The Fifth Khedrup – Ugyen Tenzin Thinley Lhendrup
Born in 1990 in Eastern Bhutan, the Fifth Khedrup Rinpoche, Ugyen Tenzin Thinley Lhendrup (also known as Khedrupchen Rinpoche), is the recognized reincarnation of Kyabgon Monla Khedrup Jigme Kundrol, a distinguished scholar and practitioner from Bhutan and a principal student of Jigme Lingpa, an eminent 18th-century Tibetan Buddhist teacher.
Rinpoche began his monastic education at the age of 13 at Phagchok Monastery in Eastern Bhutan under Lama Kunzang Namdrol. In 2006, he pursued advanced Buddhist studies at Mindrolling College in India, where he graduated with an Acharya degree in 2015. Following his graduation, he was appointed to the teaching faculty at Mindrolling, where he taught for three years. His spiritual journey includes guidance from esteemed Buddhist masters such as the late Fourth Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, and Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, as well as extensive short- and long-term meditation retreats.
Rinpoche is the founder and president of the Khedrup Foundation, a registered religious organization in Bhutan. He also serves as the Supreme Head of Rephel Mebar Lhakhang, a 1,200-year-old temple in Trongsa, and as the founder of Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery in Trongsa and Phajo Gonpa Gomde retreat center in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Community Initiatives
Rinpoche’s work extends beyond traditional monastic roles, emphasizing social impact. In 2016, he founded Siddhartha’s Wisdom Club to introduce Buddhist principles to youth, fostering harmony between inner well-being and environmental stewardship. In 2017, he established the Ami-Deva Association to provide elder citizens with a community centered on meditation and spiritual growth. He continues to engage in various humanitarian projects throughout Bhutan.
Global Teaching and Collaboration
Rinpoche travels extensively, collaborating with scholars and practitioners worldwide to adapt Buddha Dharma to modern contexts. His teaching engagements include renowned universities and events, such as Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, and international conferences on Buddhism. He has delivered teachings on mindfulness, meditation, Vajrayana Buddhism, and the integration of Buddhism with modern technology and psychology.
Notable Teaching Engagements
- Mindrolling College, India (2016–2018) – Teaching faculty
- Xiamen University, China (2017) – Teachings on the Diamond Sutra
- Mountain Echoes, Bhutan (2017) – Mindfulness meditation
- Stanford University, USA (2019) – Mindfulness meditation
- Fourth International Conference on Vajrayana Buddhism, Bhutan (2022) – Vajrayana teachings
- University of Pennsylvania, USA (2022) – Turning the Wheel of Dharma
- Explorers Club, New York (2023) – Guru on the Flying Tigress
Rinpoche’s vision combines traditional Buddhist wisdom with modern approaches, ensuring the teachings of Buddha Dharma remain relevant and accessible to future generations. Through his initiatives, teachings, and leadership, Rinpoche continues to inspire and guide individuals worldwide on the path of wisdom and compassion.
Early Life of Monla Khedrup Rinpoche
Monla Khedrup Rinpoche, also known as the Fifth Khedrup, was born in 1990 on the full moon day of the third month in Shingkhar Lauri, Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, to Yum Tshewang Paldron and Yab Tenzin Dorji. His birth was marked by extraordinary occurrences, including circular rainbows above his parents’ home, water turning milky, light rain resembling flower petals, and the blooming of a rare multi-colored flower from cracks in the house and near the entrance.
According to Yum Tshewang Paldron, the Fourth Khedrupchen Rinpoche, a wandering yogi, prophesied his own reincarnation as her son. As a young girl, she had served the Fourth Khedrup by offering food, washing his clothes, and assisting him during his travels. The prophecy was seen as a result of her devotion and compassion toward him during his final years.
From an early age, Rinpoche displayed exceptional intelligence and a profound connection to Buddha Dharma. As he began speaking, he recounted memories of his past lives and requested visits to places associated with the previous Khedrups. Once he could walk, he often packed a small bag and ventured out on his own, an early sign of his destined path. It was only later, after his recognition as the reincarnation of the Fourth Khedrupchen Rinpoche, that these behaviors were fully understood.
While growing up in his village, Rinpoche continued to exhibit extraordinary qualities. His spiritual presence left a deep impression on those around him, and he performed several miraculous acts, including leaving his footprints and handprints on rocks—sites that have since become sacred places of worship for the local community.
Rinpoche’s early life serves as a testament to his unique role as a reincarnated master and his deep-rooted connection to the teachings of Buddha Dharma.
