The 3rd Mipham Rinpoche
I am very happy the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje intends to establish an important centre in San Luis Obispo. I believe the Dharma can be of great benefit for the American people and will help to promote peace and prosperity in the world. By building a centre where one can learn about the teachings of the Buddha, many people will have the possibility to find lasting values and benefit. I make all my best wishes for the success of this Centre and the American people.
– Mipham Rinpoche
The 1st Mipham Rinpoche was one of the great Rime (ecumenical) masters of 19th century Tibet. He authored more than 300 treatises and spent many years in strict meditation retreat. Because of his extensive knowledge and deep realization he was considered among the most extraordinary masters of his time.
The 3rd Mipham Rinpoche was born in 1949 and is regarded today as a renowned scholar and master of the Nyingma tradition. Rinpoche was ten years old when the Chinese invaded Tibet and nearly destroyed his 400 year-old monastery Junyung Gompa. Official dharma practice became highly restricted; however, due to a serious illness Mipham Rinpoche was permitted to remain at Junyung Gompa where he concentrated on his Buddhist education and spent 13 years in retreat.
Many years later Mipham Rinpoche obtained permission to rebuild Junyung Gompa Monastery. Rinpoche dedicated his time to the restoration for as long as his health permitted. Having suffered from a paralytic stroke he left Tibet in 1994 to receive further medical treatment in Europe.
Today Mipham Rinpoche lives with his wife Mayumla, a direct descendant of the legendary King Gesar of Ling, at Karma Guen in Velez-Malaga, Spain. They are the parents of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje and the Gelug and Sakya Rinpoche, His Eminence the 14th Sonam Tsemo Rinpoche, who is one of five forefathers of the Sakya Lineage, the first five hierarchs of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Mipham Rinpoche’s activity includes teaching throughout Europe and generating support for Junyung Gompa Monastery.