The previous incarnation of Zawa Rinpoche was born in the Province of Kham in the region of Chating. He became a monk at Gaden Shartse Monastery in Tibet and was guided by his Root Gurus, the previous Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. There, he achieved his Geshe Lharampa Degree. This entailed countless hours of study and debate, passing through the various levels of increasing profundity of Buddhist philosophy and practice. After he had accomplished this superior training, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche sent him back to the Chating area in order to care for the spiritual needs of that community.

Using the meditation house of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and with his blessings, he began many years of rigorous retreat practice. Having engaged in Nyung-nye and Chabtrul purification countless times over months and years, he developed the power of healing others. Never sleeping very much, only eating meditation pills and devoting himself to the Bodhisattva practices, he helped many recover from various illnesses merely by blowing on them and giving them blessing pills.

Much loved and respected by those who lived in Chating and elsewhere, he stayed within this region of Tibet until he showed impermance at the age of 73, on the eve of the special holy day of Zaga Dawa. At that time, he entered into meditation on the clear light of death and remained in this state for days, the body retaining heat and showing certain signs of accomplishment. At the time of his cremation, many ribus (sacred relics) were discovered. His devoted community, torn by their loss, wished to quickly find his rebirth. But due to conditions in Tibet, this was very difficult.

The people of Chating contacted Gaden Shartse Monastery in India for help. His reincarnation was discovered in India, born of his Mother, Lhamo and his Father, Ngawang.

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche instructed his Father to send his young son to Gaden Shartse and he gave him the name, Tsering Dorje. Then as a gesul (ordained monk), he received his ordination from the illustrious teacher, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche and was given the name Jangchub Ngawang by Venerable Lati Rinpoche.

From that time in 1982, being recognized by various Yogis and high Lamas as the incarnation of the previous Geshe Zawa Rinpoche, he started intensely his monastic studies. In 1997 during an elaborate and large ceremony at Gaden Shartse Monastery, he was enthroned and the title bestowed upon him was Zawa Tulku Lobsang Dorje Tenzin Yarpel Rinpoche. He had achieved the highest levels of oral philosophical debate during his final examinations.

Then, in 2001, because of frequent requests from the people of Chating and the monks from Chating monastery, he visited his old homeland in Tibet. There again, an enthronement ceremony was performed by his devoted community of monks and laypeople. This was a happy and melancholy visit for Rinpoche because of his past history and the current conditions in Tibet which had changed so much for his old community of friends and students.

Ven. Zawa Tulku Lobsang Dorje Tenzin Yarpel

The current incarnation of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

Returning to the world outside of Tibet and at the request of many Dharma centers he has traveled extensively giving teachings, empowerments and constructing sacred sand mandalas.

Following the directions and advice of his teacher, Geshe Tsultrim, he is now residing in Chang Chub Choling, Temple Bouddhiste Tibetain in Montreal, along with his assistant, Gen Lobsang Tashi. As Resident Teacher he has taken in hand the responsibility for temple affairs and has given advice to its members.

Source: Gaden Chang Chub Chling