Khentrul Rinpoche (Chokey Juney)
Fellow of Buddhist Philosophy, Singularity Academy
Khentrul Rinpoche, born Chokey Juney in Paro, Bhutan, is a respected Buddhist monk, teacher and humanitarian whose life has been devoted to spiritual practice, philosophical inquiry and service to society.
Since 1 August 2026, he has served as Fellow of Buddhist Philosophy at Singularity Academy. In this role, he contributes his profound wisdom, knowledge and life experience to global dialogue on compassion, ethics, inner development, education, well-being and sustainable human progress.
Ordained at Paro Dzong at the age of two, Khentrul Rinpoche began studying traditional Buddhist ritual arts from an early age. He later spent approximately twelve years at Semtokha Dzong, the historic fortress-monastery in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, studying classical language, Bhutanese culture and Buddhist philosophy.
At sixteen, he entered Taktsang Monastery—Bhutan’s renowned Tiger’s Nest—where he remained for four years under the guidance of his teacher. During this formative period, he contributed to the construction of a temple and several cottages while continuing his study of Buddhist scriptures and engaging in intensive spiritual practices, including the Mahamudra preliminary practices.
Khentrul Rinpoche subsequently pursued advanced Buddhist studies in Nepal and India for approximately fourteen years. His principal areas of study included The Way of the Bodhisattva, Prajnaparamita and Madhyamaka. He regards learning as a lifelong responsibility and continues to study extensively, deepening his understanding of Buddhist philosophy and its relevance to human life.
A central influence on his teaching is The Way of the Bodhisattva, a foundational text on compassion, wisdom and ethical living. Having received its teachings nine times from different masters, he has taught the text on thirty-one occasions across Bhutan, Nepal, China, Taiwan and Europe. His approach connects profound Buddhist insights with the realities of everyday life, making them accessible to people from diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds.
His commitment to service extends well beyond teaching. He established a hostel for monks in 2000 and later built temples in Tshitshong and Paro, the latter becoming his present residence and a centre for his spiritual and community activities. Guided by the belief that the Dharma should contribute directly to human welfare, he has also provided scholarships to 48 students, supporting their education from primary school through higher studies. Several have since become doctors, nurses and military officers serving their communities.
Environmental stewardship is another important dimension of his work. Inspired by the Buddhist principles of compassion and responsibility toward all forms of life, Khentrul Rinpoche has planted more than 2,000 cypress trees in honour of Bhutan’s traditional name, Tsenden Jong—the Land of Cypress. He has also organised and participated in environmental clean-up initiatives along roads, riverbanks, mountain areas and tourist destinations.
Khentrul Rinpoche is currently writing two books that present Buddhist teachings in clear and accessible language for younger generations and general readers. His continuing aspiration is to study, practise, teach and serve—dedicating his knowledge and experience to education, environmental protection and the well-being of all sentient beings.
Through his fellowship at Singularity Academy, Khentrul Rinpoche shares the enduring wisdom of Buddhist philosophy on a global stage. His work strengthens the Academy’s mission to connect knowledge with practice and to advance a more compassionate, meaningful and sustainable future for humanity.