A Brief Life Sketch

Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, born on November 5, 1939, in Nagdug, Eastern Tibet, is a distinguished Tibetan scholar, spiritual leader, and statesman. Recognized as the reincarnation of the 4th Samdhong Rinpoche at an early age, he entered monastic life at Gaden Dechenling Monastery and later pursued higher Buddhist studies at Drepung Monastery, where he earned advanced degrees in Buddhist philosophy.

A fully ordained monk, Rinpoche is highly regarded for his mastery of Abhisamya and Madhyamika philosophy, and is fluent in Tibetan, Hindi, and English.

Academic and Leadership Roles

Rinpoche has held numerous teaching and leadership positions across India, including:

  • Principal & Director of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies (CIHTS), Sarnath, Varanasi (1971–2001).

  • National Lecturer at the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, New Delhi (1994–1995).

  • Visiting Professor at universities in Australia and the United States.

  • Chairman & Member of multiple academic councils, research institutes, and boards across India and abroad.

Political and Administrative Service

Rinpoche has made historic contributions to Tibetan governance and cultural preservation. He served as:

  • Vice-President, Tibetan Youth Congress (1970–1973).

  • Chairman, Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies (1991–2001).

  • Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister), Central Tibetan Administration (2001–2011).

  • Key member of the Drafting Committee for the Charter of Tibetans in-Exile and Tibet’s future constitution.

Global Engagement

Rinpoche has collaborated internationally as:

  • Vice-President, World Buddhist Social Service, Vietnam.

  • Adviser to institutes in the USA, including World Peace University and the Institute for Asian Democracy.

  • Member of the Executive Body of the Association of Indian Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Publications & Legacy

  • Served as General Editor for CIHTS publications (1972–2001).

  • Authored numerous articles and delivered talks in academic journals worldwide.

  • Patron of the Foundation for Non-Violent Alternatives, New Delhi.

  • Chancellor of the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

A Life of Service

Professor Samdhong Rinpoche’s lifelong dedication bridges scholarship, spiritual wisdom, and leadership. Through his academic rigor, political service, and unwavering commitment to Tibetan culture, he continues to inspire generations across the globe.