His Eminence Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche
The present Tritsab Rinpoche was born in 1981 and was identified by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche in 1986.  In 1990, His Eminence was formally enthroned and began training under the tutelage of accomplished teachers. From 1996 to 1999,His Eminence undertook the traditional 3-year retreat of the Drikung Kagyu under the supervision of the esteemed retreat-master Gelong Yeshe, a student of Vajradhara Pachung Rinpoche [1901-1988] and his heart-disciple Drubwang Tenzin Nyima Rinpoche. At the Snake Year teachings in 2001, Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche took the full-vows of a “bhikshu” in the presence of His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and other Khenpos and masters. At that time, His Holiness also formally announced that His Eminence Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche would be representing His Holiness in all matters of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage in the future, thus re-affirming the recent Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoches’ role as Regents of the Drikung Kyabgons during their interregnums.
His Eminence Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche is a reincarnation of the second Drikung Kagyu Throne Holder Khenchen Tsultrim Dorje (Vow Vajra, 1154-1120). Khenchen Tsultrim Dorje was ordained at a very young age and at the age of forty-six he traveled to Drikung Thil Monastery in Tibet to pay his respects to Lord Jigten Sumgon. Upon meeting with Lord Jigten Sumgon, he felt an immediate strong connection with Lord Jigten Sumgon. From then onwards, he stayed by Lord Jigten Sumgon’s side and obtained all the essential teachings from Lord Jigten Sumgon. Tritsab Gyabra Rinpoche’s last reincarnation Gyabra Thubten (1921-1979) was the heart disciple of His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang Rinpoche of that time. After these two Holinesses passed away, he became the acting head of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Upon the recognition of the reincarnation of the two present Holinesses, he became responsible for their education. Tritsab Rinpoche also transmitted all the dharma teachings, empowerments and practices of the Drikung Kagyu lineage to the two reincarnated Holinesses and other Lamas.
