Chogye Trichen Rinpoche (1920–2007)

His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, Ngawang Khyenrab Thupten Lekshe Gyatso, was the head of Tsharpa branch of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His Eminence was a renowned tantric master, a dedicated practitioner, an outstanding scholar and an eloquent poet. His Eminence was a master of masters as most Tibetan Buddhist lineage holders were his disciples. Amongst these disciples are His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Sakya Trizin.

Perhaps one can begin to comprehend the greatness of His Eminence through the words of His Holiness Sakya Trizin, who described the great accomplishments of His Eminence as thus:

"There are many who have attained the wisdom arising from the study of the Scriptures. There are some who have attained the wisdom arising from contemplation of the Dharma. There are few who have gained wisdom arising from meditation. His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche is one who has attained all three wisdoms. One should consider oneself fortunate just to meet him, which is in itself a great blessing."