Nedo Kuchung Rinpoche
A Life of
Lineage and Service
Lineage holder of the Nedo Kagyu tradition and Vajra Master of Rumtek Dharma Chakra in Sikkim.
Explore His Journey
Early Life
journey to Rumtek
Nedo Kuchung Rinpoche was born on 2 August 1962 to Yab Lama Gandhir Rinpoche and Yum Yangchen. At birth, he was given the name Nyidon Dorjee.
After his father attained nirvana when he was five, the young Rinpoche entered Pema Ewam Chogar Gyurme Ling Monastery in Bir. Kyabje Chokling Rinpoche gave him the monastic name Pema Tsewang Kunkhyab.
At the age of eight, he met His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorjee, and formally took refuge under him. This meeting would shape the course of his life and service to the Dharma.
The Journey
Recognition, Training and Responsibility
Recognition
His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa recognized him as the sixth reincarnation of Nedo Kulha Kuchung Rinpoche, lineage holder of the Nedo Kagyu tradition.
Study with Eminent Masters
He studied at the Karmapa’s seat in Rumtek under respected masters including Kyabje Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche, Kyabje Gyaltsab Rinpoche and other senior teachers.
Years of Intensive Practice
At eighteen he undertook a three-year retreat in Ladakh. He later completed a further three-year and eight-month retreat at Samten Yeewong Ling Retreat Center in Rumtek under Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche.
Dorjee Lopön of Rumtek
Following his retreats, Rinpoche was appointed Dorjee Lopön—Vajra Master—of Rumtek Dharma Chakra in accordance with the wishes of the Karmapa and the monastic community.
Continuing the Lineage
Turning the Wheel of Dharma
Nedo Kuchung Rinpoche continues to propagate the Buddha’s teachings and serve the Karma Kagyu lineage under His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje.
His compassionate initiatives include the Philippine Nedo Foundation, established in 1995 as a major Dharma center in Southeast Asia, and Nedo Chedu Chokhorling Monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
His Work Today
Dharma in Action
Through teaching, monastic life and sacred projects, Rinpoche’s work supports the preservation and living practice of Tibetan Buddhism for future generations.