Founder of the Monastery
Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche (1922–1996) was a highly accomplished Nyingma master born in Solukhumbu, Nepal. From a young age, he dedicated his life to the Dharma under the guidance of many great teachers, including Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, and Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
He spent over twenty-one years in solitary retreat, practicing in caves and sacred sites across Nepal, Tibet, and India, including Maratika, where he lived for much of his life. His practices included Chod, Chulen, Dark Retreats, and extensive Dzogchen meditation.
Beyond his retreats, Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche devoted his life to serving others. He worked tirelessly to preserve the Dharma, support local communities, build sacred structures, and inspire compassion and non-violence.
Guided by his teachers, he founded Maratika Monastery, establishing it as a lasting center for authentic Buddhist study
Founder of the Monastery
Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche (1922–1996) was a highly accomplished Nyingma master born in Solukhumbu, Nepal. From a young age, he dedicated his life to the Dharma under the guidance of many great teachers, including Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, and Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
He spent over twenty-one years in solitary retreat, practicing in caves and sacred sites across Nepal, Tibet, and India, including Maratika, where he lived for much of his life. His practices included Chod, Chulen, Dark Retreats, and extensive Dzogchen meditation.
Beyond his retreats, Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche devoted his life to serving others. He worked tirelessly to preserve the Dharma, support local communities, build sacred structures, and inspire compassion and non-violence.
Guided by his teachers, he founded Maratika Monastery, establishing it as a lasting center for authentic Buddhist study
Biography of
ven.Maratika Lama Ngawang
Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche
Founder of Maratika monastery – Chimey Takten Choling
Founder of the Monastery
Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche (1922–1996) was a highly accomplished Nyingma master born in Solukhumbu, Nepal. From a young age, he dedicated his life to the Dharma under the guidance of many great teachers, including Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, and Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
He spent over twenty-one years in solitary retreat, practicing in caves and sacred sites across Nepal, Tibet, and India, including Maratika, where he lived for much of his life. His practices included Chod, Chulen, Dark Retreats, and extensive Dzogchen meditation.
Beyond his retreats, Lama Ngawang Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche devoted his life to serving others. He worked tirelessly to preserve the Dharma, support local communities, build sacred structures, and inspire compassion and non-violence.
Guided by his teachers, he founded Maratika Monastery, establishing it as a lasting center for authentic Buddhist study
Biography of
ven.Maratika Lama Ngawang
Chophel Gyatso Rinpoche
Founder of Maratika monastery – Chimey Takten Choling