THE VEN. CHHOJE RINPOCHE is a reincarnated Tibetan Buddhist Lama. Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of Padma Shedrup Ling (Padmasambhava Study and Practice Center).
Chhoje Rinpoche was born in the northern Indian state of Ladakh. He went to Catholic schools as a child and then was raised in the traditional manner of a lama. Subsequently, he studied with several high lamas, including the Venerable Soktse Rinpoche, in many sacred places throughout India and Nepal.
In his previous life, Chhoje Rinpoche (the 7th) was born in Tibet and was a well-known oracle and healer. He first settled in Ladakh during that time and established a monastery in the remote region of Chumur, which the eighth Chhoje Rinpoche continues to oversee, providing guidance, care, and supervision for a group of young monks
Rinpoche first ventured West in 1985, arriving in New York City. Since that time, he has been giving teachings on the Vajrayana path of Tibetan Buddhism. Both his familiarity with Western culture and his ready command of English make it easy for Western students to understand and absorb his teachings.
Rinpoche has taught extensively throughout the United States—primarily in California, as well as Colorado, New York, Texas and Nevada. He also has students throughout the world.