Khenpo Choephel was SINI’s first principal. Although he remains largely on retreat, he continues to offer valued advice and support to SINI. Originally from Gyarong, Tibet, Khenpo Choephel received his monastic vows in Tibet and his Khenpo degree from Kyabje Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, the spiritual head of the Serta Larung Gar Institute of Tibet, in 1988. He studied paramitas, logic, Vinaya, grammar, and higher mind training there for many years. After completing his studies, he taught Tibetan grammar and Bodhisattva practices. He came to India in 2011 and joined the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in 2013.