Lama Konchog Chhogyal
The main lineage holder of the Palpung lineage, Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche, has decided in his great kindness that venerable Lama Konchog Chhogyal will be the spiritual guide of the Palpung centre in Finland. In May 2017 Lama Konchog arrived to Finland and has now started his dharma-activities to benefit beings here.
Lama Konchog was born in India 1971 and he went to Palpung Sherabling monastery in 1983. His basic studies included grammar, calligraphy, ritual dances and playing ritual instuments. His teachers were venerable Gyumer, venerable Tenam Shastri and venerable Umze Tashi Tsewang. During years 1985-1989 he was appointed as a Choyog (assistant of rites). In 1992 he received getsul vows from Chamgon Tai Situpa. During years 1992-1996 he was in charge of the monastery’s kitchen. In 1996, he started his studies at Palpung Lungrig Jampal Ling Monastic College for Higher Buddhist Studies Academy. He studied texts, such as Vinaya, Abhidharma, and Madhyamaka. He also studied sutras, logic and commentaries for five years under the guidance of Khenpo Loten, Khenchen Tsultrim Namdak, Khenpo Tashi Gyaltsen and Khewang Ati Sherab. Between 2001-2010 he worked in the Palpung Publication House where he prepared many old texts for publication. During 2005-2009 he recieved many teachings and empowerments from Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoce, Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. He has also recieved Shangpa Kagyu teachings from Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche. Between 2010-2014 he attended the three year and three month long retreat at Palpung Tingzin Gephel Ling. His retreat was guided by Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and retreat master Mana Tsering Gyalsen. In his retreat he practiced mahamudra, six yogas of Naropa and sadhanas of white Tara, Vajravarahi, Vajrakilaya and Amitabha.