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Khenpo Sonam Gyurme was born in the centre of the Kyimo region of Nubri, Nepal, in 1972. He became a monk at Benchen Monastery, Shwayambhu, Nepal, in the presence of the 3rd Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche in 1990. He underwent monastic training according to the Karma Kamtsang tradition for four years and acted as a chant master (umze) for two years. He took full ordination from the supreme third incarnation of Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and entered into the teachings of the Buddha in 1992. In 1996, in accordance with the wishes of His Eminence Sangy Nyenpa Rinpoche and Tenga Rinpoche, he went to the Dzongsar Shedra, Choekyi Lodro, in Bir, Northern India, where he studied for twelve years. His studies included the thirteen major philosophical texts, the eighteen renowned scriptures, the summarised sutras, science and culture. He lectured at Dzongsar Shedra for one year. In 2004, the Khenpo's Degree was bestowed on him by the supreme Choekyi Gyatso and Kyabje Khenchen Dorje Chang Kunga Wangchug, at Dzongsar Shedra.

As there were no Khenpoes at Benchen Monastery at that time, both Sangy Nyenpa Rinpoche and Tenga Rinpoche asked him to leave Dzongsar Shedra and return to Benchen to give Dharma instructions to the members of its ordained sangha. Upon his return, he was given the profound and vast empowerment ceremony of a Khenpo by both Rinpoches. He continued to teach at Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling Monastery in Shwayambhu for three years. During this time, he received many important empowerments, transmissions and Instructions. Under the guidance of Drubwang Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, Khenpo Sonam assisted in developing the syllabus for the Benchen Nangten Thosesam Ling Shedra, which was founded by bothe Rinponches in Febraury of 2007 . At the time when the new shedra building in pharping was consecrated , he accepted the responsibility of Principle Khenpo and lecturer there and continues to hold this position.