A Tribute to My Grandfather, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was a truly extraordinary master, revered throughout the world for his wisdom, compassion, and realization. Standing at an impressive 6’7” and weighing about 120 kilos, he was a towering figure especially remarkable among Tibetans. Yet despite his physical presence, he carried himself with deep humility. What defined him most was not his stature, but his boundless kindness, his trustworthiness, and his ability to make every person feel valued.

I had the great fortune of spending two decades of my life by his side, from the age of five until his passing in 1991, when I was twenty-five. These years remain the most precious period of my life.

He began teaching me from the very beginning the Tibetan alphabet and guided me through the profound teachings of Buddhism. When I was eight years old, I began accompanying him on his journeys to the West. Together we traveled to America and Europe, where I witnessed firsthand the respect and devotion he inspired. To be constantly at his side, both at home and abroad, was an immeasurable blessing.

Rinpoche was not only a great master of the Nyingma tradition but a holder of the teachings of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Many renowned scholars, teachers, and eminent Rinpoches came to him for advice. His responses carried both intellectual brilliance and the depth of his own realization. Yet what was most remarkable was that his wisdom and compassion were not reserved for spiritual practitioners alone. His door was open to all—whether kings and leaders, simple farmers, or beggars. Whoever came to him, he welcomed with equal warmth and concern, offering guidance suited to their needs.

Despite his vast responsibilities, he remained a deeply loving and gentle person. As my grandfather, he was never too busy to spend time with me. Since I had no toys or dolls, he would shape figures out of dough for me sometimes making human shapes, sometimes drawing colorful flowers and butterflies that I still treasure today. These simple acts revealed his playful, creative, and affectionate nature, and remain among my most cherished memories.

Rinpoche’s discipline and dedication were unwavering. He never wasted a moment. From morning until evening, he was always engaged—composing commentaries, poems, and practice manuals, or absorbed in practice. Even in his later years, he continued to write personal letters by hand. Each letter carried encouragement, guidance, and often a touch of poetry.

Though he passed away nearly forty years ago, I still feel his presence strongly. His blessings continue to protect and inspire us. Even today, people I meet tell me how their lives were changed by a single meeting with him or a few words of advice.  This, I believe, was one of his greatest gifts the ability to make every individual feel seen and valued.

To have spent so much of my life by his side remains the greatest blessing of my life, one that continues to shape and guide me to this day.

I often reflect on how I can repay, even in a small way, the immeasurable kindness and guidance I received from him. I feel that the only true way to do so is to help carry forward his vision to preserve and spread the teachings and lineage that I received from him, and to protect his legacy for the sake of future generations. In doing so, I find a sense of purpose and meaning in my own life. It is my way of honoring him, and of keeping alive the light of wisdom and compassion that he so selflessly shared with the world.

~Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche

Tour the Dilgo Khyentse Memorial House in Bhutan:  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OgxuqEutll8