Our Spiritual Director

Khenpo Choepel Rinpoche

We are immensely honored to introduce our Spiritual Director, Khenpo Choepel Rinpoche.
He is, in fact, recognized with the supreme traditional title of Rinpoche (meaning “Precious One”), a designation reserved for masters of exceptional realization.
However, in keeping with his commitment to simplicity and his emphasis on authentic practice over personal honorifics, he prefers to be addressed by his academic title, Khenpo (scholar or professor).

Khenpo Choephel embodies the ideal of a profoundly learned and authentic Buddhist teacher whose sole focus is to transmit the practical, applicable, and undiluted instructions of the Buddha for the modern world.
With no pretence and a deliberate eschewal of religious connotation, his main purpose is to offer the true teachings and discipline of the mind, making the profound wisdom of Buddhist Practice accessible and relevant for this day and age.

A Heritage of Authentic Training

Khenpo Choephel’s remarkable journey began at the very root of his tradition.
He is originally from Drikung Thil Monastery, the esteemed, ancestral seat of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, founded in 1179 by the great master Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön Ratna Shri, near Lhasa, Tibet.

At the age of 14, he took monastic ordination vows, committing himself to a rigorous path that spanned 18 years residing at Drikung Thil.
During this formative period, he was trained by his root Gurus: the supreme Lama Bhikshu Pachung Rinpoche and the great Abbott and retreat master Bhikshu Tenzin Nyima Rinpoche.

From these masters, Khenpo received comprehensive training in:
• Vinaya Discipline (the monastic code)
• The profound Fivefold Mahamudra system of retreat meditation
• Traditional monastic rituals and the core teachings of the Drikung Kagyu lineage

His scholarly title, Khenpo (equivalent to a Doctor or Professor of Buddhist Philosophy), was earned through advanced philosophical study under the guidance of Abbott Ghämer Rinpoche. His dedication has been continuous; from his youth to the present day, Khenpo has sought out and received countless teachings, transmissions, and empowerments from contemporary masters, including: His Holiness Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang, Drikung Kyabgön Chungtsang, Drubwang Rinpoche, Nupa Rinpoche, and Khenchen Rinpoche, across Tibet, India, Nepal, and the U.S.

Other Resident Teachers

Leadership, Broadening, and Roots

Khenpo Choephel’s practical experience as a teacher and leader in the West began shortly after his initial arrival in the United States, when he was invited to be the resident monk of The Three Rivers Dharma Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This center, which had been founded by Kenchen Rinpoche, flourished under Khenpo Choephel’s direction over many years, establishing a deep root for the Drikung Kagyu teachings in the U.S.

In 2019, Khenpo answered a traditional call to service, receiving the high honor of being appointed and enthroned as the Abbott of Drikung Rinchenling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal — a post he dedicated six years to before returning to the U.S.

Bringing the same dedication to his next phase of guidance, Khenpo has chosen to establish his residence in Englewood, Colorado. He views the Bodhi Dharma House as a sister center to his established roots in Pittsburgh, broadening the reach of the authentic Dharma to a new region. He sees immense potential and opportunity here, having always been fascinated by Colorado’s blue skies, dry and clean air, and snowy mountains which closely resemble his native Tibet.

A Practical, Modern Guide

Khenpo Choephel dedicates his life to teaching and guiding meditation. Critically for our community, he is fluent in English and often offers his teachings directly, making the Dharma immediately accessible to a Western audience. His teachings are known for their clarity, directness, and profound practicality.

In addition to guiding lay practitioners, Khenpo Choephel maintains a special commitment to those who have received monastic ordination vows. He offers essential guidance on maintaining the Vinaya (monastic discipline) and upholding the sacred Samayas (vows of commitment).

Through his compassionate guidance, Bodhi Dharma House serves as a sanctuary for all who seek to integrate authentic, time-tested Buddhist wisdom into the fabric of modern life. Khenpo Choephel’s simple and direct instructions foster calmness, clarity of purpose, and the practical application of the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life.

Teachings and Dharma Service Offerings

The Bodhi Dharma House is fortunate to receive Khenpo Choephel’s guidance, which is characterized by its authenticity, clarity, and direct application to modern life.
His offerings blend profound scholarship with accessible, practical instruction.

Core Practice and Study

These regular programs form the foundation of our spiritual community:

Foundational Meditation (Shamatha & Vipashyana):

Clear, simple instructions for calming the mind and developing insight, accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Systematic Dharma Teachings:

Ongoing classes and retreats on essential Buddhist philosophy, including the Three Principles (Renunciation, Bodhicitta, and View), Karma, and the foundational texts of the tradition.

The Fivefold Path of Mahamudra:

Practical, Time-Appropriate Retreats and specialized instruction in this central, profound meditation system of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, guiding serious students toward realization.

Teachings in English:

All instructions and teachings are provided directly in English, ensuring immediate understanding and accessibility for Western students.

Guidance for Ordained Sangha

Reflecting his scholarly role as a Khenpo and his background as an Abbott, Khenpo Choephel offers unique support for Buddhist Monastics:

Vinaya & Samaya Instruction:

Essential guidance and teachings on maintaining the monastic discipline (Vinaya) and upholding the sacred commitments (Samayas) for those who have taken ordination vows.

Through his guidance, our Bodhi Dharma House will serve as a sanctuary for all who seek to integrate authentic, time-tested Buddhist wisdom into the fabric of modern life. Khenpo Choephel’s simple, direct instructions and guidance are dedicated to fostering calmness, clarity of purpose, and the practical application of the Buddha’s teachings in everyday life and living.