Teachings by Root & Lineage Lamas
Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling (NDDL) has hosted visits by head and lineage lamas of all four major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The events in 1972 and 1974 were organized by the Vajra Sangha, (NDDL’s predecessor) who also invited Nechung Rinpoche, the head lama of Nechung Monastery, to come to Hawai‘i. In 1976, Vajra Sangha disbanded, and Nechung Rinpoche established Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling and incorporated it as a 501(c)3 religious organization.
In addition to courses and retreats at the NDDL temple in Wood Valley, public lectures were organized at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and Hilo, the Hilo Meishoin, Hilo Hongwanji, Kona Daifukuji, Higashi Hongwanji and other Tibetan Buddhist centers. The programs at Wood Valley ranged from weekend seminars to month long retreats. They covered all aspects of the Buddhist path, from fundamental topics to the Highest Yoga Tantras and Dzogchen. This list of teachings gives a broad overview of the depth and extent of the Buddhist teachings as preserved and taught in the Tibetan tradition.
Following is a chronological list of the lamas, their visits and teachings given at NDDL:
1972
Thanksgiving 1972
His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Peace, Brotherhood & Happiness
1974
December 11–15, 1974
His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche, Shangpa Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Refuge and Bodhicitta, Avalokitesvara and Mahakala initiations
1975
November 1975 – May 1983 in residence
Venerable Nechung Rinpoche, reincarnate lama of Nechung Monastery
Teaching: Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism, Gampopa’s The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination, Bodhicaravatara, a Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, Nagajuna’s A Letter to a Friend, Tibetan Book of the Dead, Overview of Lam Rim the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Basics of Tantra, Kunzang Lamai Shelung (Words of My Perfect Teacher), Dzogchen Meditation, Tibetan Language, Intro to Tibetan Astrology, and much more.
1976
June 1, 1976
His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche, Shangpa Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Wisdom‑Energy: Buddhist Meditation, Philosophy and Psychology
June 26–27, 1976
Gyaltrul Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Tibetan History, Philosophy and Language
November 1976
His Holiness 16th Karmapa, head of Karma Kagyu lineage
Visit and lunch
1980
October 27–30, 1980
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso
Teaching: Religion and the Importance of Practice
1983
June – September 1983
Geshe Lobzang Jamsphel
Classes: Understanding Buddhism, Tibetan Dream Interpretation, Tibetan Way of Healing, Tibetan Language, and Shantideva’s "Guide to a Bodhisattva's Way of Life"
1985
May 5–9, 1985 and October 27–November 19, 1985
His Holiness the 98th Ganden Tripa Jamphel Shenphen, head of Gelug lineage
Teachings: The Heart Sutra, Commentary on the King of Noble Deeds, Lam Rim the Graduated Path to Enlightenment, Mahamudra, Initiation and Commentary of Yamantaka
August 1985
His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Initiation of Duk Kar, the White Umbrella Goddess
October 11, 1985
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, founder of Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Buddhism (FPMT)
Teaching: Tibetan Tantra
1986
January 8–20, 1986
Chakdud Tulku Rinpoche
Teaching: Psychology of Death and Dying, empowerment and commentary of Red Tara, Twenty‑one Tara Mandala, Chod, "View, Meditation and Action"
March 15–31, 1986
His Eminence Ludhing Khen Rinpoche, head of the Ngor sub‑sect of Sakya lineage
Teaching: Samatha and Vipassana, Avalokitesvara Initiation and Commentary, Vajrayogini Blessing and the complete commentary on the 11 Yogas and meditations in a 11 day semi‑retreat
June 24–26, 1986
His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche, Shangpa Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Bringing Meditation into Daily Life, The Essence of the 6 Yogas of Naropa.
