On September 17, 1990, amid many auspicious signs, Kyabje Dorje Chang Kalu Rinpoche’s tulku (reincarnation) was born in India to Lama Gyaltsen and his wife Drolkar. Lama Gyaltsen, the nephew of Kalu Rinpoche, had served since his youth as Rinpoche’s secretary.

Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche officially recognized Kalu Rinpoche’s yangsi (young reincarnation) on March 25, 1992, explaining that he had received definite signs from Kalu Rinpoche himself. Tai Situ Rinpoche sent a letter of recognition with Lama Gyaltsen to His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, who immediately confirmed the recognition. Many people saw rainbows above Kalu Rinpoche’s monastery at Sonada, India, at the time of his tulku’s birth, and reported that identical rainbows had appeared above the monastery after Kalu Rinpoche passed away.

That Kalu Rinpoche chose to be reborn at his previous home—his own monastery, Samdrup Tarjayling—is, as the Venerable Bokar Rinpoche has said, an indication of his complete freedom of mind, and a reflection of the simplicity and directness his students remember. Because of his great compassion and kindness, he took birth again in answer to the prayers of his disciples.

On February 28, 1993, Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi was enthroned at Samdrup Tarjayling. Chamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche and Goshir Gyaltsap Rinpoche presided over the ceremony, assisted by Kalu Rinpoche’s heart-son, Bokar Rinpoche. Tai Situ Rinpoche performed the hair-cutting ceremony and bestowed on the young tulku the name Karma Ngedön Tenpay Gyaltsen—Victory Banner of the Teachings of the True Meaning.

Formal offerings were made on behalf of Kalu Rinpoche’s lamas, students and Dharma centers from around the world. Lama Norlha Rinpoche presented gifts from Kalu Rinpoche’s New York center, with supplications for Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi’s long life and well-being, the fruition of all his aspirations, and the increase of Dharma by means of his enlightened activity.

In June 1995, Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi made his first visit to North America, accompanied by Bokar Rinpoche. During their stay at Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery, Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi participated in conferring the empowerments bestowed by Bokar Rinpoche, as well as the daily chanting assemblies. When Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi and Bokar Rinpoche visited the stupa site, they gave a spontaneous performance of Tibetan sacred dance (Tib. cham), said to have the power to pacify discordant forces.

Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi’s interest in meditation, chanting, calligraphy and the traditional musical instruments at such a young age reveal his deep affinity for Dharma activity. Although only a child, he displays the qualities of a Bodhisattva; his presence dispels suffering and his gentle and loving nature evokes joy. Currently, Kalu Rinpoche Yangsi is practicing under the guidance of Khenpo Donyo in the three-year retreat at Bokar Rinpoche’s monastery of Mirik in India.