A key figure for Buddhism in Nepal, Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche had a huge influence in the West. He oversaw the construction of the largest Buddhist stupa in the West, and gave many teachings.

Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche was born in the Kingdom of Bhutan in 1918. When he was 13 years old, he left Bhutan to study and practice under the spiritual guidance of his uncle Lama Sherab Dorje in Nepal.

There he received full dharma training and meditated under severe conditions in the caves of Milarepa and in the holy places of Guru Rinpoche.

Lopon Tsechu inaugurates the Kalachakra Stupa in Karma Guen, Spain
Lopon Tsechu inaugurates the Kalachakra Stupa in Karma Guen, Spain

In 1944, Rinpoche met H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, who became one of his most important masters.
In the years to follow, Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche became the key figure for dharma practitioners in Nepal, with his main monastery located in Kathmandu. In 1987, he visited Europe for the first time at the invitation of his first Western students Lama Ole Nydahl and his wife Hannah.

After that time he traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and Australia giving teachings and countless initiations. He completed the building of a Kalachakra Stupa in Spain and more than 16 other stupas in Europe and Asia. Lopön Tchechu Rinpoche’s last project, the Enlightenment Stupa in Benalmadena, Spain, is the crown jewel of his life’s work.

Rinpoche passed away on June 10th 2003 at the age of 85, four months before the inauguration of this magnificent project. The immense power of his compassion is felt by people of every background and brings benefit to all beings.

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