VENERABLE PONG RE RINPOCHE
Rinpoche was born in New Zealand and at the age of 7 years old, was recognised as a significant meditation master from the east of Tibet. Rinpoche left his primary school in Auckland after his recognition, to begin a traditional monastic education for the next 20 years at Palpung Sherab Ling Monastery in northern India. This experience can be viewed in the documentary KIWI BUDDHA.
Part of his Tibetan Buddhist education was a traditional 3 year, 3 month solitary retreat, which he entered at the age of 15. After completing his monastic studies Rinpoche began planning his activities in different corners of the world, not just sharing or teaching traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices and techniques, but introducing green regeneration projects, restoring sacred sites such as Temples, and giving educational opportunities in remote Himalayan regions. Rinpoche’s work was recognised in 2021 when he was awarded the Hindustan Times 30 Under 30 Award for Spirituality.
GLORIOUUS VAJRA of the EASTERN SUN
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Early this year, 1999, Karma Kunsang met with H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche at Sherab Ling Monastery in India and was officially recognised as the incarnation of a high Kagyu tulku, Venerable Pong Re Tulku Rinpoche. "Pong" means something like "peak" but could also mean, "composite" or "heap." This is the same word as is in "Pal Pong Monastery" - the official seat of the Situpa line of incarnations in Tibet. "Re" means "mountain." "Pong Re" actually sounds like a place name. his full title is "Venerable Karma Kunsang Thubten Dorje Lingtok Nyima Pal Sang Po." Coincidentally, the new incarnation of H.E. the 4t Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche arrived at Sherab Ling Monastery at the same time and they received a long life empowerment from H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche together.
This was a strong indication of the close karmic link they shared with each other and the Karma Kagyu lineage. It also showed the strength of their samaya? bond with their teacher due to their being spontaneously together.
