Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche was born in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. He was recognized as a holy child and began training as a lama from the age of four. Rinpoche attended the Buddhist university in Sarnath, India, and later received teachings, empowerments, and transmissions from many of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of his time, including H.H. Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche, H.H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, H.H. Penor Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and his root teacher Sangye Dorje Chatral Rinpoche. Rinpoche is a lineage holder of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, with transmissions in the Longchen Nyingthig, Pema Sangthig, and Düdjom Tersar traditions.