Lho Karma Ratna Rinpoche
Ratna Rinpoche (Orgyen Drodul Dorje Rinpoche) was born in Mandi (Zahor), India, in 1980. Numerous auspicious signs accompanied his birth, and accomplished yogis had clear visions that the son of Lho Ontul Rinpoche and Tashi Dolma was a being of great scope. In 2003, the Rinpoche was officially recognized by H.E. Tertön Dzogchen Ganor Rinpoche, H.H. Dalai Lama and H.H. Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche as the ‘Quality Emanation’ of the 4th Lho Drongtrul, the great early 20th century Drikung Treasure revealer Orgyen Lho Nuden Dorje (1849-1902).
Rinpoche studied Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan grammar at Drikung Jangchub Ling Monastery in Dehra Dun, took his monastic vows from H.H. Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, trained at Dzongzsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Insitute in Bir, India with great Kenpos. He has received many important transmissions and empowerments from great masters, such as H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Sakya Trinzin, H.H. Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, H.E. Lho Ontul Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, and H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche.
Ratna Rinpoche now leads the Drikung Kagyu Monastery in Tso Pema, India, where he resides with his wife, Sonam Choedon and family. Rinpoche is actively engaged in setting up an academy and regularly visits his main seat at Lungkar Ogmin Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery in Nangchen, Tibet. With his late Father, Kyabje Ontul Rinpoche, he has travelled frequently throughout North America, Malaysia, and Europe, teaching, translating, and giving transmissions to Dharma to students in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His oral translations and explanations, born of study and meditation, bear the unmistakable stamp of great love, knowledge, and understanding of the Dharma.