Khenpo Chochok – the title khenpo earned in the Kagyu lineage, is the equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy. It is obtained after around ten years of higher education in the history of Buddhism, through studying texts and commentaries, as well as the lives of masters. The title also authorises the holder to teach Buddhist philosophy.

Born in the 1960s, Khenpo Karma Chochok became a monk at the age of twenty. He studied in Nepal and then at the Karma Sri Nalanda Institute in Rumtek, Sikkim, India – the main seat of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. It was there that he obtained the title of Khenpo. He has taught Buddhist philosophy and the Tibetan language at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Delhi, as well as in several European countries. In the meantime, he has completed numerous retreats.

Khenpo Chochok is renowned for his openness, relaxed demeanour, simplicity, and his emphasis on dialogue when it comes to transmitting an authentic and profound understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. 

He currently lives mainly in Nepal, at Namo Buddha, the retreat centre founded by Lodrö Rabsel Rinpoche. At the request of the 17th Karmapa, he also teaches at KIBI.

In recent years, Khenpo Chochok has visited our Khyenkong Karma Kagyu Poland centre several times, delivering profound and valuable teachings in his approachable manner.