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Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche

The late Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche (d. September 23, 2025) was a highly respected lama of the Kagyu lineage. “Maniwa” is a title given to masters of the Chenrezi practice who have accomplished at least a billion Om Mani Peme Hung mantras.

Rinpoche was ordained in Rumtek by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. An exceptionally gifted student, Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche mastered all aspects of traditional Buddhist study including the sutras and tantras, rituals and music, the sciences, art and composition.

Since completing the 3-year retreat under Bokar Rinpoche, Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche supported the activity of the Kagyu lineage through his tireless commitment to practicing, giving transmission and guiding disciples. Among his many activities, Rinpoche was retreat master of the 3-year retreat center in Pharping. He built and oversaw a monastery of a hundred nuns west of Kathmandu, and his plans to build a monks’ monastery east of the capital was developing.

Several times a year Rinpoche led thousands of practitioners in the practices of Nyoung-ne and Chenrezi at his Nyeshang Monastery in Swayambhunath. Over twenty billion Chenrezi mantras have been accumulated over the past quarter century.

Rinpoche’s teaching style was deep, direct and accessible. His teachings, peppered with practical advice, stories and warm humor, left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to hear them.