His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche
His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu (Penor) Rinpoche is the 11th throne holder of the
Palyul Lineage of Nyingma tradition and is considered as one of the foremost masters of
Mahasandhiyoga (Dzogchen). His Holiness is the present holder of the Namcho cycle of teachings
revealed by terton Mingyur Dorje.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche is regarded as the incarnation of Mahapandita Vimalamitra, the crown ornament of five hundred panditas, a realized Dzogchen master who traveled from India to Tibet in 8th century. One of the two lineages of the heart essence (tib: Nyingthig) teachings of Dzogchen from India came through Mahapandita Vimalamitra. This is known as Vima Nyingthig. (The other lineage is through Guru Padmasambhava and is known as Khandro Nyingthig).
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche succeeded His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche as the supreme head of Nyingma tradition in 1992. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche relinquished this position in 2001 to be able to focus full time on the spiritual needs to the numerous disciples. His Holiness continues to lead the annual prayer ceremony of the Nyingma tradition under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.
Under His Holiness Penor Rinpoche's unwavering guidance, the Nyingma tradition established its
largest center of learning and practice in exile at Bylakkuppe. Namdroling Monastery today has
many thousands of monks and nuns. Ngagyur Nyingma Institute at Bylakkuppe is the largest academic
institution in exile for the Nyingma tradition where even monks from other traditions come for
their study of Buddhist philosophy. Namdroling Monastery also hosts a retreat center where many
practitioners undergo a three year retreat. In the early years of life in exile, His Holiness
Penor Rinpoche worked in person with brick and mortar for the construction of the monastery.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche teaches extensively around the globe. His Holiness gives instructions on the Namcho cycle consisting of Ngondro (preliminary), Tsalung (channels and winds), and Dzogchen every year during a month long retreat at Bylakkuppe. Lay people are also permitted in these retreats.
