Teachers - Karma Choeling Buddhist Monastery

Born in 1970 in remote West Nepal, Lama Pasang entered the Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India.  At the age of 14, he was ordained by, and received the refuge vows from, H E 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and then received novice vows from H E 12th Gyaltshab Rinpoche, and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and for the next thirteen years, studied Tibetan literature, languages and Buddhist philosophy.  In 1997, he was awarded the Acharya Degree, in the Sutra tradition of the Buddha's teachings. After graduation, he served for four years as a teacher, librarian and administrator at the Institute.
Lama Pasang received many empowerments and teachings from His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, supreme head of the Kagyu lineage,  H E 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, H E 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and H E 12th Gyaltshab Rinpoche.  In 2002, he commenced the traditional three year retreat under the auspicious guidance of H E Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and the most Venerable Tenga Rinpoche. Lama Pasang received empowerments, teachings, and transmissions from both of them.  He then went to India in 2005 to serve at the Tshurphu Labrang, main office of H H Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje at Dharamsala, Northern India.
In 2007, At the request of New Zealand Karma Kagyu Trust, H H, 17th Karmapa, sent Lama Pasang to Karma Kagyu Thigsum Chokhorling, New Zealand, to be the resident teacher.  Lama is available for personal consultation.  To book an appointment contact the office 09 4205428.

Born in Sikkim, Karma  Tshering entered Rumtek  monastery at the age of eleven.  His training as Umzi or chant master included memorizing numerous prayer texts, along with the ritual gestures, learning to play various trumpets, cymbals, and drums, as well as making and decorating shrine offerings.  He came to Karma Choeling in February 2010  at the direction of HH Karmapa following a request by Lama Pasang and the NZKKT.