Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche is said to be an emanation of Maitreya. He already unfolded his activities in different incarnations as Mahasiddhas in India before he established the incarnation lineage of the Sangye Nyenpas in Tibet. The current 10th Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche was born 1964 in Paro Taktsang, the famous Tigers Nest and temple of Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan. His birthplace, the name of his parents, the year of birth and the signs indicating his birth were prophesized by H.H. the 16th Karmapa.
At the early age of 4 years he was brought to Rumtek monastery in Sikkim, where he was inthroned by His Holiness. With 5 years he started his studies under the guidance of H.H. the Karmapa, of Tenga Rinpoche and several other great masters of the Kagyü and Nyingma tradition. He had a very close relationship with Dhilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, since the preceding 9th Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche was the older brother of Dhilgo Khyentse.
After the foundation of Nalanda Institute in Rumtek he went through the full 10-years study program and was awarded the title of Acharya. He is renowned as one of the most learned Rinpoches on the topics of philosophy and tantric rituals. His traditional seat is Benchen monastery in Eastern Tibet, which was founded by the 4th Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche. Currently he lives at Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling in Kathmandu, Nepal.