The previous incarnation of Kalu Rinpoche (1905-1989) was one of the greatest contemporary Tibetan Buddhist meditation masters. He was born and taught in Tibet. He received Dharma teachings from the utmost masters including the 15th Gyalwang Karmapa and the 11th Tai Situpa. For many years he pursued the life of a solitary meditator and devoted himself particularly to the practice of Shangpa Kagyu.
He was one of the first Tibetan masters to teach in the West in early 1970s. Owing to his endeavours, numerous Dharma centres were established in Western Europe and Northern America where the Rinpoche gave empowerments and teachings. He has also founded the first in Europe Shangpa Kagyu three-year retreat centre in France.
Those who had the opportunity to meet the Rinpoche in person, affectionately say he radiated with unusual goodness and compassion, and the depth of his realization made him an embodiment of the Refuge.
The living incarnation of Kalu Rinpoche was born in 1990 in his Samdrub Tarjayling monastery in north-eastern India. He was officially recognized as Kalu Rinpoche's incarnation by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Tai Situ Rinpoche. The enthronement ceremony took place in 1993.
Yangsi Kalu Rinpoche commenced his formal studies at the age of seven under Venerable Bokar Rinpoche. At the age of fifteen he started the traditional Shangpa Kagyu three-year retreat which he completed in 2008.
Already as a child Rinpoche made a great impression on those who met him. We regret that His first visit to Poland, planned for 2010, has been cancelled. But Rinpoche promised to come to our centre during the next visit in Europe.
