Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa

Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa is the Founder and Spiritual Director of the institute and a respected master of the Palyul Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Known for his deep scholarship, spiritual discipline, and dedication to service, he has devoted his life to preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha.

Through years of study, meditation practice, and international teaching, Khenpo Pem has become a respected teacher guiding students and communities around the world in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and traditional ritual practices.

the beginning

Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa was born in Marbu, Ward No. 7 of Gaurishankar Rural Municipality in Dolakha, Nepal. He completed his early education up to Grade 5 at Shree Himwarti Secondary School in his village.

At the age of nine, guided by his father’s wish and his own deep spiritual inclination, he traveled to India to begin formal monastic education at Namdroling Monastery, one of the largest centers of the Palyul Nyingma lineage.

During his early years in the monastery, he completed his junior high school studies at Yeshe Wodsal Sherab Raldiling and began his spiritual training. He undertook seven months of Ngöndro (preliminary practices) of the Namchö tradition, which established a strong foundation for higher Vajrayana practice.

Monastic Education

In 2002, Khenpo Pem entered the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute the Higher Buddhist Studies & Research Center the well renowned monastic college (Shedra) of the Nyingma tradition where he pursued nine years of intensive study.

in 2006 he completed his Higher Secondary Degree in Buddhist Philosophy and in 2009 Bachelor of Buddhist Philosophy.

His studies included:

Buddhist Logic and Epistemology (Pramāṇa)
Madhyamaka (Middle Way philosophy)
Pāramitā (Perfection of Wisdom)
Abhidharma
Vinaya (Morality)
Sutra and Tantra
Nyingma Dzogchen teachings
Tibetan grammar, poetry, and composition
Tibetan political and religious history

He excelled in all subjects, demonstrating both scholarly brilliance and practical realization.

Academic Achievements and Teaching Career:

In 2012, he completed his Master Degree in Buddhist Philosophy and was awarded the title Lopon (Master / Ācārya). From this time onward, he began teaching extensively and participating in major religious ceremonies internationally.

At the age of 18, he received esoteric Vajrayana tantric teachings, marking the formal beginning of his advanced spiritual training.

Major Empowerments and Lineage Transmissions

In 2001, at Namdroling Monastery, Khenpo Pem received more than 800 empowerments of the Rinchen Terdzo from H.H. Pema Norbu Rinpoche along with extensive oral transmissions from H.E. Tulku Rigzin Pema Rinpoche.

He also received Kama empowerments from H.H. Domang Yangthang Rinpoche. The oral transmission of Nyingma Gyübum the Hundred Thousand Tantras of Nyingma from H.E. Ladakh Tobden Rinpoche at Bodhgaya, Vajrakīlaya empowerments from H.H. Shakya Gongma Rinpoche and H.H. Domang Yangthang Rinpoche.

Shower of Blessings empowerment from H.H. Taklung Tsetul Rinpoche

He has also received several times of the Kalachakra Empowerment from H.H. Dalai Lama in various locations around the world.

He has taught and conducted teachings in:

Asia: Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, and India
Europe: France, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom
North America: The United States of America and Canada
Australia

His teachings focus on:

Buddhist philosophy & Meditation
Sutra and Tantra
Palyul Nyingma lineage teachings
Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practice

He is also highly accomplished in ritual performance, including Cham (lama dance) and traditional pujas.

Advanced Service and Khenpo Degree

Following his master degree, Khenpo Pem served as a resident teacher in many Dharma centers. Notably, he taught:

At the Palyul Retreat Center in Upstate New York for six years
At Kunzang Wodsel Palyul Changchub Choling for nine years

In 2018, he was awarded the title Khenpo, (Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy equivalent to Ph.D) By H.H. Karma Kuchen Rinpoche at Namdroling Monastery.
In 2025, he organized the 18th 100-Million Vajra Guru Mantra World Peace Ceremony in Dolakha, Nepal, drawing over 30,000 participants in a collective aspiration for global peace and harmony.

Present Activities and Leadership

At present, Khenpo Pem Tsheri Sherpa serves as the Chief Lama of:

Chhamba Gumba
Yarjang Gumba

Both monasteries are located in Marbu, Ward No. 7, Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, Dolakha, Nepal.

Also, travel all over the world to benifit for one self and others.

Principle of Khenpo

Recognize the value of what benefits you and contribute to its continuation through generosity and gratitude.

Deliberate Before Reacting

Investigate thoroughly and control your emotions before responding.

Assess the Situation Rationally

Determine if the problem is fixable or not, and respond accordingly.

Believe in the Law of Causality

Understand that every effect has a cause under natural law.

Understand Interdependent Origination

Recognize that all phenomena arise from other phenomena and are interconnected.

Importance of Positive Motivation

Ensure your actions are driven by positive and pure intentions.

Practice Meditation

Engage in meditation on compassion and the nature of emptiness.