We are extremely honored to announce that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has officially recognized the reincarnation of our beloved Geshe Champa Gyatso, who served as the resident teacher of the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute for 27 years and was the first abbot of Lhungtok Choekhorling Monastery.

Even today, Geshe-la is remembered by his countless disciples as a tireless guide and an infinite example of loving-kindness and compassion, always in service to others.

Since 2007, the year Geshe Champa Gyatso passed away, Venerable Massimo Stordi, who was his principal secretary for over twenty-five years, has coordinated the search for his reincarnation, even seeking divinations to locate him. To facilitate his swift rebirth, numerous Pujas (prayers and ceremonies) were commissioned in the largest monasteries in South India.

Although living in Pomaia, Geshe Champa Gyatso always contributed to the sustenance of the monks in House Number 3, his residence at Sera Jey Monastery in Bylakuppe, India. Since his passing, the Monastic Sangha Association has undertaken the renovation and maintenance of the house, thanks in part to the contribution of the Italian Buddhist Union.

In May 2023, during a meeting with us, His Holiness the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his commitment to recognize the reincarnation, asking us for a list of potential candidates. Finally, in February of this year, the Dalai Lama identified the young Tsering Dorje as the true and authentic reincarnation.

The recognition ceremony was held today, March 28th, 2025, at House Number 3, where Tsering Dorje was presented with a letter from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, informing him of his reincarnation as Geshe Champa Gyatso.

Only after this moment could we finally and officially announce this event, which, in accordance with tradition, required great confidentiality.

The ceremony was attended by Venerable Massimo Stordi, who remains the principal secretary for the new reincarnation, the leaders of Jadhel Khangtsen (his reference monastic college at Sera Jey), the Geshes of House No. 3, Jinpa Santu Lama, who played an active role in the organization, Manuela Ferro, Vice President of the Sangha Foundation ETS, and for the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, President Lucia Landi and Director Valerio Tallarico, who stated:
“We can only be grateful and extremely happy for this festive day. We hope this long-awaited moment will be beneficial to the entire Institute, and we sincerely wish that Tsering Dorje Rinpoche remains serene, radiant, and continually growing.”

We were deeply moved by the unique story of Tsering Dorje.

Rinpoche was born in a small village in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state bordering Tibet, and is now 11 years old.

Tsering came to Sera Jey thanks to the pleas of his older brother, Tenzin Gyatso, already a monk and resident of House Number 3. In fact, their extremely poor family entrusted them to the monastery to ensure their survival and the opportunity to receive an education. The monks also took responsibility for their sister, Pema Tsomo, enrolling her in the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Bylakuppe, a few kilometers from the monastery. The challenges they faced at a young age have made the brothers and sister very close and united.

Despite the great joy for Rinpoche’s discovery, we all agree on the absolute need to protect his growth in a familial and simple environment, allowing him to continue his studies at Sera Jey School with his classmates.

Upcoming Events
According to tradition, the upcoming events related to Rinpoche’s enthronement include:

• April 21st: Public “entrance” ceremony at Sera Jey Monastery, where Rinpoche will be officially presented to the entire monastery. Around 3,000 monks are expected to attend. Individual offerings will be made to the monks.

• April 23rd: Public ceremony at Jadhel Khangtsen, with around 300 monks expected to participate. Individual offerings will be made to the monks.

Attendance is possible at both ceremonies, and details such as the schedule will be communicated later.

Please note that the Bylakuppe area requires a mandatory PAP (Protected Area Permit), which can be requested through official Indian channels.

Help us support the organizational expenses of the Pujas. Thank you.
The expenses expected at this stage are significant, and your contribution is valuable and greatly supports the successful completion of the Enthronement Ceremonies under the best auspices.

Tramite bonifico bancario

Associazione Monastica Sangha Lhungtok Choekhorling

Castagneto Banca 1910

IBAN: IT27J0846125100000011003613

BIC: CCRTIT2TCAS

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