A color portrait of Tulku Arik, one of Chagdud Rinpoche's root lamas wearing a ceremonial hat.

Tromge Choktrul Arik Rinpoche, Rigdzin Wangshu, followed several masters holding great spiritual lineages, including the Sakyapa, Longsel, and Nyingthik and, from an early age, laid special stress on practice.

Tulku Arik never accumulated money or goods, disliked talking, and took a six-year vow of silence. He lived in seclusion for many years in Trom, Eastern Tibet, teaching to only a few close disciples who notoriously gained deep spiritual attainment.