Our Leaders
Special request for all international Ewam and Namchak sangha members to make their best efforts at repeating and accumulating the mantras of Vajrasattva and Vajrakilya as supportive practices for the life and activities of H.E. Gochen Tulku Sangak Rinpoche from now until the end of the coming Tibetan new year (Feb of 2025).
Gochen Tulku Sangak Rinpoche*
-
Rinpoche is the spiritual director of Namchak Retreat Ranch and Ewam International Centers around the world. Born into one of the oldest families in Tibet, which eventually came to be known under the name Namchak, or “sky iron,” in an area called Chamdo in the Kham region of Tibet in 1952, Rinpoche was recognized in early childhood by the great rimé lama [representing all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism], Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö [1893-1959], as well as by the former Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, to be the reincarnation of the Gochen Tulku. Gochen Tulku is an incarnation of Gyelwa Chokyang, one of the 25 heart disciples of Guru Rinpoche.
The third and fourth incarnations of great tertön Tsasum Lingpa were successively reborn into the Namchak family, which was responsible for maintaining the local monastery of Namchak Ritrö, the historical hermitage of Tsasum LIngpa, located in Chumbo. It was Tsasum Lingpa who first predicted and named the site for Gochen Monastery, which was then built by the first Gochen Tulku, Gyalwa Gyatso.
Rinpoche, an outstanding meditation master and scholar, is a lineage holder of the Namchak lineage and other profound and widely practiced lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche is also widely regarded as a master stupa builder. He has established Turquoise Leaf, a practice center for Tibetan nuns in Nepal and Silguri, India. Rinpoche’s vision of a peace garden in a mountainous valley came to him as a small child; eventually leading him to Montana to build the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, a sacred pilgrimage site and Buddhist center. His primary residence is in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he established a retreat and practice center, Pema Khandro Ling.
*sometimes spelled “Sang-Ngag”
Namchak Dorje Lopön Choeji Lodoe (Namchak Dorlop)
-
They are descendants of Namchak family, originating as Sum family, the leader of Tong clan, one of the six original clans of Tibetan people. Later, when several incarnations of the Great Treasure Revealer Tsasum Lingpa were born in the family, they came to be known as Namchak owing to its teaching.
While studying Buddhist philosophy for 10 years at Nyingma Namdroling Shedra of HH Penor Rinpoche, Namchak Dorlop was appointed the main doctor of Tibetan medicine hospital where he served as founder. He was responsible for manufacturing the medicine pills and for treatment of the Sangha members and nearby community, including the Tibetan settlement. (He had already completed medical study before entering the Shedra.) After receiving official permission to leave Namdroling monastery from HH Penor Rinpoche, and under Tulku Sangak Rinpoche’s direction, Namchak Dorlop began the Dharma activity to spread the Namchak lineage. He began in Nepal, then went to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bhutan, and the main Namchak monasteries in Asia, with support from Lama Tsomo. Meanwhile, Tulku Sangak Rinpoche also bestowed upon him the overall Namchak Dorje Lopön (Vajra Master) title for his aspiration and contribution.
Since establishing Namchak Charity Company in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Namchak Dorlop and Lama Tsomo founded the Namchak Foundation in the U.S. With Lama Tsomo, he is continuing to work hard to fulfill the mission according to the Tulku Sangak Rinpoche’s direction, Dharma activities, and service.
Lama Tsomo
-
Under the tutelage of Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, international holder of the Namchak lineage, Lama Tsomo has done extensive spiritual retreats in the U.S. and abroad, and is fluent in Tibetan. Today, she is dedicated to sharing the teachings of the Namchak lineage with Western students, bringing greater happiness and meaning to life through meditation practice, community, and retreat. She is especially passionate about reaching young people and supporting those working for positive social change. Her teaching has inspired American and international students, who appreciate her informal, and often humorous, style.
Lama Tsomo holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Jungian studies. She is the author of the Ancient Wisdom For Our Times series, an exploration of Tibetan Buddhism meditation that includes: Why Bother? An Introduction; Wisdom & Compassion (Starting with Yourself); and book three of the series, Deepening Wisdom, Deepening Connection coming in October 2022. This wise and accessible series based on the Vajrayana path gifts readers tangible ways to cultivate more joy, compassion, focus, and fulfillment in everyday life. Along with the Namchak Community, she created Taking a Breath: A Meditation and Reflection Journal, a hands-on guide for developing and improving meditation practice.