Sangye Palzang was born to the Be family, near Taksang in the mountainous region west of Lhasa. His father was Pon Rinpoche Zang and his mother was Tsebum Pal. Prior to his birth, his parents had been experiencing a great deal of suffering, having just lost their first child. At this time, they were approached by the hermit Ridro Rinchen and the scholar-translator Changchub Tsemo. They assured Pon Rinpoche Zang and Tsebum Pal that they would soon have a wonderful child, and they beseeched them to protect him well. Upon his birth, his parents named him Sangye Palzang. As a small child Sangye Palzang showed great kindness and compassion to all of the animals.