His Eminence Venerable Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was born in the Kham region of Eastern Tibet in 1922. After the famous Gongkar Rinpoche (previous incarnation) identified and recognized Him as a reincarnation of a great practitioner, Rinpoche consequently embarked on the fulfillment of His destiny by joining the local monastery in Tibet - at the age of ten. 

His Eminence Venerable Kyabje Lati Rinpoche

Rinpoche’s Education

By fifteen years old, Rinpoche was enrolled in Gaden Shartse Norling College, located in central Tibet. It is the most prestigious and renowned school in Tibet, and it was at Gaden Shartse Norling College where Rinpoche pursued his study of Buddhist scriptures, and eventually, earning Him the highest honours among the foremost scholars of His day. At that time, Rinpoche’s field of study included Pramana Vidya (Logic), Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), Madhyamika (Middle Philosophy), Abidharma (Treasure of Knowledge), Vinaya(Spiritual Rules and Moral Law). In 1959, after nineteen years of intensive study and training, Rinpoche sat for the Geshe Lharmapa examination. This major examination was held in the summer palace of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, located in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. Candidates were various scholars and top students from the 3 main monasteries, and yet Rinpoche still managed to emerge 2nd overall. In the next year, H.E. was officially conferred as “Geshe Lharampa” – a qualification which is equivalent to the PH.D. degree in the Indian universities. In the same year, Rinpoche joined Gyuto Tantric College in Lhasawhere he undertook the study and intensive training of Tantra. During this period he also served as tutor to many young reincarnate masters and gave numerous public teachings.

Active Efforts in Propagating Dharma
Belonging to a very rare class of scholar, saint and practitioner who completed his training in an independent Tibet, Rinpoche continued to spread the Dharma by teachings at various monasteries and schools, after He followed His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama into exile in 1959. In 1964, Rinpoche arrived in Dharamsala, and was subsequently appointed as Spiritual Assistant to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama – Rinpoche serves His Holiness faithfully till today.

In 1976, under His Holiness’s suggestion, various universities in America invited Lati Rinpoche over, where H.E. gave illuminating dharma discourses to an appreciative public. In addition, Rinpoche taught at Namgyal Gomba (His Holiness’s personal monastery), at the debating college, and has taught and guided many laypeople as well. In the same year, Rinpoche was appointed as the Abbot of the Shartse Norling College of Gaden Monastery, in South India. H.E. held this position for eight years – where besides looking after the administration, discipline and order of the Sangha, Rinpoche also personally taught extensively on all aspects of Buddhism. Rinpoche’s contribution towards Gaden Shartse Norling College is widely recognized by all, and is deeply respected by many devotees all over the world.

Since retirement, Rinpoche dedicated His life mainly on dharma practice, as well as propagating the dharma, guiding people along the path of the dharma. On repeated requests from many countries in Europe and America, Rinpoche has travelled extensively, benefiting dharma students in various parts of the world.

To His credit, Lati Rinpoche has authored many important books on Tibetan Buddhism, including:
+Death, Intermediate State & Rebirth.
+Mind in Tibetan Buddhism
+Meditative States in Tibetan Buddhism
In 2001 he started Jangchub Gepel ling in California where he is the Spiritual Director.
Currently, Lati Rinpoche continues a rigorous teaching schedule at Gaden Monastery where he has been appointed tutor to many of the young Rinpoches by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.