| Biography |
 |
| Venerable Pong Re Sung Rap Tulku Rinpoche The Venerable Pong Re Rinpoche (Kartung Pongtrul Rinpoche) was born amongst auspicious signs and portents in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1993. In 1999, His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche recognised him as the incarnation of the Eastern Pong Re Tulku Rinpoche - an emanation of a Buddha (Skt: Nirmanakaya) and significant tulku of the Kagyu Lineage. This recognition was subsequently confirmed by His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa - Ogyen Trinley Dorje - and by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Rinpoche's first incarnation can be traced back to the time of the 2nd Gyalwang Karmapa, Karma Pakshi. There are three places associated with Karma Pakshi: Gampo Gung Re (connected to his body), Shar Chok Pong Re (connected to his speech) and Karma Ri Ling (connected to his mind). These three are related to Chakrasambhava and are the activies of the Karmapa. In the Long Life Prayer for Rinpoche written by His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, it clearly shows that Rinpoche is the speech activity of Karmapa. "Sung Rap", which is part of Rinpoche's name, means "Supreme Speech" (Sourced from "Living With Death & Dying' by Venerable Lama Samten c 2002 Marpa Activites ISBN 0-908731-05-1) Venerable Rinpoche was enthroned at Sherab Ling Monastery in Himalchal Pradesh, India, on August 14, 2000. He is now receiving a traditional monastic education which will continue until he is 21. Prior to his enthronment, Rinpoche toured New Zealand visiting students and giving public audiences. This attracted much interest in the New Zealand and international media. He was received on Turangawaewae Marae by the Maori Queen, the late Dame Te Ataairangi Kahu, and was congratulated on his enthronement by the New Zealand Parliament. A documentary about Rinpoche - Kiwi Buddha -has screened three times on national television in New Zealand. |