October 1986
Lama Lodru Rinpoche, Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Buddhist Basics
November 1–10, 1986
Venerable Lati Rinpoche, Ganden Jangtse Monastery
Teaching: Blessing of Green Tara and Commentary, Introduction to Tantra, "Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth"
1987
April 25–26, 1987
His Holiness Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, head of Drikung Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Individual Responsibility towards World Peace, Healing mind and Body through Buddhist Meditation — Medicine Buddha blessing and commentary
May 22–28, 1987
Jetsun Kushog Chime Ludhing, Dolma Podrang of Sakya lineage
Teaching: Women on the Spiritual Path, Women in Buddhism: the Dakini Principle, Empowerment (Je Nang) of Green Tara and teachings
January 1988
Jamgon Khontrul Rinpoche, Kagyu lineage
Words of inspiration and tea
January 14–25, 1988
His Holiness the 98th Ganden Tripa Jamphel Shenphen, head of Gelug lineage
Teaching: "Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination", Samatha Meditation, Initiations and practices of Vajrapani, Hayagriva and Garuda
August 25 – October 1, 1988
His Eminence Tara Rinpoche, Sharpa Choje of the Gelug lineage
Teaching: Atisha's "Lamp Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment", Empowerment of Yamantaka and teachings on the Generation Stage meditation practices; led a one month retreat and the concluding fire rituals. White Tara long life blessing.
October 1988
Lama Tarchin Rinpoche
Teaching: Introduction to Dzogchen
November 10–13, 1988
Jetsun Kushog Chime Ludhing, Dolma Podrang of Sakya lineage
Teaching: The Four Immeasurable Meditations — Love, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity
November 1988
Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
Tea with Jetsun Kusho Chime Ludhing
November 16 – December 11, 1988
His Eminence Ludhing Khen Rinpoche, head of the Ngor Sub‑sect of Sakya lineage
Vajrayogini Blessing and the complete commentary on the 11 Yogas and meditations in a 11–day semi–retreat.
1989
January 6–9, 1989
His Eminence Chogye Trizin Rinpoche, head of Tsarpa sub-sect of Sakya
Teaching: The Essential Meaning of Tantra, A brief explanation of the Kalachakra Tantra, Avalokitesvara blessing, teaching on the Avalokitesvara meditation and mantra Om Mani Padme Hung.
August 1989
Venerable Nechung Kuten Thupten Ngodrup, Medium of Tibet’s Chief State Oracle
Teaching: The Essence of the Dharma
August 1989
Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
Guru Rinpoche Tsok with Venerable Thupten Ngodup, the Nechung Medium
August 23–30, 1989
His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head lama of the Sakya lineage
Teaching: Parting from the Four Attachments, "The Thirteen Golden Dharmas", a treasure of the Sakya Lineage, Vajrakilaya Empowerment, Hevajra Empowerment, Sakya Pandita’s "Gift of Dharma"
November 1989 – January 1990
Khamtrul Rinpoche, senior Nyingma lama
Teaching: "Kun‑zang La‑may Shel‑lung" Words of My Perfect Teacher, common and uncommon preliminary practicesm, Yeshe Lama (restricted)
1990
May 18–23, 1990
Venerable Lati Rinpoche, Ganden Jangtse Monastery
Teaching: "Wheel of Sharp Weapons" — a teaching on mind training, "The Heart Sutra", Initiation of Yamantaka, Yamantaka self‑initiation and commentary
August 23–September 23, 1990
His Eminence Tara Rinpoche, Sharpa Choje of the Gelug lineage
Teaching: Foundational Teachings, Empowerment of Yamantaka and teachings on the Generation Stage meditation practices; led a one month retreat and the concluding fire rituals. White Tara long life blessing.
1991
November 29–December 1, 1991
Venerable Bokar Rinpoche, senior Kagyu lama
Teaching: Vajrayana Techniques of Meditation — techniques of Shamatha, Vipassana and Mahamudra meditations in the Vajrayana tradition.
1992
January 1992
Venerable Locho Rinpoche, senior lama Gelug lineage, Drepung Losaling Monastery
Teaching: Teaching on the Tara Protecting from the Eight Fears
September 25–28, 1992
Khamtrul Rinpoche, senior Nyingma lama
Teaching: "The Four Themed Precious Garland", an introduction to Dzogchen
November 6–20, 1992
Jetsun Kushog Chime Ludhing, Dolma Podrang of the Sakya lineage
Teaching: Vajrayogini Blessing and 10 day commentary.
