Noted Buddhist master Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche has declined the position of head of the the Nyingmapa tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism. In a notice posted on Facebook on 3 February, the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo International committee announced that Kyabje Rinpoche had instead urged leaders of the various Nyingmapa organizations to take up the roles traditionally assigned to the lineage head during a meeting in Bodh Gaya, India.

In 2018, the Nyingma school decided to appoint a leadership position by drawing from leading lamas at their six largest monasteries: Dorje Drak, Dzogchen, Kathok, Mindroling, Palyul, and Shechen. The senior lama appointed is to hold the position for three years. The first person to take the role under the rotating agreement was Kyabje Kathok Getse Rinpoche from Mindroling. However, he passed away after an accident later that year. Prior to that, six other heads of the Nyingma tradition had been named, beginning with Dudjom Rinpoche, who was given the title by the Dalai Lama. Later notable holders of the position include Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche.

Following the death of Kyabje Kathok Getse Rinpoche in November 2018, the position was offered to Kyabje Dzogchen Rinpoche, but he declined to assume the role. In his response to requests to take up the leadership position, Kyabje Rinpoche said, “With the insistence of a continued appointment of a ‘head of the tradition,’ there is a danger that it may bring more harm than benefit to the Nyingma lineage.” (Phayul)