Ngawang Sungrab Phagyab Rinpoche is a ranking Tibetan Buddhist lama in the Gelugpa order. Born in Kham, Tibet in 1966 and ordained at the age of thirteen, Rinpoche began his monastic training at Ashi Monastery in Eastern Tibet before transferring to Sera Mey Monastery in South India where he trained under the tutelage of Ven. Khenpo Lobsang Jamyang and Ven. Khensur Geshe Tinle Topgye. In 1994, he was recognized as the eighth reincarnation of the Phagyab lama, a renowned Buddhist teacher from Eastern Tibet.

Rinpoche is a powerful exemplar of the potential we all have to cultivate the life of the Bodhisattva or spiritual hero. A steadfast advocate of the non-violent resolution of conflict, Rinpoche brings humility, cheer and boundless compassion to his teaching. His personal story of self-healing from several severe medical conditions vividly demonstrates our inherent potential to heal ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally. His radical healing has astonished his doctors, friends and students alike and serves as a vivid reminder that we all have the ability to transform obstacles into resources for spiritual awakening.

Rinpoche currently resides in Queens, New York where he is learning English and establishing a Buddhist Dharma center. He aspires to teach Buddhism widely and to foster ecumenical dialogue between practitioners of Buddhism and other spiritual and healing traditions. Rinpoche welcomes questions and requests from students of all faiths and backgrounds.