Venerable Lama Gyatso Nubpa's family lineage is one of generations of highly respected meditators and teachers of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in Aninkar, western Tibet, Lama Gyatso was forced to flee Tibet in 1959 with his family at the age of eight. Inspired by his early monastic training at Wenthri Ling Monastery, Lama Gyatso's focus during this difficult escape was to neutralize any feelings of anger and hatred and to cultivate compassion in their place.
In spite of his new-found refugee status, Lama Gyatso was able to continue his traditional Buddhist training while in exile. The exodus also enabled him to begin his western education. At the age of fifteen, Lama Gyatso was invited to attend the prestigious Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Varanasi, India. Upon completion of his degree, Lama Gyatso then spent two years at the University of Delhi, studying both Eastern and Western philosophy at the postgraduate level.
Lama Gyatso's training also focused on spiritual advancement, and he received the majority of his spiritual training, including teachings and spiritual transmissions, from his principle teachers: Nubpa Lama Ögyen Rinpoche, Zang Zang Lama Dhonyod Rinpoche, His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche, His Holiness Jatral Rinpoche, His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, and His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche. Lama Gyatso also received teachings and transmissions from Khenpo Tsondru Rinpoche, Khenpo Thupten Rinpoche, Lama Topgyal Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, and His Holiness Dilgo Kheyntse Rinpoche.
In 1979, Lama Gyatso was selected by fellow Tibetans to represent them in the Parliament of the Tibetan Government in Exile. From 1979 until 1990, Lama Gyatso worked closely with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, serving the Tibetan Government in Exile as a representative of the Nyingma Community in Exile, and subsequently serving as both the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Tibetan Congress in Exile. Lama Gyatso's primary responsibilities as Chairman were to direct programs to preserve and promote Tibetan culture, spirituality, and human rights, thus supporting the Tibetan peoples' aspiration to preserve their cultural identity.
Lama Gyatso moved to the United States in 1992 at the request of His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, and held the seat of Chagdud Gonpa T'hondup Ling in Los Angeles from 1997 until his passing in October, 2009. Lama Gyatso created the Tools for Peace™ program, and founded Ari Bhöd, America's Tibet (The American Foundation for Tibetan Cultural Preservation) in 2003 to preserve the most priceless aspect of Tibetan culture, "that which can bring peace to humanity."
Lama Gyatso passed away on October 13, 2009, the 25th day of the Tibetan calendar, at Chorten Gonpa in Sikkim, India. His passing, like all aspects of his life, was an example to all of those around him, as his singular focus to benefit others at every moment of his life never wavered. His spiritual legacy continues to grow through Ari Bhöd and its programs.
