Our teachers are trained in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and bring decades of study, retreat, and teaching to our community.
Venerable Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tsephel
Spiritual Director — Land of Compassion Buddha (worldwide)
Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tsephel, the spiritual director of Land of Compassion Buddha, was born in Litang, Tibet in 1931. At the age of five, he began on his own initiative to wear the maroon robes of a monk. He formally entered Litang Monastery at the age of nine, then subsequently entered Gaden Jangtse Monastery. After 20 years of studying and practicing Sutrayana and Tantrayana, Rinpoche was awarded the degree of Lharampa Geshe in 1976. In 1992, he was awarded the degree of Ngarampa Geshe from Gaden Monastery. He taught at Namgyal Monastery, Nechung Monastery, and the Tibetan Library in Dharamsala. He was appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the abbot of Gaden Jangtse Monastery in 2001, completing his tenure in June 2008.
In addition to becoming a highly recognized scholar and teacher, Khensur Rinpoche has demonstrated an equally profound commitment to practice. Before the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he pledged to complete 100,000 full prostrations in front of the Natural Body of Lama Tsong Khapa at Gaden Monastery, and completed them within one month. In 1987, advised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Khensur Rinpoche — at the age of 56 — left India to teach in the United States, even though he spoke no English. He has since established centres in San Diego, Los Angeles, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
As a teacher, Rinpoche places strong emphasis on the practice of Dharma both “on and off” the meditation cushion. Students are advised to complete their Preliminary Practices (Ngondro) and to maintain a disciplined daily practice. Equally emphasized is the practice of compassion in action towards others with constant mindfulness of cause and effect. Rinpoche encourages his students to memorize “The Three Principal Aspects of the Path” by Lama Tsong Khapa and “The Heart Sutra.”
As a master of Highest Yoga Tantra, Rinpoche gives initiations as requested. He has offered the initiations of Guhyasamaja, Yamantaka, Cittamani Tara, Heruka Chakrasamvara, and Vajrayogini, along with lengthy commentaries. As one student has remarked, “Whether Rinpoche is giving formal teachings or simply walking around, he is always teaching through his powerful compassion, immense wisdom, and profoundly skillful means.”
Venerable Geshe Pema Tshering
Born in Bhutan, Ven. Lharampa Geshe Pema Tshering entered monastic life in India at the age of 15. After 18 years of studying and practicing, he was awarded the degree of Lharampa Geshe (Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy) at Gelugpa University in 2003. He also earned Honours degrees in Pramana, Perfection Sutra, Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, Vinaya, and the Four Classes of Tantras.
Ven. Lharampa Geshe Pema Tshering taught at Gaden Jangtse Monastic School from 2005 to 2006, teaching Tibetan Grammar and Buddhist Philosophy to monks of Dohra Khangtsen. He has also taught in Tibetan refugee settlements in India, and in Buddhist centres in New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Canada.
In addition to being deeply knowledgeable in Buddhist philosophy, debate, and historical texts, Ven. Lharampa Geshe Pema Tshering brings an equal commitment to mastering hands-on creation of sacred offerings, including Sand Mandala Offerings, Torma Offerings, and Butter Mandala Offerings.
As one student remarked, “Ven. Lharampa Geshe Pema Tshering’s ability to shine clarity on complex ideas and answer questions with insightful and practical guidance helps illuminate the essence of Buddhism. His sharp mind, happy humour, and patient listening leave us feeling more contented, compassionate, and wise.”
Venerable Geshe Lobsang Dawa
Born in Tibet in 1973, Ven. Lharampa Geshe Lobsang Dawa entered monastic life in India at the age of 18 by walking to India from Tibet. After 19 years of studying and practicing, he was awarded the degree of Lharampa Geshe (Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy) at Gelugpa University in 2010. He also earned Honours degrees in Pramana, Perfection Sutra, Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, Vinaya, and the Four Classes of Tantras. In 2011 he went to a second temple in Southern India to deepen his study of the Tantra Vehicle.
Ven. Lharampa Geshe Lobsang Dawa taught at Gaden Jangtse Monastic School from 2012–2013. He has also taught Buddhism in Tibetan refugee settlements in India and in Taiwan. In May 2013 he came to Toronto, Canada, to learn English.
Here at Land of Compassion Buddha Edmonton, Geshe Lobsang Dawa has led Guru Puja since settling in Edmonton in January 2015. He is skilled in Tantra verse offering, Torma offering, and various other ritual practices. He speaks some Mandarin.
As one student remarked, “Geshe Dawa can always brighten my day with his contentment, humility, joy, and laughter. His own hard work at his practice in Dharma and English always reminds me to come out of myself and appreciate life far more. He is happiness.”