NAMO LOPEN YESHE RINCHEN KHEN
August 16, 1955 – September 2024
Buddhist Scholar · Yangbi Lopen · Founder of Four Institutions
Lopen Yeshi Rinchen was a Bhutanese Buddhist monk, scholar, and former Yangbi Lopen — one of Bhutan's four highest monastic officials. Over the course of a remarkable life spanning monastery, hermitage, palace, and village, he established four enduring institutions: Chungney Gonpa Shedra (1987), Rinchenling Shedra (1997), Genzhu Kepiling Center — Bhutan's first charitable old-age home (2014), and Tsho Chagsa Drubdey retreat center (2022).
EARLY LIFE AND MONASTIC TRAINING
Born in Ngache Gyakha, Wangdue District, Chimi was ordained at Wangrab Dratshang — a branch of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body — at the age of seven. Over the following eleven years, he received thorough training in the traditional Buddhist ritual arts: sacred dance (gar), mandala construction (thig), and liturgical chant (yang).
SPIRITUAL STUDIES AND RETREATS
In 1973, Chimi left institutional monastic life to pursue advanced study and meditation under two of Bhutan's most distinguished masters: Chabje Tenzin Dondrup, later the 68th Chief Abbot of Bhutan, and Gedun Rinchen, the 69th Chief Abbot. Under their guidance he studied Mahamudra and the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) in both Nepal and Bhutan, and mastered the Six Yogas of Naropa with the help of accomplished friend Drupthob Gyeltshen.
From 1979 he served as retreat master (drubpon) at Drolung Monastery, before undertaking advanced philosophical studies in India under Khenpo Kuenga Wangchuck, where he earned the distinguished Amitra scholastic title.
INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Lopen Yeshi Rinchen was instrumental in founding two major Buddhist colleges:
- Sha Chungney Gonpa Shedra (1987–1997): Directed extensive temple renovations and trained a generation of scholars.
- Rinchenling Shedra (1997–2000): Established at Khothang Rinchenling, a sacred site associated with the 14th-century Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam, with the generous patronage of Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk.
As Yangbi Lopen (2002–2014), he accomplished several historic contributions to Bhutanese religious and civic life:
- Reformed monastic education curricula throughout the Central Monastic Body.
- Pioneered the introduction of Buddhist studies into Bhutanese secular schools.
- Authored Kesang Yekyi Gatoen (The Banquet of Fortunate Youths), a widely read inspirational text for youth.
- Contributed advisory expertise during the drafting of Bhutan's 2006 Constitution.
LATER PROJECTS
After retiring from official duties in 2014, Lopen Yeshi Rinchen turned his energy toward compassionate service and contemplative preservation:
- Founded Bhutan's first charitable old-age home at Tsho Chagsa, Punakha (2014).
- Established an adjacent drubdey (meditation retreat center) to complement the home's contemplative mission (2022).
PASSING AND LEGACY
Lopen Yeshi Rinchen passed away in September 2024 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, institutional service, and quiet compassion that touched monasteries, schools, and communities across Bhutan.
His life and works are documented in:
- A Brief Chronicle of Former Laytshog Lopen's Life — his Dzongkha-language autobiography.
- An unreleased poetic biography composed entirely upon the 35 ornaments of the second chapter of the Tibetan Poetry Textbook, by Rigzin Karma.
May his legacy continue to benefit all beings.
