The lineage holder of the Jonang tradition in exile, Jonang Gyaltsab Ngawang Choekyi Nangpa Rinpoche, is in Taipei in late March to bestow three empowerments (abisheka). Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche is the principal throne holder of the Jonang tradition in exile, entrusted with preserving its unique Kalachakra practices and philosophy of emptiness (shentong). His leadership since the 1990s has been pivotal in ensuring Jonang’s survival and recognition within the wider Vajrayana Buddhist world.
On 27 March, His Holiness will officiate the sought-after White Zambala Empowerment according to the Jonang lineage. White Zambala helps eliminate poverty, embodies great compassion, swiftly removes hardship, and brings wealth and blessings. White Zambala, as one of the manifestations of the deity of prosperity Zambala, is fully endowed with spiritual and material resources, capable of accomplishment. For those who seek success in their careers and Dharma practice, White Zambala offers the means to fulfill aspirations and accumulate resources.
On 28 March, Rinpoche will officiate the unique Kalachakra Vishvamata Empowerment. Vishvamata, the Mother of All-Encompassing Wisdom, is the wisdom manifestation of Kalachakra. She inherits the pure Nyingma lineage and opens the door to the profound Kalachakra tantra. Her name means “All-Knowing Mother,” symbolizing wisdom that illuminates all realms, perceiving past, present, and future, and realizing the nature of all phenomena. She appears as Kalachakra’s consort, embodying supreme wisdom and emptiness. Practitioners who connect with her can swiftly realize their inner luminous nature.
On 29 March, His Holiness will grant the powerful Four-Faced, Eight-Armed Vase Yamantaka Empowerment. This grand empowerment will also consist of a special Dharma assembly and ritual instruction. Yamantaka is the wrathful manifestation of Manjushri Bodhisattva, possessing powerful demon-subduing energy. He enhances wisdom, courage, and spiritual power. As the only deity combining Manjushri and Mahākāla, Yamantaka holds a unique position in Vajrayana. He embodies fierce Vajra power and offers unparalleled blessings. His empowerment offers a vital gateway to ultimate liberation.
Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche has lived in India since 1993. He has been the abbot of Jonang Monastery, Shimla since 1998, an appointment by HH the Dalai Lama. He is the Dorje Lopon (Vajra Holder), the highest tantric title in the Jonang tradition. He was bestowed the title of “Jonang” in 2014, becoming the main representative of the Jonang lineage in exile and serving as its spiritual and administrative leader. In February 2026, he presided over the complete oral transmission of Kunchen Dolpo Buddha’s collected works (16 volumes) in Kathmandu, safeguarding rare Jonang instructions for future generations.
As the lineage holder of Jonang, His Holiness continues to articulate and defend Jonang’s distinctive view of emptiness (shentong), which emphasizes the luminous, positive qualities of ultimate reality. His teachings also highlight Jonang’s unique approach to the Kalachakra tantra, distinguishing the school from other Tibetan traditions. Rinpoche’s stewardship ensures Jonang’s distinct identity remains intact while adapting to modern contexts. His transmissions and teachings are also reaching practitioners worldwide, expanding Jonang’s influence beyond Tibet and India.
Jonang Gyaltsab Ngawang Choekyi Nangpa Rinpoche embodies the living continuity of the Jonang tradition. His leadership preserves its rare teachings, secures its institutional presence in exile, and elevates Jonang’s role within Vajrayana Buddhism worldwide.
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