Biography of Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche
Shangpa Rinpoche was born on 12th September 1960 at the border between Tibet and Nepal. At the age of two, he was recognised as an incarnation of the Great Yogi Shangpa Rinpoche, who was a disciple of His Holiness, the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa. After going through many hardships, he and his mother finally arrived in Pokhara, Nepal. His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, ordained him when he was 9 years old.

From this tender age, he studied all the ritual arts and memorised scriptures under the guidance of the late Dupsing Rinpoche and other learned teachers. When he was 16 years old, he joined the Tibetan Higher Institute of Buddhist Studies in Varanasi and mastered Buddhist philosophy, literature, poetry, the history of Buddhism and Sanskrit, etc. He also received many teachings and empowerments from many great teachers, particularly His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche, Tenga Rinpoche, Khunu Rinpoche and Khenpo Rinchen.

He has both conducted and participated in many retreats at his monastery and other places. While Shangpa Rinpoche was studying in his fourth year, Dupsing Rinpoche passed away and His Holiness, the 16th Karmapa instructed him to assume the responsibility as the abbot of the Jangchub Choeling Monastery in Pokhara, Nepal.

In his continuous efforts to benefit sentient beings, Rinpoche has undertaken several works within Pokhara and beyond in other parts of Nepal and the South East Asian region. Some of these works bear indications of the continuation of the works of his previous incarnation. He also travelled frequently and extensively, particularly throughout South East and East Asia to propagate Buddhism.

In 1982, Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche asked Rinpoche to take on the responsibilities as spiritual leader of Karma Kagyud followers in Singapore. He accepted and since then he has been the religious advisor of the Singapore Karma Kagyud Buddhist Centre; teaching and advising its members and devotees.

In 1991, Rinpoche initiated the search for and purchase of the current premises of the Centre. In 1997, he was appointed Abbot of the Centre by its members. Since then he has worked ceaselessly.