About Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center
Preserving Tibetan Buddhist wisdom, compassion, culture, and community service in New York through authentic teachings and spiritual practice.
Venerable Chokhor Rinpoche
Abbot, Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center (Since 2023)
Venerable Chokhor Rinpoche of Sera Jey Monastery, India, has been serving as the 2nd Abbot of Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center in New York since 2023. He provides spiritual guidance, teachings, and leadership to the Tibetan community and the general public.
Geshe Degree
Completed full Buddhist philosophy training in 2009
Ordination
Fully ordained monk under His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Abbot Experience
Served monasteries in India and Sikkim
Current Role
Leading Sera Jey Center in New York since 2023
Biography
Early Life & Recognition
Venerable Chokhor Rinpoche is recognized as the reincarnation of the 3rd Chokhor Rinpoche by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1985. At the age of seven, in 1986, he was formally recognized and enrolled at Sera Jey Monastery.
Monastic Education
Under the guidance of esteemed teachers such as Geshe Jampa Topgyal and Geshe Gyeltsen of Lhopa Khangtsen, he studied Tibetan language, writing, calligraphy, and grammar. He later entered the Geshe program, pursuing extensive studies in Buddhist philosophy under the guidance of Gyudmed Khensur Geshe Lobsang Delek.
Spiritual Training
He took the Getsul (Sramanera) vows from His Eminence Choden Rinpoche at the age of 13, and later received the fully ordained Gelong (Bhikshu) vows from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the age of 27.
Rinpoche distinguished himself through his scholastic achievements, including participation in the monastery’s annual Rigchung Ceremony (Minor Debate) in 1996. He was awarded the Geshe degree in 2009 after completing the full curriculum of Buddhist studies. He continued his advanced studies at Gyuto Tantric Monastery in Dharamsala, completing the one-year program in 2014–2015.
Over the years, Rinpoche has received numerous teachings, empowerments, and transmissions from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other eminent masters, including H.E. Choden Rinpoche, Gyudmed Khensur Urgen Tseten, Denma Locho Rinpoche, and Dhakpa Tulku Rinpoche. He has also served as a member of the Sera Jey Tulku Committee for several years.
Leadership & Service
In 2010, Rinpoche was appointed Abbot of Drophenling Monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim, where he served for three years. He later served as Abbot of Tharpa Choeling Monastery in Kalimpong from 2011 to 2014.
Following these roles, Rinpoche continued his service until he was invited to the United States to assume his current position as Abbot of Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center in New York, where he continues to guide the community.
Our Mission
Preserving wisdom, compassion, education, and authentic Tibetan Buddhist traditions for future generations.
Mission Statement
Sera Jey Buddhist Culture Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious and cultural organization established in New York in 2009. As an official branch of Sera Jey Monastic University of India, the Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing Tibet’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage with the Tibetan community and the broader public.
Guided by these values, the Center is committed to:
- Providing access to authentic Buddhist teachings
Offering Dharma teachings, meditation instruction, and Tibetan language education to individuals of all backgrounds.
- Organizing religious and cultural programs
Hosting ceremonies, cultural performances, and traditional practices that support the spiritual life of the Tibetan community and welcome public participation.
- Promoting interfaith understanding and dialogue
Creating opportunities for public talks, interfaith exchange, and collaboration with educational and academic institutions in the United States and internationally.
- Engaging in compassionate service
Supporting charitable activities that benefit Sera Jey Monastic University and Tibetan communities in need.