Akong
Rinpoche, Venerable Chuje
Tulku of Karma Kagyu and Nyingma
lineages; Spiritual Director of Samye Ling Tibetan Centre. Former
Abbot of Drolma Lhakhang monastery and retreat complex, Tsawa Gang,
East Tibet. Received teachings from Jamgon Kongtrul of Shechen and
other great teachers. Game to Britain in 1960s. 1967: with Trungpa
Rinpoche established Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Centre in Johnstone
House, Langholm, Dumfries-shire, Scotland. After departure of
Trungpa Rinpoche for USA (c.1970), took charge of the centre; has
since founded centres in other parts of the world (Spain, South
Africa, etc).
Bu-ston
(1008-1064)
Tibetan Buddhist, member of the school of the
11th-century reformer Atisha. He translated much of the Buddhist
sacred literature, including Tantra texts, into classic Tibetan and
possibly (c. 1060) made the definitive arrangement of the Kanjur and
Tanjur, the two basic Tibetan collections of Buddhist principles.
Csoma de
Koros, Alexander (1784-1842)
Hungarian pioneer of Tibetan
studies. Born Transylvania; son of Calvinist border guard. Inspired
to look for 'racial homeland' of Magyars. 1816-18: studied Arabic,
Turkish, English and Ethnology at Gottingen. 1819: set out for East
on foot; never reached Tibet but travelled and researched in
frontier regions (e.g. Ladakh). Obtained modest British Government
sponsorship; compiled 1st Tibetan-English dictionary and a Tibetan
Grammar (both published 1834). 1837-42: Librarian of Asiatic
Society, Calcutta. 1842: set out again on quest for Magyar racial
home; died Darjeeling of malaria. His analysis of the Kanjur and
Tanjur was included in Waddell, L.A., The Buddhism of Tibet or
Lamaism (1894). Various contributions to Journal of the Asiatic
Society of Bengal. Dictionary, Grammar and Coll Writings
representing Budapest 1984. 1920: Korosi Csoma Tarasag (Society)
founded, Budapest.
Dalai Lama, His Holiness the XIVth (Gyalwa Tenzin
Gyatso)
Exiled spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan
people. Born 1935, Taktser, Amdo, East Tibet of humble origins.
Located and recognized as Dalai Lama incarnation 2 years later via
portents discerned at the oracle lake (Lhama Lhatso). 1939: bought
to Lhasa. 1940: formally enthroned. Began education at 6 years; at
24 years took preliminary exams at Sera, Drepung and Ganden monastic
university's; final exams held at Jokhang ('Cathedral' of Lhasa)
during Monlam Festival; awarded Geshe Lharampa degree with honours
at age 25. At age 16 assumed full temporal powers early because of
Chinese Communist threat. 1954: went to Peking to hold discussions
with Chinese Communist leaders. 1956: visited India for 2500 Buddha
Jayanti celebrations; held political discussions with Pandit Nehru
and Chou En-lai. 1959: left Tibet following the Lhasa Uprising. Made
unsuccessful appeals to United Nations on behalf of Tibetan people.
1963: promulgated draft democratic constitution for Tibet; since
then has conducted government-in-exile at Dharamasala, North India,
in accordance with this. Has also very successfully worked to
resettle 100,000 Tibetan refugees and to preserve Tibetan religion,
culture, etc. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Widely
travelled in both East and West (though has never returned to his
native Tibet), has met political and spiritual leaders (including
two Popes, an Archbishop of Canterbury, etc.), scientists, doctors,
writers, philosophers - and ordinary people. Has impressed people
everywhere with his (very Buddhist) message of peace and kindness:'
My religion is very simple - my religion is kindness.' A spiritual
leader of world rank. Books including Opening the Eye of New
Awareness; Kindness, Clarity & Insight; My Land and My People
(autobiographical) and Freedom in Exile. Biographies: Great Ocean by
Roger Hicks and Ngakpa Chogyam and The Last Dalai Lama, by Michael
Harries Goodman.
David- Neel, Alexandra (1868-1969)
Pioneering
French mystic, traveller and author. Born Saint-Mande (East Suburb
of Paris). Discovered East religion and philosophy at Musee Guimet
(Paris) at age 23: 'My vocation was born there and then'. Became
singer with Opera Comique; later turned to journalism. 1894: married
Philippe Neel (pronounce Nale) in Tunis; soon separated. In East for
next 20 years. Met exiled XIIIth Dalai Lama in Darjeeling. In Sikkim
met Lama Yongden, her future travelling companion and adopted son.
