Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche was born in Bhutan in 1918. As a small boy he became a monk in Phunaka Dzong, the biggest Bhutanese monastery, and when he turned 13 he left Bhutan and went to study and practice under the spiritual guidance of his uncle, Drukpa Rinpoche Lama Sherab Dorje, in Nepal. There he received full training and meditated under severe conditions in the caves of Milarepa and in the holy places of Guru Rinpoche.

Later Rinpoche returned to Bhutan and completed his studies. Afterwards he traveled to Nepal with his Lama and accomplished several retreats to master his meditation. He also undertook many pilgrimages to monasteries and holy places in Tibet. He had many teachers from the Kagyu, Nyingma, Sayka and Gelug lineages. In 1944 Rinpoche met The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in Bum Tang in Bhutan who became one of his most important masters. Rinpoche received most of the teachings and transmissions of the Karma Kagyu Lineage from Him.

In the years to follow, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche became very important for Dharma practitioners in Nepal, taking care of a number of monasteries and nunneries that serve the indigenous Buddhist population of Sherpas, Tamangs, Gurung, Newar, Tsumbas, Tibetans and Bhutanese. Rinpoche gives unceasing support for the restoration of old stupas, meditation places, and monasteries, and built many "Om Mani Peme Hung" prayer wheels.

Because of his vast activity spanning many decades, Rinpoche is regarded as the key figure holding together the diverse Buddhist community in Nepal. During many years Rinpoche worked for the development of eighteen mostly-isolated regions of Nepal, which are situated in remote areas in the Himalayas.

In 1987 he visited Europe for the first time at the invitation of his first Occidental students and close friends, Lama Ole Nydahl and his wife Hannah from Denmark. Since time he has traveled extensively throughout West and East Europe, North and South America, and also Australia giving teachings and countless initiations in the Buddhist Karma Kagyu Centers founded by Lama Ole Nydahl. In addition, he has completed the building of a Kalachakra Stupa in Spain and two other stupas in Germany. Rinpoche also visits different Buddhist Centers in China, Tibet, Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, India and Hong Kong. The immense power of his compassion is felt by people of every background and brings benefit to all beings.

Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche passed away on June 10th, 2003 at 7:14 CET in a hospital in Bangkok. Letter by Lama Ole (in PDF format) and homage to a great teacher.