Meaning and Meditation: Developing Sanity in a Confused World

Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso (Richard Baldwin) began his formal Buddhist training in India, in 1970, with the outstanding meditation master, the late Venerable Kalu Rinpoche. Returning to the U.S., he entered the Buddhist Studies Program at the University of Washington. At this time he also received many teachings at the feet of the late Venerable Dezhung Rinpoche, a master of all lineages. He recieved his degree in 1974 and subsequently embarked on a number of meditation retreats. In 1982, he became a student of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. In 1996, Chagdud Rinpoche ordained him as a lama and appointed him as the teacher at Chagdud Gonpa Amrita, Seattle.

Having translated from Tibetan the extensive Tomge Chenrezig text in 2004, Lama Padma deepened his connection with the Chenrezig practice when he traveled to Tibet and met with the terton Tromge Dechhen Kyabje Wangpo, who acknowledged him as a lineage-holder of the practice. After completing extensive retreats over several years as directed by Tromge Decchen Rinpoche, Lama Padma has been authorized to offer the empowerment for the Tromge Chenrezig.

Lama Padma teaches and practices with meditation and study groups throughout the United States, including several Buddhist groups in Washington state prisons. Additionally, Lama Padma is coordinating the development of Chokdrup Ling, a 320 acre retreat center, in the Four Corners area of the Southwest.

For more information, please email SyracuseSanghart@yahoo.com