His Eminence Mipham Namgyal Gyatso Tshojung Gyepe Dorje (1949-2025)

December 24, 2025

The Private Office of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje shares a message on the occasion of the passing of His Eminence Mipham Namgyal Gyatso Tshojung Gyepe Dorje.

A transcript of the message follows.

Recognition

Born in Dzachukha, in the high grasslands of Kham, east Tibet, His Eminence was identified at the age of three as the 3rd reincarnation of the eminent master of scholars and Siddhas Ju Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912) by both the Tengye Rinpoche of Lab and the Rigdzin Chenpo of Chewo.

Early life

His Eminence first studied under the guidance of Thubten Wangchuk, the Khenpo or abbot of Bumnying monastery, receiving numerous teachings from him.

Receiving transmissions and retreat

During the period of upheaval in Tibet that followed the events of 1959, His Eminence, affected by illness, was able nevertheless to confine himself to retreat for fifteen years. He accomplished then over two thousand sets of the Nyungne fasting practice, and studied extensively the great Buddhist treatises with Khenpo Ngawang Thargye, receiving many profound transmissions from him.

Later on during this time, His Eminence received from the great Rigtsal Dorje, the Khenpo of Junyug, numerous secret instructions such as the empowerments of Karling Chitro, Tregcho, Thogal and the introduction to the true nature of mind. His Eminence continued perfecting his knowledge and practice of sutra and tantra and other sciences with many masters such as Rigdzin Dorje the Lama of Serta, Thubten Norbu, the Khempo of Rakor, and Lhundrup Thabkhe of Tsang, the great Khenpo of Sera.

Special relation with Lab Trichen Sonam Tsemo Rinpoche

Of particular significance was His Eminence’s close relation with the previous Sonam Tsemo Rinpoche, Jamyang Lodoe Rinchen, the holder of the great throne of Lab monastery.
His Eminence received from him numerous empowerments and instructions — including the uncommon transmission of the Mati lineage of white Mañjuśrī — and an exceptionally pure spiritual relation. Following the guidance of Sonam Tsemo Rinpoche, a strong connection between His Eminence and the monastery of Lab as well as the local population of Lab was established.

Dharma activities in Tibet and China

Once the practice and teaching of Dharma could be more freely undertaken in Tibet, His Eminence travelled to teach throughout the three parts of the Golok and Chumar regions. He gathered the necessary support for the reconstruction of the monastery of Junyug as well as other places of practice. Afterwards His Eminence journeyed to Lhaden (Lhasa) to perform prostrations, circumambulations and purification practices. Later His Eminence went on pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, abode of Mañjuśrī, in China and met there with His Holiness the Panchen Lama Chokyi Gyaltshen. Their minds merged in complete unity.

Life in India and abroad

In 1994, following a paralytic stroke, His Eminence moved to India. He devoted himself almost exclusively to meditation practice for over thirty years. Alongside his personal practice, he generously offered Dharma teachings to whoever wished to receive instruction from him.
His Eminence also travelled to Europe and shared the Dharma among people of various Western nations. After his return from the West to India in 2010, His Eminence solely devoted himself to practicing Dharma.

Parinirvāṇa

Though His Eminence was gravely affected by his illness, he was always naturally in a peaceful and gentle state. At the time of his passing into the peaceful expanse of Dharmadhātu he departed in a state of supreme bliss manifesting wondrous signs. His Eminence remained in Thugdam—post-death meditative state—for three days. Following the end of the Thugdam, forty-nine days of pujas will be performed at KIBI. The actual cremation date will be announced in due course.

Guru Yoga

A Guru Yoga sādhana centred on His Eminence the 3rd Mipham Rinpoche is being composed conjointly by Their Holinesses Gyalwa Trinley Thaye Dorje and Gyalwa Urgyen Trinley Dorje, instead of a prayer of swift rebirth, because His Eminence did not give any particular indication in relation to manifesting a future reincarnation. Through the Guru Yoga sādhana of His Eminence, the 3rd Mipham Rinpoche’s disciples will be able to receive His Eminence’s ever-present blessings regardless of time and location.

Compiled by the Private Office of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje, Karmapa International Buddhist Institute, New Delhi, December 23, 2025.