Introduction
Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche (Tibetan: བྱ་བྲལ་སངས་རྒྱས་རྡོ་རྗེ་, Wylie: bya-bral sangs-rgyas rdo-rje) (English: Enlightened Indestructible Freedom From Activity) (June 18, 1913 – December 30, 2015) was a Dzogchen master and a reclusive yogi known for his great realization and strict discipline. Rinpoche was one of the few living disciples of Khenpo Ngagchung and was widely regarded as one of the most highly realized Dzogchen yogis. In addition to his relationship with Khenpo Ngagchung, Chatral Rinpoche also studied with some of the last century's most renowned masters, including Dudjom Rinpoche, Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, and the famed dakini Sera Khandro Kunzang Dekyong Wangmo. Rinpoche was one of the primary lineage holders of the Longchen Nyingthig, and in particular the lineage that descends through Jigme Lingpa's heart son Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu and then on to Patrul Rinpoche.
Prior to his death in 2015, Rinpoche divided his time between Salbari, India, and Kathmandu, Nepal. He was survived by two daughters, Tara Devi and Saraswati, and his wife Kamala.
Teachings
Rinpoche has shunned institutional and political involvement his whole life, choosing instead to live the life of a wandering yogi. Even in old age he continued to move about, rarely remaining in one place for more than a few months. A lay yogi, he was also greatly concerned with maintaining strict discipline in the context of the Dzogchen view. He has advocated vegetarianism and had a yearly practice of ransoming the lives of thousands of animals in India. In addition to his emphasis on the union of view and conduct, Rinpoche also stressed the practice of retreat. He has established numerous retreat centers throughout the Himalayas, including in Pharping, Yolmo, and Darjeeling.
Primary teachers
- Khenpo Ngagchung (also known as Khenpo Ngaga, Ngawang Palzang)
- Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje
- Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (previous incarnation of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche)
- Sera Khandro
Primary lineages
Though his main lineage was the Longchen Nyingthig, Chatral Rinpoche was also closely associated with the Dudjom Tersar lineage. He was empowered as the regent of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche and was passing on this lineage to this master's reincarnation, who lives primarily in central Tibet.
- Longchen Nyingthig
- Sera Khandro Terma
- Dudjom Tersar