Went into retreat in Himalayan cave-hermitage; met Tibetan teachers
who taught her Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy. Ventured 3
times into Tibet, once reaching Shigatse before being turned back.
Subsequently left for Burma, Sri Lanka and Japan, accompanied by
Yongden; then to Korea, China and Mongolia. Studied at Kumbum
monastery (East Tibet). 1924: became 1st European woman to enter
Lhasa (in disguise). 1925:returned to Europe, bought house in Digne
(Haute Provence). 1937: returned to Asia, travelling via
Transiberian Railway to China. Japanese invasion of Manchuria forced
her westwards to Tatsienlu; spent most of World War II there. Later
returned to France via India; subsequently engaged in study and
writing at Digne until died at age 100. 1964: Made Commander de la
Legion d'Honneur. Books in English including With Mystics &
Magicians, My Journey to Lhasa, Tibetan Journey, A Tibetan Tale
& Magic Secret Oral Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and
Initiations and Initiates in Tibet.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Important Nyingma Master
and exponent of Dzogchen Meditation. (1910-91), from Kham, East
Tibet. Recognized as mind incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
(1820-92). Studied under many distinguished lamas for all four
schools, notably Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, and spent 20 years
in retreat. A Terton, has also written many meditation texts and
commentaries notable for their poetic beauty. Travels extensively
giving teachings in Bhutan, Nepal, India and the West. 1976: to USA
on invitation of Trungpa Rinpoche, his pupil. 1983: to London at
invitation of Sogyal Rinpoche. Has also visited France, where he
supervises students undergoing long retreat. Has transmitted
teachings to Dalai Lama. Is rebuilding Shechen Monastic University
(formerly one of the great Nyingma centres in Tibet) at Bodh Nath,
Nepal.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche (Jamyang Thubten Chokui
Gyatso)
Nyingma tulku: incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi
Lodro: Born 1960; recognized by Dalai Lama. Received training in all
lineages of Tibetan Buddhism under over 12 great masters, including
Dalai Lama, Karmapa, Sakya Trizin, Dudjom Rinpoche and Dingo
Khyentse Rinpoche. 1986: 1st visit to Europe and USA. Has thriving
centre in Australia.
Evans-Wentz,
Dr Walter Yeeling (1878-1965)
Pioneer translator of Tibetan
Buddhist texts. Born USA, educated University of Stanford, Oxford
and Rennes, specializing in folk-lore; met W.B. Yeats. 1911: 1st
book: Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries. An interest in the rebirth
doctrine took him to East. 1919: met Kazi Dawa-Samdup in Sikkim;
collaborated on translations of several texts, including The Tibetan
Book of the Dead, The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation, Tibetan
Yoga and Secret Doctrines and Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa. Died near
Encinitas, California at age 88 years. Biography: Pilgrim of the
Clear Light, by Ken Winkler.
Govinda, Lama
Anagarika (Anagarika Khamsum-Wangchuk; E.L. Hoffmann;
1898-1985)
Pioneer Western exponent and expositor of Tibetan
Buddhism. Born Waldheim (old kingdom of Saxony) of German father and
Bolivian mother (family had mining interests in Bolivia). Invalided
out of World War I. Studied Philosophy and Architecture at
University of Freiburg, later Archaeology; research in Mediterranean
area and North Africa. 1928: to Sri Lanka. 1929: Anagarika
ordination in Burma. 1929-31: studied Pali. 1931: decisive turning
point - encountered Tibetan Buddhism in Darjeeling and met main
guru, Tomo Geshe Rinpoche. When Tomo Geshe Rinpoche died, founded
Arya Maitreya Mandala in his memory. 1930s: pursued Buddhist Studies
in Sikkim, Ladakah and Tibet; also taught, lectured and practised
art (was gifted artist). During World War II: interned. 1947:
married British-educated Parsi photographer Li Gotami; took Indian
nationality. 1947-9: travelled to Central Provinces and West Tibet;
visited Mount Kailas and Gu-ge, as described in his Way of the White
Clouds. Subsequently devoted himself to magnum opus: The Foundations
of Tibetan Mysticism. As his reputation grew, travelled and lectured
in USA, Japan and Europe. Latterly based at Kasar Devi Ashram, near
Almora (North India). 1980-1: went to USA for medical treatment;
lived until death in Mill Valley. Other books including The
Psychological Attitude of Early Buddhist Philosophy, Creative
Meditation and Multidimensional Consciousness, the Psycho-Cosmic
Symbolism of the Buddhist Stupa and The Inner Structure of the
I-Ching.
