In his early 20s, Namgyal Rinpoche traveled to India and Burma, received novice ordination at Bodh Gaya, India, and full ordination in 1958 at the Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar by the accomplished master Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. His ordination name was Bhikkhu Anandabodhi. In Burma, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, Anandabodhi trained, studied Dharma and meditation from illustrious masters such as Mahasi Sayadaw and Chao Khun Phra Rajasiddhimuni and after some years received the title Meditation Acarya.

Upon invitation by the English Sangha Trust, he came to the UK, where he taught meditation and the Dharma and where he founded the Johnstone House Contemplative Community in Scotland. Rinpoche returned to Canada in 1965, establishing the Dharma Centre of Canada, where more and more students gathered around him. He traveled extensively throughout the world, giving teaching, guiding retreats, and inspiring students to build up meditation centers in Canada, the United States, Guatemala, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.

In 1968 while traveling with a large group of students to Sikkim and Rumtek Monastery, Anandabodhi was recognized as a highly accomplished Tulku and meditation master by H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. From the Gyalwa Karmapa, Anandabodhi took Mahayana ordination. Instructed by Karmapa, Rinpoche was formally enthroned near Toronto as Karma Tenzin Dorje Namgyal Rinpoche by Karma Thinley Rinpoche. Rinpoche was recognized as an extraordinary accomplished Dharma Master and Yogi. He continuously received empowerments and transmissions from H.H. Sakya Trizin, H.E. Chogye Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, and other great masters. It was declared by a number of eminent Gurus that he was an emanation of the 19th-century saint Mipham Rinpoche and an embodiment of White Manjusri.

In 2003 he passed away at one of his favorite places, a small private cottage on a lake in Switzerland.