His Eminence Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche was born at Lari village in Spiti, India in 1984. He was recognised as a tulku (a reincarnated Lama) at three and a half years old by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Serkong Rinpoche commenced his Buddhist studies at six years old at Gaden Jangtse Monastery in South India after which he was awarded a Master of Madhyamika Buddhist Philosophy(equivalent to M.A.). Rinpoche has also spent a period of time studying English in Canada. He is now based in Dharamshala, India, where he continues to train in higher Buddhist practices. Serkong Rinpoche is the spiritual head of the ancient Tabo monastery in Spiti and teaches in India and abroad. Described as a humorous and grounded teacher, Rinpoche’s style resonates with students from all around the world. Whilst being a Buddhist lineage holder and scholar, his practice as a lay person and connection to different cultures allows for deeper insight into our modern problems. Serkong Rinpoche’s connection to the dharma spans many lifetimes. His predecessor was an incarnation of Darma Dodey, son of the Kagyu lineage founder Marpa, who had also served the Dalai Lama as his tutor and debate partner in Tibet and India. A pop culture trivia, George Lucas prior to making Star Wars traveled to Dharamshala and met Rinpoche’s predecessor. Described as a sagely monk, his predecessor also inspired the character of Yoda from Star Wars.