About Rinpoche

Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and scholar. He was born in Tibet and began his training in Buddhism at the age of five. He received transmissions and teachings from many of the great masters of his time, including Khenchen Padma Tsewang, Drupchen Chatral Chochyab, and Guru Dechen Namdrol.

Rinpoche studied and taught for ten years at the Dzogchen Shri Singha Five Sciences University, where he received a doctorate in Buddhist Studies. He has since taught and traveled extensively, giving teachings and empowerments all over the world.

Rinpoche is the thirty-third holder of the Dzogchen lineage and the founder of the Dzogchen Shri Singha Dharma Centers. He is also the spiritual leader of Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and transmission of the Dzogchen Buddha Path teachings.

Rinpoche is a highly respected teacher and scholar, and his teachings are known for their clarity and depth. He is a gifted communicator, and his ability to connect with students of all backgrounds has made him a popular teacher around the world.

Academic Background and Journey

Rinpoche began his formal education at the Dzogchen Shri Singha Five Sciences University, where he studied the five major sciences of Fine Arts, Medicine, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Buddhism, as well as the five minor sciences of Poetics, Synonymy, Prosody, Drama, and Astrology.

After completing his studies, Rinpoche traveled extensively, giving teachings and empowerments all over the world. He has since established Dzogchen Shri Singha Dharma Centers in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Areas of Focus

Rinpoche’s teachings focus on the Dzogchen Buddha Path tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen is a non-dual approach to awakening that emphasizes the inherent perfection of all beings. Rinpoche’s teachings are known for their clarity and depth, and he is a gifted communicator who is able to connect with students of all backgrounds.

Current Role and Pursuits

Rinpoche is the spiritual leader of Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and transmission of the Dzogchen teachings. He is also the founder of the Dzogchen Shri Singha Dharma Centers, which are located in many countries around the world. Rinpoche continues to travel extensively, giving teachings and empowerments to students of all backgrounds.

Degrees, Awards, Affiliations, Memberships, and Media Appearances

• Doctor of Buddhist Studies, Dzogchen Shri Singha Five Sciences University
• Spiritual Leader, Dzogchen Shri Singha International
• Founder, Dzogchen Shri Singha Dharma Centers
• Frequent guest speaker at universities and conferences around the world
• Author of several books on Buddhism, most notably, the Buddhist practice manual “The Buddha Path”

The Essence of Buddhist Practice

Cultivating Altruistic Conscience and Ethical Dignity

Introduction: Buddhism is a profound and ancient tradition that encompasses a rich tapestry of teachings and practices aimed at cultivating compassion, wisdom, and ethical conduct. In this article, we will explore the General Preparatory Practice for all Concise Sadhanas, highlighting the essential aspects of an altruistic conscience and ethical dignity. These practices form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing the universal aspiration for freedom from suffering and the promotion of compassion and love for all sentient beings.

Altruistic Conscience for Self and Others 

At the core of Buddhist teachings lies the recognition that suffering is universal and the genuine desire to alleviate it. Just as all sentient beings yearn to be free from suffering, so do we. This shared aspiration forms the basis of an altruistic conscience, emphasizing the importance of considering the welfare of others alongside our own. May all beings, including ourselves, be liberated from fear and suffering.

Ethical Dignity for Self and Others 

Ethical dignity encompasses the pursuit of happiness, both for ourselves and all sentient beings. Similar to how we desire happiness, all beings, saint or not, seek happiness as well. This principle goes beyond sectarian beliefs and emphasizes the innate compassion and love inherent in all beings. It promotes the understanding that compassion is a natural quality and not confined to religious dogma. Buddhism advocates for a deep connection with nature, love, and compassion, transcending fabricated religious boundaries.

The Immutable Buddhist Principles 

Unlike man-made religions that can be modified or altered, Buddhist principles remain unchanging. Renunciation, compassion, faith, love, and wisdom are five positive qualities that underpin the Buddhist path. These principles cannot be transformed into negative counterparts, as they are rooted in the understanding that alleviating suffering and cultivating happiness stem from positive thinking and virtuous actions. Buddhism, whether practiced by Buddhists or non-Buddhists, brings benefit to individuals and society as a whole.