1993
June 18–21, 1993
His Holiness Terton Tsogyal Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok
Teaching: Bodhicitta and Dzogchen, Revelations of Manjusri, Guru Yoga, Empowerment of Guru Padmasambhava, Teachings on the 7 Line Prayer, Buddha in the Palm of the Hand, Empowerment of Dorje Phurba Gurkhukma (Vajrakilaya) and Commentary.
December 18–20, 1993
Lodi Gyari Rinpoche, special envoy to H.H. the Dalai Lama in the USA
Lecture: Tibet. Self‑determination and the International Community
1994
February 20, 1994
Lama: Lama Tarchin Rinpoche
Children's Program
April 17–18, 1994
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso
Teaching: Wisdom and Compassion: Generating the Mind of Enlightenment
April 1994
Nechung Kuten Thupten Ngodrup, Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche, and monks of Nechung Monastery - Thupten Damchoe, Pema Dorje, Rinchen Gelek, Tenzin Rinchen
October 6–17, 1994
His Holiness Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, head of Drikung Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Healing mind and Body through Buddhist Meditation — Medicine Buddha blessing and commentary, "Fivefold Path of Mahamudra", Initiation and Teachings on Milarepa, Chod and Phowa.
November 25–29, 1994
His Eminence Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, head of the Jonang lineage
Teaching:"37 Practices of the Bodhisattvas", Kalachakra Initiation & Commentary on meditation practice, White Tara Long Life Blessing, plus A Multicultural Interfaith Spiritual Celebration.
1995
July 29, 1995
Venerable Jampa Rinpoche and monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery
Program: Long Life Initiation and Creation of Sand Mandala
August 16–September 4, 1995
Lelung Shadpa'l Dorjee Rinpoche
Teachings: Samatha (Calm Abiding) and Vipassana (Special Insight) Meditation, Introduction to Tantra, Vajrapani "Drop of Ambrosia" Permission, and White Tara Long Life Blessing.
October 18–21, 1995
Venerable Kushog Bakula Rinpoche, Indian Ambassador to Mongolia
Teaching: History of India’s relationship with Mongolia
October 19, 1995
Kalu Yangsi Rinpoche, reincarnation of Kalu Rinpoche
Tea with Venerable Kushog Bakula Rinpoche
November 8–29, 1995
His Eminence Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, head of the Jonang lineage
Teaching: Majik Labdron Initiation, Chod Initiations and Teachings
1996
June 6–16, 1996
Venerable Geshe Tenzin Chophel, Nechung Monastery
Teaching: Foundation of Spiritual Practice, Meditative Quiescence and Vipassana
September 20–24, 1996
His Eminence Ludhing Khen Rinpoche, head of the Ngor sub–sect of Sakya lineage
Teaching: Parting from the Four Attachments and Four Mandala Tara Practice.
1998
January 1-4, 1998
Venerable Yangthang Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: View, Meditation & Action, Avalokitesvara and the 1000 Buddha Empowerment
August 7–9, 1998
Lharampa Geshe Lobsang Khenrab, Drepung Losaling Monastery
Teaching: Three Principles of the Path
November 17–December 28, 1998
His Eminence Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa, head of the Jonang lineage
Teaching: Twenty–One Tara (uncommon) Annutarayoga Initiations and Commentary, Lam Rim (Stages of the Path to Enlightenment), Kalachakra for World Peace.