Kalu Rinpoche (Karma Rangjung Kunkyab)
(1905-1989)
'A modern Milaerpa', Hor region of Kham, East Tibet.
Both parents students of Jangon Kongtruil Lodro Thaye, Jamyang
Khyentse Wangpo and Mipham Rinpoche (all prominent in Ri-me
movement). Recognized as tulku but not ordained, instead wandered
freely; education supervised by father. At 13 years began formal
studies at Palpung monastery. Received getsul ordination from 11th
Tai Situpa (Karma Rangjung Kunchap). At Palpung and elsewhere
studied sutra and tantra teachings; received instruction and
empowerments from many great lamas. At age 16 undertook 3 years
retreat at Kunzang Dechen osel Ling under the direction of root
lama, Norbu Tondrup, from whom he received complete transmission of
teachings of Karma Kagyu and Shangba Kagyu traditions. At age 25
embarked on 12 years solitary retreat in mountains of Kham. At
request of Tai Situpa, returned to Palpung to become Director of 3
years retreats. Recognized by 16th Gyalwa Karmapa as incarnation of
Jamgon Kontrul Lodro Thaye. 1940s: toured Tibet; in Lhasa, gave
teachings to Regent (Reting Rinpoche). 1955: asked to leave Tibet by
Karmapa; established 2 centres in Bhutan and ordained 300 monks.
Made pilgrimage to Buddhist holy places in India. 1965: established
Samdrup Tarjay Ling at Sonada near Darjeeling (now his Headquarter);
at once embarked on another 3 years retreat. 1971: visited France
and North America; founded several centres for practice of Chenrezi
Sadhana. 1974, 77/8: 2nd and 3rd US visits. Gave Kalachakra
Empowerments in New York City, San Francisco and Boulder. 1976:
began 3-years retreats for Westerners in France, where he had
established 2 centres. 1983: gave Rinchen Ter Dzo empowerments at
Sonada to the 'Four Great Heart-sons' of late Gyalwa Karmapa and
others. Publications including The Writings of Kalu Rinpoche (with
Kenneth McLeod), The Chariot for Travelling the Path to Freedom and
The Dharma that Illuminates all Beings like the Light of the Sun and
Moon.
Karma Thinley
Rinpoche
Sakyapa lama active in the West. Born 1931, Nangchen,
Kham, East Tibet. Recognized as incarnation of Beru Kunrik at age 2
˝ years. Teachers: Khen Rinpoche, Tashi Chopel, Tenpai Nyingpo and
Chogay Trichen Rinpoche. Special initiations: Hevarjra, Vajarayogini
Vajapani and Chakrasamvara. Has made a special study of basic Sakya
text known as lam-dre ('The Path and its Fruit'). Specialization:
tshogs-shay transmission of Sakya Lam-dre teachings and Kagyu
Mahamudra teachings. Hold Khenpo degree. 1959: left Tibet. 1973:
founded Kampo Gangra Drubgyud Ling in Toronto, Canada. 1977:
inspired establishment of Sakya Rinchen Ling in Bristrol (UK). Books
including A History of the Sixteen Karmapas of Tibet.
Marpa (1012-1096)
This Tibetan layman is
thought to have imported songs and text from Bengal to Tibet,
particularly those belonging to the Mahamudra doctrine. He is mainly
venerated for having translated many Indian text into Tibetan and as
the master (guru) of Milarepa. He was himself a disciple of
Naropa and Maitripa, and is considered to be the founder of the
Bka-rgyud-pa sect.
Milarepa (1040–1143)
Saint and
poet of Tibetan Buddhism. He was the second patriarch of the
Kargyupa sect, the first being Milarepa's guru Marpa (1012–97), who
studied under Naropa, the Bengali master of Tantra, at Nalanda.
Milarepa's autobiography recounts how in his youth he practiced
black magic in order to take revenge on relatives who deprived his
mother of the family inheritance. He later repented and sought
Buddhist teaching. After undergoing many tests and ordeals under
Marpa, he received initiation from him. He spent the rest of his
life meditating in mountain caves and teaching his disciples.
