Question asked by Suryia
Forgive me, I wasn’t clear before. I didn’t mean to ask about your legal name (I’m sure that’s none of my business), I just need to know how to cite you in a bibliography. For example, which name-element should be regarded as your surname? Do you prefer to be alphabetically listed as “Rinpoche, T.T.” or as “Tsem, T.R.” or “Tsem Rinpoche, R.” (considering them as one word)? I thought that “Rinpoche” might function as a detachable title (like “Sir” or “Dame”), but you have very forcefully corrected me on that point. It also occurred to me that perhaps “Tsem Rinpoche” should be considered a title (like “Dalai Lama”) rather than a personal name, since your two predecessors bore it as well. I’m very sorry to have offended you, and am only trying to comprehend your preferred usage.
Dear Suriya, No need to apologize. I wasn’t offended. I just found your question very entertaining.
Rinpoche would be the surname I suppose. And Tsem the first name and Tulku the middle name. That makes it easier?
Thank you.