Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé stood as close contemporaries and spiritual colleagues, bound by a deep relationship of mutual respect and collaboration. Both were central figures in the Rimé, or non‑sectarian, movement, and their connection was not merely institutional but profoundly spiritual. They regarded one another as highly realized masters and spiritual friends, maintaining close contact and often teaching and practicing together. Their relationship thus exemplified a partnership in which each saw the other as an authentic holder of the Dharma.

This partnership expressed itself in a dynamic exchange of teachings, transmissions, and empowerments. Each served at times as teacher and at times as student to the other, and they relied on one another for instruction and support in their respective endeavors. In this way, their bond transcended the usual boundaries of lineage hierarchy, becoming a living demonstration of the Rimé spirit: honoring multiple traditions while remaining firmly rooted in authentic practice. Their mutual recognition strengthened the authority and vitality of the transmissions they shared.

They also worked side by side on major collaborative projects aimed at preserving and systematizing vast bodies of Buddhist teachings. Together they helped compile and safeguard collections that drew from Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and other lineages, thereby ensuring that diverse streams of practice and revelation would not be lost. In these efforts, their roles were complementary: Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo was renowned for his vast knowledge and activity as a treasure revealer, while Jamgon Kongtrul became famous for his great compilations and systematic presentations. Their joint labors served as a bulwark against sectarianism and the erosion of lineages.

Seen in this light, their relationship may be understood as a spiritual partnership at the heart of a broader movement to revitalize Tibetan Buddhism. They were near‑equal partners in vision and execution, co‑architects of a non‑sectarian approach that sought to gather, preserve, and transmit the full breadth of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom. Their friendship, collaboration, and reciprocal lineage holding formed a single, integrated endeavor: to keep the many streams of the Dharma flowing clearly and accessibly for future generations.