PHOTO GALLERIES

Lelung Rinpoche has a vast archive of photographs which include images of his masters, Lelung Valley in Tibet and his own early life. The galleries below include selected images chosen by Rinpoche himself.

CONFERENCE AT NORBULINGKA INSTITUTE (8 Images)

In June 2006, more than forty lamas from the Gelug lineage gathered at the Norbulingka Institute in Dharamsala at the invitation of Lelung Rinpoche. They met to discuss the Geden Phacho Bhucho project, an initiative by Lelung Rinpoche to ensure the preservation of the unbroken chain of teaching transmission. This historic event was attended by the Prime Minister of Tibetan Government in Exile (Kalon Tripa), Professor Samdhong Rinpoche.

THANGKAS AND STATUES (5 Images)

In the 1950s, many precious thangkas (traditional Tibetan paintings) and statues associated with the Lelung cycle of teachings were lost or destroyed. Lelung Rinpoche has begun a process of recreating these images, which are of great cultural significance for the Tibetan people. In order to ensure authenticity of the newly created images, he hopes to commission older, experienced artists who saw the originals before they disappeared.

HISTORY OF LELUNG VALLEY (8 Images)

Lelung Valley in Tibet has traditionally been the main seat of the Lelung Rinpoches. It is located roughly 200km south of Lhasa in an area characterised by dramatic hills and valleys. The region and its inhabitants have played an important role in the history of Tibet, especially in the development of Buddhism. In the 1950s, Lelung Monastery was destroyed, but it has since been rebuilt by local villagers--a true testament to the enduring strength of the Lelung lineage.

MASTERS AND TEACHERS (14 Images)

In the spirit of Rime, or non-sectarianism, Lelung Rinpoche has studied and continues to study with great masters of different Tibetan Buddhist traditions. At the age of 12, following the advice of Ling Rinpoche, he went to Drepung Monastery in India where he eventually earned his geshe degree. He was recognised as the incarnation of the 11th Lelung by His Holiness the Dalai Lama when he was 14 years old.

LELUNG RINPOCHE'S LIFE STORY (9 Images)

Much of Rinpoche's life has been dedicated to the rescue and preservation of precious texts and teachings of his lineage. He has travelled widely in search of lost manuscripts and oral teachings that had almost entirely disappeared. He is also an accomplished scholar, having received his geshe degree at Drepung Monastery at the age of 24. Rinpoche now divides his time between London and Dharamsala.