Bodh Gaya: The Office of Nyingma Monlam International Foundation issued a circular earlier this week concerning the appointment of a new Head of the Nyingma Tradition.

According to the circular, “At the annual Nyingma Prayer Festival Nyingma Monlam held at the sacred site of Bodhgaya, India, on the 8th day of 12th month of the lunar calendar, a meeting of the Nyingma Monlam Organization Committee and other important persons connected to the Nyingma Lineage was held to discuss the Head of the Nyingma Tradition. Previously, from the appointment of Kyabje Dudom Rinpoche up through to Kyabje Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, the position of Head of the Nyingma Tradition was held be a distinguished line of high lamas who brought great benefit to the general and specific welfare of sentient beings and the teachings of Buddha.

“Subsequently, in 2018, at the twenty-ninth Nyingma Monlam, it was decided the title of head of the Nyingma tradition should be shared between the six-major Nyingma Monasteries in this order: Kathok, Dzogchen, Shechen, Mindroling, Dorje Drak, and Palyul; with a senior Lama from each monastery holding the position for three years.

“As per this decision, a request was made of Kyabje Kathok Getse Rinpoche to assume the role of head of the Nyingma Tradition, which he graciously accepted. However, due to the nature of the times and dwindling fortune and merit of beings, Kyabje Rinpoche passed away without completing his tenure. The title then passed to Kyabje Dzogchen Rinpoche who declined to accept it.

“This year, 2020, at the thirty-first Nyingma Monlam, repeated requests were made of Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche to accept the position of Head of the Nyingma Tradition. Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche replied that in his opinion there is a danger that with the insistence of a continued appointment of a ‘head of the tradition’ there comes a danger that it may bring more harm than benefit to the Nyingma lineage. Kyabje Rinpoche went on to suggest there isn’t a need to appoint a Head of Tradition, but rather, seeing as the Nyingma Monlam involves all Nyingmapa organisations, and as the appointed head of the Nyingma Monlam Committee is already engaged in virtuous activities for the benefit of beings and the teaching of the Buddha, it would be adventitious if they would also assume the duties previously undertaken by the Lineage Head.

“It has been decided to implement the suggestions of Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, and from now on the organisation committee of the Nyingma Monlam, in addition to its work and commitment to the welfare of beings and the teaching of Buddha, will take the responsibility to continually select and request high lamas and responsible individuals from the various Nyingma Institutions to lead the Monlam Committee and act in accordance with the above.”