Tenzin Khenrab Gelek Palsangpo, the 11th Gyalwang Drukpa, was born in Lhasa and was recognized by many of his gurus according to their predictions. He took the exalted yogi Tripon Rinpoche, Trulshik Pema Chogyal, as his root guru. Under the guru’s direction, Tenzin Khyenrab Gelek Palsangpo achieved great understanding and was authoritative in both the theory and practice of the sutras and tantras, and his wisdom blossomed immeasurably. He received numerous Dzogchen instructions and empowerments from Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Chokyi Lodro, and spent most of his life in strict retreat practicing meditation according to both the Nyingma and Sarma tantric traditions of Tibet.