Namkhai Norbu
Rinpoche
Dzogchen master and scholar. Born 1938, Derge dist,
East Tibet. At 2 years, recognized as reincarnation of Adjom Drukpa,
a great Dzogchen master of early 20th Century. Later also recognized
by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa and Situ Rinpoche as mind reincarnation
of Shabdung Ngawang Namgyal, founder of line of Dharma Rajas
(monk-kings) of Bhutan. Received initiations from two uncles, both
Dzogchen masters, and from others. Age 5 -9, educated at Dereg
Gonchen monastery, and later went on to Dzongsar monastic college
for c 6 years. At 14 received Vajrayogini initiations according to
the Sakya school and later received transmissions from 113 years old
woman teacher. At 16 went to China as representative of Tibetan
youth; became instructor at SW U of Minor Nationalities, Chengdu
(Szechuan, China). Back in Tibet, at 17 met Root Master, Chanchub
Dorje (1826 -1978). Afterwards went on long pilgrimage to Central
Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan. Returning to Tibet, forced to flee
the country due to violent political upheavals. 1958-60 lived in
Gangtok, Sikkim; employed as author and editor of Tibetan text books
by government. 1960: invited to Italy by G. Tucci. 1960-64: research
associate at IsMEO, Rome. 1965: Professor in Oriental Institute of
University of Naples. 1983: hosted 1st International Convention on
Tibetan Medicine in Venice. For past 10 years has been active
informally teaching in various countries, including Italy, France,
UK, Austria, Denmark, Norway and, since 1979, USA. The Dzogchen
Community, an informal association of students practising under his
guidance, has arisen. Speaks English though prefers Italian. Married
with two children. Books including: The Crystal & The Way of
Light, The Necklace of Gzi (A Cultural History of Tibet), Dzog.chen
and Zen, The Cycle of Day and Night, The Mirror (Advice on Presence
and Awareness), On Birth and Life (A Treatise on Tibetan Medicine),
Primordial Experience (Manjushrimitra's Treatise on the Meaning of
Bodhicitta in Dozgchen) and Zer-Nga: The Five Principal Points (A
Dzogchen Upadesha Practice).
Padmasambhava (8th Century)
Tantric
Saint, instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Tibet. He is regarded
by the Nyingma-pa Order as their founder. The Tibetan King Trisong
Detsen (740-98) had invited the scholar Shantarakshita to Tibet,
where he disseminated Buddhism and inspired the founding of the
first Buddhist monastery at Samye. The king then invited
Padmasambhava to exorcise the local demons and gods who resisted the
teachings (Dharma). He did so, making them protectors of the Dharma,
a story which illustrates how Buddhism incorporated local Tibetan
traditions.
Panchen Lama
The Panchen Lama ranks
second only to the Dalai Lama among the Grand Lamas of the Gelugpa
sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His seat is in the Tashilhumpo monastery
at Shigatse. In 1640 the 5th Dalai Lama, having with the aid of the
Mongols acquired temporal as well as spiritual control of the whole
country, honored his own tutor with the title of Panchen (from
Pandita, learned) Lama, and built the Tashilhumpo monastery for him.
On the death of the title holder, the new Lama is found in the body
of a small child, as in the case of the Dalai Lama, and no new Lama
is recognized as such by the people until approved by a Tibetan
commission appointed for this purpose.
Rabten,
Geshe
(1920-86)
Gelugpa lama with many Western students. Born Kham
(East Tibet) into farming family. At age 18 entered Sera Monastery
(Je College); teacher was Geshe Jhampa Khedup. Became adept at
rigorous philosophical debate; also went into frequent meditation
retreat. Suffered poverty and undernourishment until appointed tutor
to Gonsar Tulku. 1959: fled Tibet, settled first at Buxaduar;
instrumental in setting up courses of study. 1963: awarded geshe
Lharampa; shortly afterwards moved to Dharamsala to become personal
assistant to Dalai Lama; lived in Namgyal Monastery and began to
instruct Westerners. C 1970: into retreat near Dharamsala to
contemplate meaning of sunyata. 1974: invited to Europe. 1975:
returned to Switzerland as Abbot of Tibetan Monastic Institute at
Rikon. 1977: founded Tharpa Choeling Centre for Higher Tibetan
Studies at Mont Pelerin, near Lausanne; also taught in USA and other
European countries; established centres in Germany, Italy, Austria.
