His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang is the 36th Throne Holder and the 8th Reincarnation of Chungtsang Rinpoche, after the foundation of the Drikung Kagyü Lineage by Lord Jigten Sumgön. He is considered a manifestation of Manjushri.

The Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang, alias Tenzin Chokyi Nangwa, was born in Lhokha in 1942, the year of the Water Horse. He is the youngest of five sons, of the well known, aristocratic Lhagyari family.

His father was Trichen Kelsang Nyendrak and his mother Rigzin Chodzom. The Lhagyari family is one of the oldest aristocratic families in Tibet and are direct descendants of the former royal dynasty. This branch of the family holds the name of Dewa Lhagyari Trichen.

Soon after the early death of the 7th Chungtsang Rinpoche, Tenzin Chökyi Jungne (1909-1940), his reincarnation was found in the Lhagyari family and enthroned in Drikung Thil Moanstery in 1946. His reincarnation was accompanied by many signs. Prophecies as well as the consultation of an oracle confirmed his rebirth. Gyabra Tritsab had a vision at Lake Lhamo Latso, which was confirmed by further prophecies by H.H. the16th Karmapa and H.H. Taklung Matrul. The Tibetan government confirmed his reincarnation and Chungtsang passed the traditional tests of choosing the religious objects belonging to his former reincarnation.