Geshe Thubten Soepa was born in Zanskar, India in 1955. As a young child, he and his mother were advised by His Holiness Ling Rinpoche and His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche that it would be good if he ordained, and he soon followed their guidance. At the age of fourteen, Geshe Soepa began his Dharma education at Domo Geshe Rinpoche’s monastery in Kalimpong, India, where he studied ritual for four years. He then transferred to Sera Je Monastery in Bylakuppe, India, where he would complete his geshe studies twenty-one years later, earning the highest honor of Geshe Lharampa, in 1993.

Geshe Soepa took his novice vows before Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche and his full vows before Kyabje Ling Dorjechang, the 97th head of the Gelug tradition (Tib: Ganden Tri Rinpoche). He also received many teachings and initiations from them, as well as from Ganden Zong Rinpoche. He attained the lharampa geshe degree at Sera Je in 1997.

In his first three years serving as a geshe, he taught philosophy and Tibetan grammar at Sera Je and Dzongkar Chode monasteries. Geshe Thubten Soepa then received a request from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to be the resident geshe of Aryatara Institut in Munich, Germany. Geshe Soepa agreed to Rinpoche’s request and for ten years he continuously taught at FPMT centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while also travelling to other centers around Europe to offer teachings. After his time in Europe, the next decade of his life was mostly spent in North America, offering teachings at FPMT centers in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He was respected for his teachings on cherishing animals and was well known for his advocacy of animal rights and his stance on leading a vegetarian life.

Geshe Soepa passed away at the age of 67 in Mysore, India, on November 2, 2022. Read Geshe-la’s obituary here.

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Teachings from Geshe Thubten Soepa

The Melody of Willows Bending in the Wind

This teaching by Geshe Thubten Soepa was translated by Geshe Tenzin Namdak. Read Geshe Soepa's biography here. Click here to find out more about FPMT’s Animal Liberation Sanctuary. Visit Enlightenment for the Dear Animals for more resources and information about helping animals. Introduction The late and most compassionate and ...

Protecting the Lives of Helpless Beings: The Udamwara Lotus Flower