H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche was recognized as the 12th incarnation of the Gharwang lineage by the 16th Gyalwang Karmapa and as an emanation of Mahasiddha Tilopa. He received numerous empowerments and transmissions from many of the great masters of the Kagyu and Sakya traditions. A distinguished scholar of the Nalanda Buddhist Institute from 1982–1991, Rinpoche has taught extensively throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia since 1987.
The connection between the Zurmang lineage and Bardor Rinpoche traces back to the early Barom Kagyu tradition. Barom Dharma Wangchuk, a close attendant of Gampopa, founded the Barom Kagyu lineage. He was later reborn as Sonam Zangpo, who was closely associated with Kyodrak Monastery in eastern Tibet. Thirteen generations later, Sonam Zangpo would be reborn as Barway Dorje (Chökyi Sengé), the first incarnation of Bardor Rinpoche.
During the time of Marmo Sonam Döndrup, an important holder of the Barom Kagyu lineage, there were two principal disciples: Sonam Zangpo and Choje Trungmase Lodrö Rinchen. Choje Trungmase Lodrö Rinchen went on to found Zurmang Monastery and is regarded as the first Gharwang Tulku and founder of the Zurmang Whispered Lineage. Through this shared Barom Kagyu heritage, the lineages of Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and the Gharwang Rinpoches remain deeply connected. These monasteries and traditions, established over 700 years ago, continue unbroken to the present day.