Dharma Teachers

Teachers

Geshe Lobsang Gyatso, Founding Teacher

Geshe Lobsang Gyatso, born in Tibet in 1932, died in Pacific Grove, California, in May 1998. Geshe Gyatso was head Lama of Lion's Roar Dharma Center. He received full training as Lama at Sera je College in Tibet as well as in India. He taught in the United States for 12 years. Students throughout the world continue to benefit from his teachings. Geshe Gyatso was particularly connected to the Kalachakra Teachings. The Shambhala Prayer, by the Sixth Panchen Lama, Lobsang Tubten Choki Nyima is an homage to Kalachakra.

Lama Yeshe Jinpa, Director and Resident Teacher

Lama Yeshe Jinpa conducts ceremonies, teaches classes and gives personal interviews at Lion’s Roar Dharma Center. He was given direct heart/mind transmission by Lama Geshe Lobsang Gyatso in 1995 after 25 years of Dharma study and practice. Lama Jinpa is a licensed psychotherapist and specializes in Buddhist Psychotherapy. He is the founder of Middle Way Health and directs the Mindful Recovery program of Lion’s Roar Dharma Center. He is available for private interviews to guide people onto the path. Call 916 224-2163 for appointments.

Venerable Damchaabazar Gurjav, Associate Teacher

Venerable Damchoe was born in 1968 in Mongolia and has been a Buddhist monk (Gelong) since 1990. He studied at Sera je monastery in India for 16 years and has nearly finished his Geshe Degree. During his time in India he also attended many of the public teachings given by H.H. Dalai Lama on variety of subjects in both Dharamsala and South India. Ven. Damchoe was ordained by His Holiness, the XIV Dalai Lama. He is now teaching at Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento. He may be contacted at: 916 833-7382 or damchoebazar@yahoo.com.

The Role of the Teacher

Lama Jinpa shows us that although the historical Buddha was a powerful teacher, he always said that he merely showed the way. The traveling on the path and mastery of the way is up to us. Teachers are to mentor, guide and offer encouragement out of their own experience. Sometimes the teachings of Buddha are considered like medicine for the sick soul.

There are as many teachings of the Buddhas as there are many types of medicine. The Teacher is somewhat like a doctor, able to diagnose the problems of the student and apply the proper teachings (medicine) to help heal the soul.