’s trust and praise. He followed Kyabje Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s instruction and served at Tergar monastery in Bodhgaya as a teacher and secretary general for several years. Since 2010, Lama Lekshey has been residing at Tergar Osel Ling, continuing to serve the lineage and benefit the community. During the time during Mingyur Rinpoche’s wandering retreat, the 2015 Nepal earthquake and subsequent rebuilding of the monastery, Lama Lekshey has demonstrated enduring tolerance and diligence. His extraordinary communication and management skills have allowed him to look after the ordained sangha at Osel Ling and accomplish Rinpoche’s vision. Lama Lekshey, with his humble manner, sense of humor and sophisticated knowledge and experience, is praised and respected by many people in the global Tergar community, as well as in local Nepali communities.
Khenpo Pema Woser
Khenpo at Tergar Osel Ling Monastic College (Shedra)
Khenpo Pema Woser was born in a border area in the Himalayas known as Tsum. After the tragic death of his mother, Khenpo-la left his home in order to study and practice the Dharma and joined Tergar Oseling Monastery, located near the great stupa of Swayambunath. Shortly after, and at the encouragement of Mingyur Rinpoche, his root guru, Khenpo Pema Woser joined the monastic college at Sherab Ling monastery. Since completing his traditional monastic studies and receiving the title of Khenpo in 2010, Khenpo Pema Woser has worked closely with Mingyur Rinpoche to realize his vision at Tergar Osel Ling, primarily teaching logic, debate, and epistemology, and serving in various leadership roles.
In addition to the traditional course of study, Khenpo-la has studied many important practice systems. This includes those described in the Great Five Treasuries by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye as well as numerous commentaries on Mahamudra. These transmissions and teachings have come from great masters such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tai Situ Rinpoche, and Mingyur Rinpoche.