The Three Causes of a Precious Human Body 

In Buddhism, a human life is regarded as precious due to its rarity and potential for spiritual growth. Three causes contribute to the attainment of a precious human body: abstaining from non-virtuous actions, engaging in virtuous deeds, and cultivating virtuous aspirations. By refraining from harmful actions and embracing virtuous conduct, we create the conditions for a better human body and an improved future existence.

The Outer Preliminary Practices 

The outer preliminary practices involve accumulating virtues in three main aspects: discipline, merit, and virtuous aspirations. Discipline refers to refraining from non-virtuous actions, while merit accumulation entails engaging in virtuous behaviors and benefiting others. Virtuous aspirations involve setting positive intentions and practicing virtuous acts that lead to meaningful and beneficial lives.

Buddhism offers a holistic and timeless approach to personal and societal transformation. By cultivating an altruistic conscience and ethical dignity, we can embark on a path that promotes compassion, wisdom, and freedom from suffering. The practices outlined in this article serve as a general preparatory guide for all Concise Southerners, reminding us of the universal nature of our aspirations and the interconnectedness of all beings. Let us embrace these teachings and work towards a more compassionate and harmonious world.

My recent projects

Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation

The Organization

Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation USA, Inc. was founded to assist His Eminence Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche in the transmission of the authentic teachings of the Dzogchen Lineage to the West. The Foundation is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Nevada in 2001. The states represented on the board of directors are Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Members of the Foundation are drawn from many regions and walks of life. The Foundation’s primary purpose is to support the preservation and activities of the Dzogchen Lineage, for the benefit of all beings. It endeavors to make this precious ancient lineage of positive thinking more accessible to modern society.

Eight Goals of the Foundation

1. Preserving the ancient unbroken Dzogchen Wisdom Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
2. Supporting Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche and other authentic Dzogchen masters to teach, train, write and collaborate; allowing them to share the Dharma wisdom with all who are interested.
3. Supporting the translation of the Dzogchen teachings into English, the “universal” language of the contemporary world.
4. Supporting monastic and lay practitioners of all levels and ages to study and practice the precious Dzogchen Lineage.
5. Supporting people of all cultural and spiritual backgrounds, thus facilitating harmony, communication, understanding and respect in worldwide multicultural society.
6. Establishing the Dzogchen Retreat Center, a Dharma base for Dzogchen Lineage practitioners in the United States and throughout the world.
7. Supporting the World Peace Program that will reduce violence, criminal activity, and unhealthy behavior in our global society.
8. Supporting a cohesive community that cooperates with other organizations to protect the welfare of all animals and the environment.

Mission Statement

Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation’s mission is to support the preservation, practice, and transmission of the ancient and unbroken Dzogchen tradition in the modern world. The Dzogchen Wisdom Lineage—Buddha’s entire authentic teaching—is a time-tested tradition of practice with specific techniques to achieve both the immediate goal of individual happiness and the ultimate goal of Vast Awakening.

Our Larger Community

Our Dzogchen Shri Singha international community is comprised of hundreds of Dzogchen Dharma centers and thousands of individuals from over 40 countries on five continents. These practitioners come from a broad range of religions, races and cultures. We have come together to practice Dzogchen for the true happiness of all beings.

Dharma Teachers of the
Dzogchen Buddha Path

The progressive authentic Dharma Teacher levels of Sangha Mitra, Dharma Acharya, and Bodhi Lama of the Dzogchen Buddha Path Lineage adhere to the system of:

• the vast and profound lineage of the Mahavihara in Varanasi, the Mahavihara in Rajgriha, the Mahavihara in Shravasti, as well as the Dumathala Mandala in Oddiyana from the early period;
• the learning, contemplation, and meditation lineage of Odantapuri Temple and Nalanda University in central India from the middle period;
• the comprehensive teaching and practice lineage of the Great Samye Monastery and Sangpur Dharma University in Central Tibet from the late period;
• and the Dzogchen Khandro Nyingthig lineage of the original Dzogchen Monastery and the Dzogchen Longchen Nyingthig lineage of the original Dzogchen Shri Singha University in Eastern Tibet from the recent period.

What my students say

Here is what some of my students say about me.