' He adhered strictly to the Vinaya and placed great
emphasis on a systematic and gradual training in the Gelugpa
tradition …' (Stephen Batchelor). Books including The Preliminary
Practises, Advice from a Spiritual Friend (with Geshe Dhargyey), The
Life & Teaching of Geshe Rabten, Echoes of Voidness and The
Essential Nectar.
Sakya Trizin,
HH
41st Patriarch of Sakya order. A married lama, considered
an incarnation of Manjushri and Padmasambhava. Born 1945, Tsedong,
South Tibet. 1953: enthroned. Teachers; Ngawang Lodro Shenpen
Nyingpo, Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, Chogay Trichen and Khenpo
Appey. Special initiations: Hevajra, Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini and
Vajrakilaya. Studies of special texts: Lam-dre ('The Path and Its
Fruit'). Specializations: Tsog-shay and Lobshay
transmissions of
the Sakya Lam-dre teachings and the Khon lineage Vajrakilaya
meditation and rituals. 1959: escaped to Sikkim. Began to learn
English; went to Darjeeling to continue religious studies
(Madhyamika, Prajnaparamita and Abhidharma philosophy, logic, etc.).
Spent one year in Mussorrie recovering from TB. 1964: founded Sakya
centre in Mussoorie. Has also since founded Sakya centres at Rajpur
and Puruwala, and is head of all Sakya centres throughout the world.
1967: gave Lam-dre teaching for 1st time to c 400 monks and 100 lay
people. Now fluent in English, had taught in Europe, including
UK.
Shantideva
Representative of the Madhyamika school
of Mahayana Buddhism. Shantideva was a king's son from South India.
He flourished in the 7th to 8th centuries and was a monk at the
monastic university Nalanda.He was the author of two surviving
works, the Collection of Rules and Entering the Path of
Enlightenment. The latter is still used in Tibetan Buddhism as a
teaching text.
Sogyal Rinpoche, Lama
Incarnate lama of Ri-me
tradition based in London. Born mid-1940s, Kham, East Tibet;
recognized as tulku of famous lama and mystic, Terton Sogyal; also
of Do Khyentse, great Dzogchen master. Raised as a son by Jamyang
Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (quod vide (see reference elsewhere)) at
Dzongsar Monastic University (East Tibet); received complete
training in sutras and tantras with transmissions and empowerments
of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism (especially Nyingma) from
Khyentse and other great masters. Mid-1950s: with Khyentse on long
pilgrimage to Central Tibet; visited inter alia Lhasa, Samye and
Sakya. 1958: accompanied Khyentse to Sikkim; later attended school
in India; continued to receive spiritual teachings from Dingo
Khyentse Rinpoche and Dudjom Rinpoche. Then undertook BA students in
Philosophy at St Stephen's College, Delhi University; from there won
scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge. 1973: accompanied Dalai
Lama on 1st European tour; also accompanied Dudjom Rinpoche on US
tour as translator and aide. 1974: began to teach in London. 1975:
established Dzogchen Orgyen Choling in London. 1976-7: began to
teach in Paris, later in USA. 1981: founded Rigpa Fellowships in
London. Currently directs Rigpa centres in London, Paris and Santa
Cruz (California, USA). Teaches widely with special emphasis on
Dzogchen. Has made death and dying a specialty, working with
hospices and near death researchers.
Tarthang Tulku
Nyingma Lama active in USA. Born
1935, Golok, East Tibet. Left home at 17 to travel in Kham; studied
with many famous teachers of all schools but mainly Nyingma. 1958:
left Tibet for Bhutan and India; later to Sikkim to study with root
guru Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro. C 1962: appointed to represent
Nyingma tradition at Sanskit University, Varanasi; founded Dharma
Publishings.1968: to USA; established Tibetan Nyingma Meditation
Centre (Berkeley, Cal), Nyingma Institute and Odiyan Retreat Centre.
Married to French - Egyptian lady. Books including Gesture of
Balance, Openness Mind, Hidden Mind of Freedom, Skillful Means, Kum
Nye Relaxation I and II, Sacred Art of Tibet; Time, Space and
Knowledge; Knowledge of Freedom, Love of Knowledge and Copper
Mountain Mandala. Translations including Calm and Clear, Mother of
Knowledge. General Edition of Crystal Mirror series, Ancient Tibet,
and of new Nyingma Edition of Kangyur and Tangyur.
