Born in the Nyak Adzi Valley, Kham, Tibet
Chatral Rinpoche
DeceasedAlso known as Chatral Sangye Dorje
Tibetan Buddhist Dzogchen master and reclusive yogi who spent his later decades in Nepal
About
Chatral Rinpoche studied under about forty of the most skilled teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. For several years, he lived as a recluse. He stayed in remote hermitages, which are simple homes built for religious retreat.
For a short time, he was appointed head spiritual teacher at Regent Reting Rinpoche’s court in Lhasa. But he found the attention distracted him from his practice. He left and returned to the mountains. He kept avoiding institutional life after he settled in Nepal. There, he stayed a strict vegetarian. He also lived as an ascetic, someone who avoids comfort and owns very little, until he died at age 102.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1913-06-18
- Birthplace
- Nyak Adzi Valley, Kham, Tibet
- Profession
- Buddhist teacher, Meditation master
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 2015-12-30
Previous roles
Head Spiritual Teacher
Court of Regent Reting Rinpoche, Tibet
Career & life timeline
- 1913-06-18
- 1959
Left Tibet following the Chinese annexation, eventually settling between Nepal and India
- 2015-12-30
Died in Yangleshö, Pharping, Nepal, aged 102
Achievements
Recognized as one of the foremost masters of the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
Completed 14 ngöndro (preliminary practice) cycles over decades of intensive meditation retreat
Last updated: 2026-09-02