Please consider helping Phara Khenchen Rinpoche stay safe during these difficult times by supporting his extended stay in the UK. Your contribution will help provide Tulku-La with some reassurance and stability, as well as enabling him to benefit all those he stays with while continuing to learn English well enough to give teachings which will be of immense benefit to many beings around the world.

Phara Khenchen Rinpoche is recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the highly realised and respected Buddhist teacher, Khensur Pema Gyaltsen. In 1989, at the age of three, he was smuggled out of Tibet to be lovingly cared for and educated in Drepung Monastery, South India. After the 25 year tutelage of his beloved teacher, Geshe Wangchen, he achieved the Geshe Degree; followed by a year at Gyumed Tantric College. Rinpoche is well known for his cheerful, relaxed, kind and humble personality, as well as his profound and powerful spiritual qualities.

We highly recommend watching the two inspiring documentaries made about Rinpoche, (who is familiarly referred to as Tulku-la): ‘The Thread of Karma’ (click here & use the password pharakhenchen) and the story of his recognition and early life: ‘Reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche’ (click here). Also recommended: ‘Spiritual Life in a Material World’ by Geshe Wangchen (click here) to get to know the extraordinary quality of his teacher, who was also the first Geshe to teach at Jamyang London in the 1980’s.

After recently completing his studies, His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised Tulku-la to come to the UK to study English. His previous incarnation inspired many students still affiliated with Jamyang London Buddhist Centre. They rejoiced when Tulku-La arrived in the UK in October 2019 to begin his studies at Leeds English Language School. Unfortunately, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic meant the school had to close a few weeks later.

Tulku-La then moved to Land of Joy FPMT retreat centre in the north of England where he could continue his English studies in safety whilst waiting to see how the pandemic progressed. He was of great benefit during his stay there, becoming a much loved part of the community.

More recently he also enjoyed a two week stay here at Braeview Cottage in Shetland. Paula shared: ‘During his recent visit to Shetland, Tulku-la lived in the gompa where he meditated every morning. With his friendly, open-hearted character, he became an instant friend. And yet, when he led a puja, his profound spiritual power manifested out of the humble and sweet countenance.

We gathered together with 4 former students of Geshe Wangchen to comemorate the anniversary of Geshe-la’s passing. While everyone shared stories about experiences with Geshe Wangchen, Geshe-la’s presence and unique teaching abilities came back to life. Tulku-la’s great love and appreciation for his teacher was wonderfully up-lifting. We also watched the very inspiring video of Geshe Wangchen: ‘Spiritual Life in a Material World’ which you can view by clicking here. Tulku-la also enjoyed walking in the beauty of Shetland and seeing all the abundant wildlife.

Tulku-La was very much looking forward to returning to his home monastery in the south of India when his visa expires at the end of August. However, due to the dangerous progression of the pandemic in India, and particularly in Karnataka state where the monastery is situated, they have had to go into lockdown to protect the monks living there, meaning Tulku-La is unable to return at this time. It is also too unsafe for him to stay elsewhere in India, so he must stay in the UK for his own safety until the pandemic has improved.

Tulku-La is very fortunate to have the support of friends who have offered places for him to stay until it is safe for him to return home, including Braeview and Land of Joy where he will contribute through spiritual practice, teaching Tibetan and generally lifting the atmosphere with his calm, bright and happy personality.

His continued stay will also enable Tulku-La to further his English studies, therefore continuing to fulfil His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice. However, it also means significant unexpected costs will be incurred which won’t be covered by the original sponsorship offered for his stay in the UK. These costs include legal fees to extend Tulku-La’s visa, food and travel costs.

We very much appreciate that many people are experiencing economical and financial challenges during these unpredictable times. However, we also have the opportunity to join together to protect the life of a special friend who will one day, with our support of his stay in the UK, be able to give teachings in English which will be of immense benefit to us and to all beings around the world.

Any donation that you offer will help cover the costs of Tulku-La’s extended stay in the UK and is greatly appreciated. See the form provided below.