2001
February 3–11, 2001
Lharampa Geshe Lobsang Khenrab, Drepung Losaling Monastery
Teaching: Bodhicharyavatara, Ten Non-Virtues
April 20–22, 2001
Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen Rinpoche, senior lama of Drikung Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Precious Human Birth, Transformation of Suffering, Impermanence, Karma, Bodhicitta, Taking & Sending Practice
2002
January 24–27, 2002
Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen Rinpoche, senior lama of Drikung Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Wisdom of Emptiness, Milarepa & Mahamudra
August 30, 2002
His Holiness Gyabje Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, head lama of Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Lama, Yidam, Khandro Dzogchen Teachings, Initiations & Commentaries of Guru Padmasambhava, Vajrakilaya, Medicine Buddha Healing Blessing, Hayagriva Wisdom Dakini Vajravarahi
2003
Sakya Dakmo Kushog of the Sakya Phuntsok Podrang
Teaching: The Significance of Arya Tara and Practice
January 11–12, 2003
Tashilhunpo Monastery Lamas & Monks
Program: Sacred Dance & Chants, Amitayus Longevity & Healing Blessing, Sand Mandala Creation
January 19, 2003
Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Guru Yoga & the Nature of Mind
January 24–27, 2003
Venerable Namgyal Khen Rinpoche (Geshe Thubten Dawa), abbot of Namgyal Monastery
Teaching: Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination, Karma & Freedom on the Path of Liberation, the Four Noble Truths
March 8–9 2003
Garchen Rinpoche, Drikung Kagyu lineage
Teaching: Love, Compassion & Bodhicitta
Sagadawa 2003
His Holiness Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, head of Drikung Kagyu lineage Tsok Ceremony
May 2003
Venerable Nechung Kuten Thupten Ngodup, Medium of Tibet’s Chief State Oracle
Teaching: Vajrakilaya Blessing
June 11–12, 2003
His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of the Sakya lineage
Teaching: Vajrakilaya Empowerment & Commentary, Oral transmission of "Chanting the Names of Manjusri"
August 26–28, 2003
Venerable Lopon Thupten Damchoe, Venerable Gyaltsen Chophel, monks of Nechung Monastery, and Dr. Tenzin Namgyal
Program: Buddhism and the Art of Happiness, Sacred Art of Tibet and Intro to Tibetan Medicine
December 2003 – February 2004
Venerable Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche, reincarnation of Nechung Rinpoche
Teaching: Cultivating Bodhicitta, the Four Thoughts that turn the Mind toward Dharma
2004
April 20–May 11, 2004
Lharampa Geshe Lobsang Khenrab, Drepung Losaling Monastery
Teaching: Birth, Dying & Intermediate State, The Heart Sutra
November 25–28, 2004
Lama Kunga Rinpoche, Sakya lineage
Teaching: Vajrayogini Commentary & Retreat
Sakya Dakmo Kushog of the Sakya Phuntsok Podrang
eaching: Green Tara Teaching and Practice
2005
February 7–17, 2005
Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Refuge & Bodhicitta, Fire Rituals
June 9–22, 2005
Lhanang Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Medicine Buddha Initiation & Commentary, Elements of Tibetan Wisdom, Anuyoga & Meditation
December 17–18, 2005
Khentrul Lodroe Thaye Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: "Parting from the Four Attachments"
2006
February 2006
Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Elements of Dzogchen
April 1–2, 2006
Tulku Orgyen Zangpo Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Dream Yoga & Meditation
October 8–9, 2006
Venerable Khandro Rinpoche, Mindroling
Teaching: Green Tara Initiation & Commentary, Yeshe Tsogyal Initiation & Commentary
2007
January – April 2007
Venerable Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche, reincarnation of Nechung Rinpoche
Teaching: The Seven Point Cause & Result Method, Eight Verses of Mind Training
September 21–23, 2007
Venerable Dhakpa Tritrul Rinpoche, senior lama of Sera Monastery
Teaching: Atisha’s Lamp for the Path of Enlightenment
2008
May 10–11, 2008
Venerable Tashilhungpo Khen Rinpoche, abbot of Tashilhungpo Monastery
Teaching: Seven Points of Mind Training, Lama Chopa Tsok
August 8–16, 2008
Venerable Traga Rinpoche
Teaching: Cultivating Refuge, Bodhicitta, Four Thoughts that turn the Mind, Vajrasattva Permission & Commentary, Manjusri Permission
