Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo is remembered as one of the principal founders and guiding lights of the Rimé, or non-sectarian, movement in eastern Tibet. Together with figures such as Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye, he articulated a vision in which all authentic Tibetan Buddhist traditions could be honored, studied, and practiced without partisan bias. This non-sectarian outlook did not aim to blend the schools into a single system; rather, it sought to preserve the distinct integrity of Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Geluk, Jonang, and other lineages while freeing practitioners from narrow sectarian loyalties. In this way, his role was both ideological and practical, shaping the very ethos of what “Rimé” came to mean.

His authority in this work rested on an unusually broad and deep mastery of multiple lineages. Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo received and transmitted a vast range of teachings—Sutra, Tantra, and especially profound contemplative instructions—from many different schools. Because he entered each tradition from within, as a fully authorized lineage holder, his non-sectarian stance was not merely theoretical; it was grounded in lived practice and authentic transmission. This allowed him to demonstrate, by example, that one could maintain devotion to a root lineage while genuinely honoring and practicing others.

A central aspect of his contribution lay in the preservation and revitalization of endangered teachings. He traveled widely to seek out rare transmissions that were on the verge of disappearing, receiving them from the last surviving holders and then re-transmitting them to a large circle of disciples. In doing so, he helped counter the growing sectarianism of his time, which threatened to marginalize or extinguish certain lineages and practices. His efforts ensured that many empowerments, reading transmissions, and instructions continued as living traditions rather than becoming mere historical memories.

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo also played a significant role in the collection and systematization of texts from diverse schools. He helped sponsor and oversee the compilation and publication of important scriptures, liturgies, sādhanas, and commentaries, many of which might otherwise have been lost. These textual labors provided a stable foundation for the Rimé vision, giving practitioners access to a wide range of teachings in an organized and enduring form. Through his life and work, he offered a compelling model of non-sectarian practice that continues to shape how Tibetan Buddhist traditions can coexist with mutual respect and shared purpose.