The 4th Dolpo Shel-Ri Rinpoche

Tsakhang Gompa
Shey, Upper Dolpo, Nepal

Tsakhang Gompa is in the cluster of three monasteries under Shey Gompa, the seat of Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche. It is situated at more than 16,000 feet above sea-level in Shey, Upper Dolpo.

A Brief History
A disciple of the second Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Palden Khyentse Oser, the previous third Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche spent many years in solitary retreat at Tsakhang Gompa. Out of devotion to his teacher, he offered Tsakhang Gompa to the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche in 1982 during his visit to Rumtek Monastery, requesting that Rinpoche also take care of the other 2 monasteries of Shey Gompa, Sumdo and Gomoche.
   The Third Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche dissolved his mind in parinirvana in December 1990. In accordance with his wishes, the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche assumed responsibility for Tsakhang Gompa and offered assistance to Sumdo and Gomoche Gompas. Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche also made arrangements for the training and education of the future incarnation, the fourth Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche, at Pullahari Monastery when he would be found.
   The Jamgon Kongtrul Labrang has continued the responsibility for Tsakhang Gompa and of providing necessary assistance to Sumdo and Gomoche Gompas following the parnirvana of the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche in 1992. In accordance with tradition, Sumdo and Gomoche Gompas are maintained and run by a council of elders from the Shey community.

The Fourth Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche
In accordance with the wish of the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Tenzin Dorjee requested His Holiness Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa, Urgen Thinley Dorje, to recognise the reincarnation of the Third Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche.
   Based on His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa's prophecy and recognition, the fourth Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche was found in 1998. He was born in Bicher, Upper Dolpo, and was 7 years old (Tibetan) at the time of his recognition. The following year, he was brought to Pullahari Monastery.
   Today, Ven. fourth Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche resides with H.E. fourth Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. They live and study together.

The Monasteries of Shey
The Jamgon Kongtrul Labrang continues to accept boys from the families of Shey community. Some of the older ones receive monastic training and education at Pullahari and Lava monasteries. The younger boys are sent to the Jamgon Kongtrul IIIrd Memorial School in Kalimpong for conventional education.
  The Labrang's aspiration is that the monks will eventually form the sangha of the monasteries in Dolpo under the fourth Dolpo Shel-ri Rinpoche, and that the lay boys will return to their communities to improve the quality of life there and in Upper Dolpo.