His Eminence Lopon Tenzin Jigme Rinpoche, born in Taiwan in 1960, is recognized by His Holiness Shamarpa Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Lopon Dragpa Rabgye Rinpoche, who had been appointed by H.H. the 15th Karmapa as the Dorje Lopon of the Tsurphu Monastery for 20 years. (from 1910 to 1930) *

     H.E. Lopon Rinpoche received extensive teachings under the guidance of H.H. Shamar Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.E. Gyaltsap Rinpoche, H.E. Jamgon Khongtrul Rinpoche, H.E. Jamyang Khyentse Yeshi Rinpoche, Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche and so on. At present time Rinpoche is appointed by H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje as the Senior Head of Karma Kagyu Monastery, the Seat of H.H. Gyalwa Karmapa and its branches elsewhere in Taiwan.

     As one of the main disciples to H.H. the 15th Karmapa, Lopon Dragpa Rabgye Rinpoche was known for his practice in The Six Yogas of Naropa, Mahamudra, and Mahakla. During the time served as Dorje Lopon of the Tsurphu Monastery, Rinpoche took charge of the Cremation Ceremony of H.H. the 15th Karmapa and the Enthronement Ceremony of H.H. the 16th Karmapa. In the years to follow, Rinpoche went on retreat in the Tsurphu Monastery for 13 years. It was amazing that even after passing away at the age of 68 in 1948, Rinpoche remained the meditation posture for several days. These accomplishments prove his capacity to reincarnate, due to the deep aspirations to benefit all sentient beings.

     Reincarnated as the first Tulku of Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan, Rinpoche naturally took up the responsibilities for promoting Karmapa's activities and passing Vajrayana teachings on to local followers. Due to the profound devotion to H.H. Karmapa, since 1986 Rinpoche has incepted the project to construct a monastery as the Seat of H.H. Karmapa in Taiwan. The main buildings completed so far include a magnificent Bodhi Stupa with 201 praying wheels surrounded, the monk's quarter, Nun's quarter in exquisite style etc. Currently Rinpoche is involved in constructing a six storied Gyalwa Karmapa Shrine.

     Over the past decade Rinpoche has also initiated non-profit organizations to help the minorities of the society, such as Tanian Karma Kagyu Foundation for Drug-Abuse Prevention & Rehabilitation, JCF (Jamyang Charity Foundation) and CKKPS (The Chinese Karma Kagyu Promotion Society), SCRC (Sarnath Care and Rehabilitation Center) and the Tainan Karma Kagyu Philanthropy Center for Tramps.
H.H. Shamar Rinpoche once instructed his followers in Taiwan that supporting the activities of H.E. Lopon Rinpoche is not different from supporting His Holiness Karmapa!

* Dorje Lopon is a title for a qualified teacher who has fully mastered in skillful means of Vajrayana and is able to transmit them to others