Spiritual Patron of Kharchu Centre New Zealand
His Eminence Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche
His Eminence is the Seventh Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, a revered spiritual master devoted to preserving, practising and transmitting Buddha Dharma. He was born in 1966 in Tokaphu, near Tongzhang Thrichu Gonpa in Trashi Yangtse, Eastern Bhutan.
- Born
- 1966, Eastern Bhutan
- Recognised by
- H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
- Tradition
- Nyingma school
- Lineage
- Jangter — Northern Treasure
- Founded
- Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, 1982
- Seat
- Bumthang, Bhutan
Recognition
Recognised by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa
His Eminence was recognised as the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. Traditional examinations and endorsement in Bhutan confirmed the recognition.
The Namkhai Nyingpo line takes its name from one of the twenty-five principal disciples of Guru Padmasambhava in eighth-century Tibet.
Education
Trained across the Nyingma and Sarma traditions
His Eminence undertook extensive Buddhist study and training under distinguished masters across both the Nyingma and Sarma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
This grounding in philosophy, ritual and meditation prepared him to teach, to guide practitioners, and to lead the large communal practices for which the Kharchu tradition is known.
Lineage
A principal holder of the Jangter
His Eminence is a principal holder of the Jangter, or Northern Treasure, lineage of the Nyingma school — a body of teachings and practices revealed by the treasure-revealer Rigdzin Gödem in the fourteenth century.
As a lineage holder, he carries the authority and responsibility to transmit these practices to qualified students, keeping the chain of transmission unbroken.
Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery
Founded in Bumthang in 1982
In 1982 His Eminence established Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery in Bumthang, central Bhutan. It has since become an important centre for Buddhist study, practice and monastic training, home to a large community of monks.
The monastery supports scholastic education, ritual arts and long retreats, and hosts major annual ceremonies. Kharchu Centre New Zealand takes its name and spiritual direction from this tradition.
Teachings
Preserving, practising and transmitting the Dharma
His Eminence gives teachings, confers empowerments and blessings, and leads traditional ceremonies including Drubchen.
During his 2026 visit to New Zealand he will offer teachings, empowerments and blessings in Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland, and will formally inaugurate Kharchu Centre New Zealand.
This account draws on information published by Kharchu Centre New Zealand. Where a detail is still being verified it is marked as such; nothing here is invented.
Photographs
His Eminence and the sangha
During a ceremony
In conversation
Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, Bumthang