Tulku Chagdud (1930–2002)

This is an epic story - and I do mean epic. First, Rinpoche was raised by a Delog (see the book Delog) who saw to it that he received strict and thorough training in Nyingma and Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist practices. He was recognized as a Tulku at a very young age, but his mother wouldn't let him go until later. This life is rich with experience and wonder. If you would like some flavor of life in Tibet before the Invasion, you will be completely satisfied with this account.

Then, when Rinpoche was 29, the Chinese invaded Tibet. Their primary targets were monasteries, gompas, and tulkus. In other words, the Red Army was looking for Chagdud Tulku. They might have imprisoned him for decades, but it's more likely that they would have killed him.

Rinpoche had weak legs as a result of childhood events (it's in the book), so he walked very, very slowly and with difficulty. Despite his leg troubles and the fact that he was being pursued by the Red Army, Rinpoche walked from Northeastern Tibet over the Himalayas and down into India where he was given amnesty. After several years in refugee camps in India serving the sick and dying, Rinpoche was invited to the United States, where, ultimately, Chagdud Gompa, in Northern California, was founded. He spent most of the last several years of his life founding Chagdud Gompa Brazil.… (meer)