Ari Bhöd’s founder, the Venerable Lama Chödak Gyatso Nubpa, was born in 1951 in Aninkar, Tibet, into a preeminent Nyingmapa lineage family. His traditional training began at the age of four at Nyendril Ling Monastery. In 1959 Lama Gyatso's family was forced to flee Tibet. Many of his immediate family died during the perilous escape into India.

Lama Gyatso's extensive traditional training and modern education continued in exile until the age of fifteen, when he entered the prestigious Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. He later spent two years at the University of Delhi, studying both Eastern and Western philosophy at the postgraduate level.

Lama Gyatso's principal spiritual teachers include: Nubpa Lama Ogyen Rinpoche, Zang Zang Lama Dhonyod Rinpoche, His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche, His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, His Holiness Chatral Rinpoche and His Holiness Trulshik Rinpoche. Lama Gyatso has also received teachings and transmissions from Khenpo Tsondru Rinpoche, Khenpo Thubten Rinpoche, Lama Topgyal Rinpoche, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, and His Holiness Dilgo Kheyntse Rinpoche.

 From 1979 until 1990, Lama Gyatso worked closely with His Holiness the Dalai Lama serving as a representative of the Nyingmapa community in exile, and subsequently served as both the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Tibetan Congress in Exile.

While serving in these respective offices, Lama Gyatso directed programs to preserve and promote Tibetan culture, religion and human rights, thus supporting the Tibetan peoples' aspiration for their national identity.

Lama Gyatso came to Los Angeles in 1992 at the request of His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, and currently holds the Los Angeles seat of his center T'hondup Ling in Los Feliz.