Lama Lodru was appointed resident lama of Kagyu Droden Kunchab in San Francisco in 1976 by His Holliness the Gyalwa Karmapa and His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche. He was born in Sikkim in 1942 into a Tibetan family. His grandfather, Lama Wongten, was held in very high esteem throughout the region as a yogi and general practitioner of the Dharma. Lama Lodru Rinpoche completed his preliminary training and education at the monasteries of His Holiness the Karmapa and His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche. He also studied and trained under the great yogi Drupon Tenzin Rinpoche and His Eminence Thrangu Rinpoche.

Lama Lodru Rinpoche completed the traditional three-year retreat under H.E. Kalu Rinpoche, and then spent a period of time leading isolated retreats. He then went to Kalu Rinpoche's monastery in Sonada and served for seven years as a puja master. He taught for two years at various European centers before coming to KDK.

His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa during one of his visits to San Francisco, emphacized that those whoare interested in the teachings of the Buddha are very fortunate to be involved with KDK and should take advantage of the precious opportunity to study and practice the Dharma with Lama Lodru Rinpoche. The Karmapa descriped Rinpoche as, "... a lama who has highly developed his inner practice."

Lama Lodru Rinpoche's teachings are very clear, unique, and profound. They touch the heart of everyone who listens. For example, during an initiation ceremony, Rinpoche will explain every detail. This makes a definite difference in the student's understanding of the method and makes it easier to experience the simplicity of the nature of mind. Rinpoche is very accomodating to anyone who wants to seriously practice meditation.

Lama Lodru Rinpoche's teachings benefit many people of all ages and levels of experience. His direct insight and simplicity as well as his humor and kindness make these teachings appear as transparent and brightly radiating five colored light, powerfully illuminating the truth. He teaches us to cultivate virtue and avoid wrong actions, stressing the value of true compassion as the key for liberation and supreme knowledge.

In this era of disease, famine, war and untimely death, we the students of this excellent Rinpoche pray for his good heath and long life. We rejoice in his guidence and pray that all may learn loving kindness for each other, and share his limiless profound realization until we reach enlightenment.

(writtten by Don Iocca, a devoted student who went on three year retreat)

Wednesday
           6:00pm Mahakala (For Folks Familiar with the Practice)
            6:30pm Chenrezig

Contact Us
Driving Directions

Phn. 530-295-1695