2009
February 23–26, 2009
Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Performance of Fire Pujas
February 25–26, 2009
Venerable Jampa Sopa and Dzongkar Monastery monks
Program: Yamantaka Increase Fire Ritual
June 20 – August 30, 2009
Lama: His Eminence Gongkar Dorje Dhenpa Rinpoche, head of Dzongpa sub-sect of Sakya
Teaching: White Tara Long Life Initiation, Quintessential Instructions of Tantra, Garuda Initiation, White Mahakala Initiation, Heart Sutra commentary, Vajrapani Peace Fire Puja
September 2, 2009
Venerable Nechung Kuten Thupten Ngodrup, Medium of Tibet’s Chief State Oracle
Teaching: Blessings of Vajrakilaya
2010
January – April 2010
Venerable Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche, reincarnation of Nechung Rinpoche
Teaching: Eight Verses of Mind Training
May 15–16, 2010
Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, Nyingma lineage
Teaching: Heart Advice of Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche
2011
June 19, 2011
Venerable Nechung Kuten Thupten Ngodup, Medium of Tibet’s Chief State Oracle
Teaching: White Tara Long Life Initiation, History of Nechung Protector & Monastery, Vajrakilaya Blessing
2013
February 9–10, 2013
Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche
Green Tara Initiation & Teaching, Tara Stories, Lha Sang Ritual
September 7–8, 2013
Lopon Thupten Damchoe, Nechung Monastery
Teaching: The Significance of Sutra & Tantra, Tsok & Lha Sang Ritual
September 21–22, 2014
Venerable Ngakchen Rinpoche, Tashilhungpo Monastery
Teaching: Eight Verses of Training the Mind
2014
May 24–26, 2014
Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche
Teaching: Tibetan Zen, Vajrasattva Initiation & Guide to Practice, Explanation of Riwo Sang Chod Ritual.
December 1–6, 2014
Venerable Nechung Kuten Thupten Ngodup, Medium of the Chief State Oracle of Tibet
Teaching: Vajrakilaya Blessing, Guru Rinpoche Initiation & Teaching on 7 line prayer, Guru Tsok
2015
February 21–22, 2015
Venerable Khen Rinpoche Jampa Tenphel & Khenpo Chokyi Gyaltsen
Weekend Prayer Festival, Recitation of "Aspiration of Samantabadhra, King of Noble Prayers", Explanation of Seven Limb Verses.
September 5–7, 2015
Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche
Excerpts from "Handbook for the Half Buddha", Dream Yoga, Troma Nagmo Empowerment & Chod Teachings, White Tara Wishfulfilling Wheel Long Life Empowerment
2016
May 28–30, 2016
Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche
Refuge & Bodhicitta, 4 Thoughts, Guru Padmasambhava Initiation & Teachings
November 25, 2016
Venerable Arjia Rinpoche
Lama Chopa Practice & Tsok Offering
2017
May 27–29, 2017
Tulku Yeshe Rinpoche
Orgyen Menla Initiation, Three Words that Strike the Vital Point, Meditation Instructions
September 2–18, 2017
Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche
Buddha Nature, Introduction to Tantra and White Tara Wishfulfilling Wheel Long Life Empowerment
October 18–30, 2017
Venerable Tenzin Chophel
”The Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones - the Practice of View, Meditation & Action, a Discourse Virtuous in the Beginning, Middle & End”
2018
March 31-April 29, 2018
Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche
The Practice of Bodhicitta-Cultivating the Mind of Enlightenment: 7 Fold Cause & Result Instructions and Equalizing & Exchanging Oneself with Others; White Tara Je-Nang (Permission Initiation) and Teachings on the White Tara Practice, Visualization & Mantra Recitation; White Tara Meditation Practice & Collective Accumulation of Mantra, followed by Jin-Tsek Fire Ritual for Purification
September 1-3, 2018
Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche
Teachings on Temple Daily Meditation & Practice Text: Refuge, Conventional & Absolute Bodhicitta, Inner & Outer Offerings, Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri & Avalokitesvara
2019
March 10-April 7, 2019
Nechung Choktrul Rinpoche
Basics of Buddhist Meditation, Commentary on Tara Practice & the Praises of the 21 Taras; 35 Confessional Buddhas, Auspicious, Long Life & Dedication Prayers; Vajrasattva Jenang (permission initiation) and Explanation of the visualization & meditation; Commentary on Padmasambhava Guru Yoga, Tsok Offering & concise practice.