Our Monastic Teachers

Looking back at my almost five years at the Shedra, my overall impression is that it has been quite enjoyable: there is a warm atmosphere, deep emergence in Tibetan culture and language, interesting people from all over the world and so forth.

This time I want to write about our Tibetan monastic teachers, simply referred to as Lopons. When I was studying in the Translator Training program, I had different Lopons instructors every month, so there was not really enough time to see their unique and special qualities. It took a few years of taking classes with one after another for me to come to how I feel now: an overwhelming sense of gratitude, appreciation and respect. 

Lopon Shedrub Gyatso, Lopon Tsundru Sangpo, Lopon Karma Gyurmey, Lopon Lodro Rabsel, Lopon Urgyen Thenpel and Lopon Zopa Sangpo (left to right)

    All of the Lopons have their own particular way of presenting the Dharma. Lodro Rabsel and Tsondru Sangpo have a more traditional style, and tend to explain teachings in a quite eloquent and sophisticated manner. Urgyen Tenpel is extremely friendly and is skilled in explaining difficult points  using simple language. Lopon Karma Gyurmey (a.k.a. Tokpa Tulku) is especially known for his understanding of western attitudes and  perspectives, and he often uses modern examples which are very helpful. Pema Namgyal, who is at present Tulku Urgyen Yangsi's tutor, always claims that he has forgotten everything, but when challenging questions are posed to him, he gives the most profound explanations without a moment's pause to refresh his memory. Although different in their styles, all of them share the amazing quality of being so learned and so humble at the same time. There are also freshly brewed Lopons, who have just finished their studies, and some of them such as Zopa Sangpo and Shedrub Gyatso have already taught MA students, explaining the hardest points of Middle Way philosophy in a deep and clear manner. All of them serve as excellent examples of the pure and genuine Sangha, so vital for supporting us on the path.  

           

           

 ~Anya from Russia