HE Thendup Rinpoche was born in 1983 into the noble Nambhu family, accompanied by numerous auspicious and extraordinary signs. Recognized by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and His Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, he was confirmed as the reincarnation of the renowned tertön, Powo Terton Padun Rinpoche from Eastern Tibet. Additionally, Rinpoche is the eldest son of the great treasure revealer, His Eminence Woesal Dorje Rinpoche, inheriting the family’s direct terma lineage. Thus, he carries the profound responsibility of upholding two sacred lineages: the spiritual transmission of his previous incarnations and the family’s terma (hidden treasure) tradition.

After being formally recognized as a tulku, Thendup Rinpoche entered monastic life at the age of six, embarking on his spiritual journey. From ages six to thirteen, he diligently studied Buddhist scriptures, calligraphy, chanting, meditation, rituals, empowerments, monastic discipline, Phowa (transference of consciousness), prostrations, and foundational practices. At thirteen, he entered a Buddhist institute, where he received numerous empowerments, oral transmissions, and profound teachings, excelling in his studies.

Between the ages of twenty and twenty-three, Rinpoche engaged in extensive pilgrimages and intensive retreats. At twenty-three, he began supporting monks and individuals in need, providing free medical care, daily necessities, and food. During this period, he also led the construction of numerous stupas.

At twenty-four, Rinpoche established the Thendup Charitable Foundation, which operates a language school offering free Tibetan, English, and Chinese courses to over 200 students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of caste or religious affiliation. In the same year, he founded the Ruyifalun Vajrayana Buddhist Association, which now has five Dharma centers across five Malaysian cities.