Bodpa Tulku Dongak Tenpe Nyima (Tibetan: bod pa sprul sku mdo sngags bstan pa’i nyi ma, c. 1898/1900/1902–1959) was a highly respected Dzogchen master, scholar, and commentator of the Nyingma tradition. He was renowned for his profound understanding of classical Buddhist scriptures and for synthesizing the philosophical and tantric teachings of Jamgon Mipham.

Birth and Early Life

He was born in the Dakpo region of central Tibet. From a young age, his spiritual potential was evident, and he set out in search of authentic Dharma study and practice.

Training and Hardship

Traveling to eastern Tibet (Dokham/Kham), he endured many hardships while seeking qualified teachers. He eventually reached Dzogchen Monastery, where he studied extensively with accomplished lamas and scholars. There, he mastered the key sutra and tantra teachings, particularly the thirteen great classical texts of the Nyingma tradition.

Recognition as a Tulku

At Dzogchen Monastery, Dzogchen Rinpoche Tubten Chokyi Dorje bestowed upon him numerous empowerments and oral transmissions. He was formally recognized as a tulku and became widely known as Böpa Tulku (“the tulku from Central Tibet”).

Teaching and Writings

Bodpa Tulku attracted many disciples and faithfully upheld the pure traditions of Dzogchen and Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche’s philosophical system. He composed important commentaries on subjects such as the Prajñāpāramitā and Buddhist tenet systems, offering systematic and clear presentations of view and practice.