Trungpa Rinpoche, Vidyadhara Chogyam (Karma Ngawang Chokyi
Gyatso Kunga Zanpo; 1939-87)
One of the first lamas to come to
the West; meditation masters of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages and
writer. Born Geje, East Tibet. Recognized and enthroned as 11th
Trungpa Tulku by Gyalwa Karmapa at 1 ˝ years. Became Abbot of
Surmang monasteries. Took sramanera precepts at 8 years; also went
into 3- month retreat ( to meditate on Manjushri). At 9 met
principal guru, Jamgon Kongtrul II of Sechen. At 11 years, began
ngondro ( preliminary practices for Vajrayana teachings). At 14,
conducted 1st full empowerment (wangkur), which lasted 3 months.
Later left Tibet for India. Became protégé of Freda Bedi. 1963: came
to West as Spalding Fellow at Oxford University; studied Western
philosophy, psychology, art and comparative religion. 1967:
co-founder with Chuje Akong Rinpoche of Samye-Ling Tibetan Centre in
Scotland, the 1st Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre in West. Late
1960s: married Diana Judith Pybus (Lady Diana Mukpo); several
children born. 1970: left for USA; established important centres in
Vermont (Tail of Tiger), Colorado (Karma Dzong in Boulder and Rocky
Mountain Dharma Centre) and Nova Scotia (Gampo Abbey). Numerous
other centres (Dharmadhatus) in USA, Europe, etc. Headed Vajradhatu,
a world-wide organization. Died Halifax. Nova Scotia. Books
including Meditation in Action, Cutting Through Spiritual
Materialism, The Myth of Freedom, Mudra, Shambhala - The Sacred Path
of the Warrior and Journey Without Goal. Autobiography: Born in
Tibet (with Esme Cramer Roberts).
Tsong-kha-pa (1355-1417)
Tibetan Buddhist reformer
and founder of Dge-lugs-pa (or Gelug-pa, or 'Yellow Hat') Order. One
of the greatest names of Tibetan history, he was born on the site of
the present Kum-bum monastery and at an early age dedicated his life
to the complete reform of Tibetan Buddhism. He founded the Ganden
monastery 26 miles from Lhasa and the the new Order the Gelug-pa,
'the virtuous ones.' To this day the senior members wear on
important occasions a yellow headdress. Both the Dalai Lama and the
Panchen Lama are members of this Order.
Yeshe, Lama
Thubten (1935-84)
Gelugpa Lama and influential teachers of
Westerners. Born near Lhasa; educated Sera Monastery (Je College).
1959: to India; settled at Buxaduar. Began teachings Westerners with
principle disciple, Zopa Rinpoche, in Darjeeling and later
Kathmandu. 1971: helped found Kopan Monastery at Bodh Nath in
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. In subsequent years he and his students
established over 65 centres under auspices of FPMT (Foundation for
the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition). Also instrumental in
establishing Wisdom Publications, The Universal Education
Association, a couple of monasteries for Western monks and nuns as
well as supporting leper colony in India, etc. Toured and lectured
annually in North America, Asia, Australia and Europe. Books
including Wisdom Energy (with Lama Zopa).
Yeshe, Lama
(new incarnation: Lama Osel)
born 1985, Granada, Spain, 5th
child of Maria Torres and Paco Hita, students of late Lama Yeshe who
helped found Osel Ling, retreat centre near Granada. First met by
Lama Zopa at age 6 months; confirmed by Dalai Lama, 1986.
Zopa
Rinpoche, Lama
Gelug lama; teachers of Westerners. Born 1946
of Sherpa stock at Thami, Northeast Nepal, near Everest. At age 5
recognized at tulku of Lawudo Lama, great Nyingma practitioner,
educated Solu Khumbu region (Nepal). Taken on pilgrimage to Tibet by
uncle while still young and decided to remain. Studied first at
Dungkar monastery, later at Sera (Je College). 1959: to India; live
in refugee camp at Buxaduar; there met Lama Thubten Yeshe, his guru.
Remained several years studying under various Tibetan masters. 1965:
he and Lama Yeshe met their first Westerner student ( Zina
Rachevsky). 1969: with Lama Thubten Yeshe and Zopa Rinpoche, founded
small centre at Kopan in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal; taught intensively
there in following years. 1971; helped found FPMT (Foundation for
the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) with Lama Yeshe. 1974:
made 1st visit to West., visiting USA and Australia. Co-author with
Lama Thubten Yeshe of Wisdom Energy.