Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche is seen at his teaching throne.

Nepal’s Shechen Monastery ends affiliation with Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi 

The monastery announced the news via a statement released January 8.

By Rod Meade Sperry

Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche; image via his Facebook page.

The Buddhist teacher Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi (born Ugyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup), recognized as the reincarnation (Yangsi) of the famed Nyingma teacher Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991), is no longer affiliated with the monastery that Dilgo Khyentse had founded, Shechen Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. (The monastery had been first built in Tibet but was rebuilt in Kathmandu after its destruction during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.)

According to a statement released by the monastery last week:

“In consideration of Khyentse Yangsi’s repeated statements that he does not regard himself as a ‘Shechen Lama,’ and in light of numerous concerning incidents, we sadly confirm that Khyentse Yangsi, Ugyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup, is no longer affiliated with Shechen Monastery — founded by Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche — and is relieved of all associated duties and responsibilities until further notice.”

While no “concerning incidents” are further addressed in Shechen’s announcement, Khentse Yangsi has reportedly been the subject of allegations of impropriety, none of which have yet been substantiated.  

Rod Meade Sperry. Photo by Megumi Yoshida, 2024

Rod Meade Sperry

Rod Meade Sperry is the editor of Buddhadharma, Lion’s Roar’s online source for committed Buddhists, and the book A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation: Practical Advice and Inspiration from Contemporary Buddhist Teachers. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with his partner and their tiny pup, Sid.