His Eminence the 2nd Beru Khyentse Chokyi Wangpo Rinpoche is one of the most significant lamas and lineage holders of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in 1947 in Central Tibet, about 25 kilometres west of Lhasa in the Nyethang Valley, his birth was foretold by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, who predicted the arrival of a child who would be the reincarnation of the great master Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.
The circumstances of his recognition were remarkable. In 1955, when search parties were dispatched to find the young tulku, they encountered a unique child who displayed extraordinary qualities. The abbot of Nyethang Ratod Monastery, after dreaming of a golden boulder beneath the village radiating light across the sky, confirmed that the searchers had indeed found the incarnation they had been looking for. The 16th Karmapa formally recognized the eight-year-old boy as the third incarnation and mind emanation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, one of Tibet’s most renowned Buddhist teachers and visionaries.
Education and Spiritual Formation
His early education began at the age of three at the Nyethang Tashi Gang Monastery of the Sakya tradition, founded by Drogon Chogyal Phakpa. Already as a young child, Rinpoche exhibited remarkable signs of his previous incarnation, often behaving as if he was building temples and monasteries and appointing other children as monastery officials during play. In 1956, at the age of ten, he received his formal name from the 16th Karmapa: Karma Drubgyur Tenpa Yarphel Gyurme Gocha Trinley Kunkhyab Pal Zangpo.
Exile and the Establishment of Dharma in India
A pivotal moment came during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. At just thirteen years old, sensing the impending danger, Rinpoche led his monks and lay disciples across the Himalayan passes to Mainpat in India, where he established a monastery and retreat centre. This journey marked the beginning of his broader mission to preserve and spread the Dharma beyond the borders of Tibet.
The 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche underwent intensive studies in Buddhist philosophy and practiced advanced Vajrayana techniques, receiving instructions and empowerments from the greatest meditation masters of his time. His teachers included His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Dzongsar Khenpo Chimey Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, His Holiness Sakya Trizin and the 14th Dalai Lama. Through these diverse teachings, he continued the tradition of the non-sectarian Rime movement.
Retreat and Advanced Teachings
In 1968, at the age of 21, following the advice of Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, he entered a three-year retreat, which was completed successfully in 1972. The following year, he received intensive Mahamudra teachings from the 16th Karmapa at Rumtek Monastery, including particularly secret teachings of Mahamudra and Mahakala Bernagchen.
Global Dharma Activities
Since 1979, Beru Khyentse Rinpoche has travelled extensively worldwide, spreading the Dharma across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australasia. His teaching activity has resulted in over twenty thousand people becoming Buddhist practitioners and more than one hundred fifty thousand receiving blessings, Dharma teachings, and empowerments. A significant milestone occurred in 1995 when his son was recognized as the fourth incarnation of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche by many realized masters of different schools.
In 1999, he conducted a grand world peace prayer ceremony at Bodhgaya under the Bodhi tree, attended by numerous Rinpoches, lamas, monks and nuns from India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. Five hundred thousand butter lamps were offered at the Mahabodhi Stupa, along with flowers and incense, dedicating the merit to world peace and harmony.
Connection to Poland and Establishment of Khyenkong Sangha
Rinpoche’s connection to Poland began in 1984 when he first taught at the STU Theatre in Krakow. In 2016, he returned to Poland and during this second visit, he established the Polish sangha “Khyenkong Karma Kagyu Poland” in Warsaw.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Throughout his life, His Eminence the 2nd Beru Khyentse Rinpoche has embodied the spirit of the Rime movement, teaching across sectarian boundaries while maintaining the profound traditions of the Karma Kagyu lineage. His work continues to influence thousands of practitioners worldwide, preserving and transmitting the authentic Buddhist teachings for future generations.