Born in 1976 in Buli, Zhemgang, H.E Guru Khyentse Ozer Rinpoche (Lama Ugyen Norbu Rinpoche) was raised by his father and elder sisters after his mother passed away at a very young age. Rinpoche’s auspicious birth was predicted by Lama Yongzin Tsultrim a few years before Rinpoche was even born, who came from Tibet as a tutor for one of the re-carnations of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo known as Lampa Khyentse at Lamai Goenpa, Bumthang. Lama Yongzin told Rinpoche’s parents that an emanation of a Bodhisattva would soon be born as their child, who would greatly benefit the Buddha Dharma and sentient beings, and that they should take good care of him. Subsequently, Rinpoche’s mother dreamt of a white conch shell emerging from the rooftop of a Lhakhang (Pang Lhakhang) in Buli, from where it flew out rotating itself and gradually dissolved into her head. Later, after several months of seeing this dream, Rinpoche was born on the 24th day of the first lunar month at sunrise.
Rinpoche excelled in his studies during his school days and even received several double promotions. He had great faith and devotion towards the Buddha Dharma from his early childhood and would always spend his time in spiritual practice. However, it was only later when Rinpoche was undergoing his Bachelor’s degree at Sherubtse College, that he completely left behind everything and took the spiritual path and dedicated his life to the practice of Buddha Dharma.
Since his middle secondary school days, Rinpoche was spiritually guided by Lama Yeshey Choezin, who resided at Kabesa, Thimphu. Lama Yeshey Choezin took great care of Rinpoche and he would do various Rimdos and make lots of aspirational prayers for Rinpoche. Rinpoche also received many teachings, oral transmissions, and empowerments from other great masters of our time like H.H the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choeda, H.H Dodrupchen Rinpoche, H.H Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Rabsel Dawa, H.H Penor Rinpoche, H.H Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, H.H Namkahi Nyingpo Rinpoche, H.H Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, H.E Lhalung Thuksey Rinpoche, H.E Lama Serpo Rinpoche, H.E Khenpo Karpo Rinpoche, H.E Lama Namdrol Zangpo and H.E Lama Ugyen Gyurme.
Rinpoche in his very humblest way, started to share his wisdom and initially taught to a few groups of devotees in Thimphu back in 2001. Since then, with his natural and skillful means of teaching, many devotees from far and near gathered their faith and came to receive his teachings. Rinpoche always teaches his disciples based on their capacity and communicates authentic wisdom in simple, easy-to-understand words without losing the actual essence of the teaching. Rinpoche guides his disciples from Ngondro (preliminary practice) to basic meditation and Dzogchen meditation practices. While most of the disciples are practising Ngondro from the Longchen Nyingthig tradition, some disciples are also practising Ngondro from other traditions like Drukpa Kagyu, Konchok Chidue, and Tharlam Rabsel Ngondro by Mipham Rinpoche. Up till December 2023, there are more than 15,000 disciples who have received Ngondro teachings from Rinpoche, around a few hundred
who have already completed it and there is also a group of disciples who are receiving Dzogchen meditation guidance from Rinpoche.
Rinpoche and his disciples perform a week-long Annual Tshgokhor every year during the sixth month of the lunar calendar and make one hundred thousand butter lamps and flower offerings. Rinpoche often makes offerings to various monasteries and supports the construction of statues, lhakhangs, and mani dungkhors. Currently, Rinpoche is undertaking the construction of a Jangchub Chorten, 83 ft high and 49 ft wide, which is equivalent to an eight-storied building, at Sengdhen, Samtse. Surrounding this Jangchub Chorten, it will have four smaller Kadam Chortens, eight different chortens, and a few others. Further, a few smaller Chortens are also planned to be constructed in nearby villages and schools. These Chortens are all funded by small voluntary contributions received from Rinpoche’s disciples and other devotees. Rinpoche also diverts the small offerings that he receives to fund these construction works. All these virtuous deeds are being
initiated for the longevity of the Buddha Dharma and its authentic masters, to pacify obstacles for the well-being and happiness of all sentient beings, and ultimately, to liberate all from this samsaric world. Through his magical display, Rinpoche continues to benefit the Buddha Dharma and all sentient beings, exactly as foretold in the auspicious prediction made almost half a century ago.
Compiled by Kuenzang Sherab from the earlier available records and after a request to H.E Guru
Khyentse Ozer Rinpoche himself to briefly share his life story in December 2023.