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The
Center for Dzogchen Studies
constitutes a community of
practitioners dedicated to the
teachings and practices of the Nyingma lineage
flowing from Nyakla
(Drubje)
Pema Duddul's Kalsang
Monastery in Kham, Tibet (vicinity
map, photo). They
teach what is known as the Nine
Yanas (vehicles) of Nyingma
Tibetan Buddhism.
Such practices gradually introduce
the nature of mind to the
practitioner. The view from which
one approaches the Nine Yanas
teaches that the awakened state already
exists within. Through continued
use of the practices, direct
experience of our Great
Completeness (Dzogchen) becomes
possible.
While this Center's historical roots are found in the teachings
given by Nyakla (Drubje) Pema Duddul (1816-1872), the mind
incarnation of Guru Padmasambava, readings and other activities
draw widely from the many rich traditions within Tibetan Buddhism
today.
Lama
Tsondru Sangpo and Lama Padma Karma,
Resident Directors, reside and
teach at the
Center which was established in 1994. The organization is affiliated with
Pema Osel Ling in Albuquerque,
New Mexico, Resident Directors
Tulku Serdo Rinpoche and Khandro Sherab
Lhamo.
Tulku
Serdo Rinpoche at center,
teacher of Lama
Padma Karma on right, at welcoming party for Lama Tsondru
Sangpo, left.
Photo taken at the Center for
Dzogchen Studies, New Haven, CT,
August 2002.
The Center is located in a converted three story home in New Haven’s Westville section. On street parking is available. To visit
the Center you may wish to
consult the directions
and vicinity map.
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The
Center for Dzogchen
Studies was
established in New
Haven, Connecticut in
1994 by three
practitioners and Lama
Padma Karma (born
1952), the Center's
spiritual guide.
Raised as a Christian
in the Virgin Islands,
Lama Padma Karma had a
diverse religious
background that
culminated in his
initial study of
Buddhism beginning in
1985 after settling in
China as a teacher.
He was given the
titles of "Vajra
Master" and
"Rinpoche"
in 1992 by Tulku Serdo
Rinpoche with the
authorization to teach
under the auspices of
the Nyingma and Kagyu
schools of Tibetan
Buddhism and more
specifically, within
the Longchen Nyingthig
Lineage of Kalsang
Monastery, Tibet.
Lama Padma Karma continues to study with H.
H. Kyabje Chadral Sangye Dorje in Pharping, Nepal
and Tulku Serdo Rinpoche in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Since settling in New Haven, Lama Padma Karma has established
a teacher training program, Thangka (Tibetan sacred
art) painting
program by Lama Tsondru Sangpo, and monthly visits
to the Center by highly qualified Tibetan
herbalist Amjee Keyzom Bhutti.
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The
Lineage of Lama Padma Karma’s spiritual transmission, an important aspect of Tibetan Buddhism, proceeds from the second Do
Rinpoche who transmitted the Longchen Nyingthig teachings of the Nyingma Lineage to Tulku Pema Drubchen Rinpoche.
Tulku Pema Drubchen Rinpoche also received the Mahamudra teachings of the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu from His Eminence Kangs Ka Rinpoche, root teacher to His Holiness The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.
Tulku Pema Drubchen Rinpoche then passed this complete system of Nyingma and Kagyu teachings on to
Tulku Serdo Rinpoche, who now resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Tulku Serdo Rinpoche was recognized by Sherab Oser Rinpoche, the present abbot of
Nyakla
(Drubje)
Pema Duddul's Kalsang
Monastery in Kham,
Tibet (vicinity
map,
photo), as an incarnation of the previous
Serdok Rinpoche abbot
of Kalsang Monastery.
Thanks to the kindness of
Tulku Serdo Rinpoche Lama Padma Karma
holds both Nyingma and Kagyu Lineages.
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Lama Tsondru Sangpo since the age of eight has received and practiced the complete Dudjom series of teachings from Guru Padmasambhava’s Regent, Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje. Lama Tsondru Sangpo has also received many quintessential teachings from his Root Teacher Kyabje Chadral Kungpangpo Sangye Dorje Rinpoche. In addition, Lama Tsondru Sangpo has received precious teachings from Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Kyabje Pema Norbu Rinpoche, Kyabje Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, as well as all of the Kama and Terma teachings within the Nyingma System.
Lama Tsondru
Sangpo is now responsible for
passing on teachings from within the
Tantric system of Tibetan Buddhism
to the advanced practitioners at the
Center, as well as introductory
courses to new students.
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Apprentices at the Center, preparing to be teachers, are experienced and highly motivated practitioners. Feel free to contact them with questions about Center operations. Apprentices at New Haven’s Center for Dzogchen Studies are:
Bodhisattva
Karma Drolma
(Angela Amendola)
Bodhisattva Tashi Oser
(David Hurtado)
Bodhisattva
Tashi Gyatso
(Brian Shortt)
Bodhisattva
Rinchen Dorje
(Paul Amendola)
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Newcomers are welcome to meet with the Center's Apprentices on Sunday mornings at 10 AM. An introduction to the various activities at the Center will be given and questions will be answered.
You and your friends are welcome to familiarize yourself with our presentation of the Buddha’s teachings and the people who practice here.
After carefully exploring the Center in this way, you may then request a practice from
Lama Padma Karma.
To receive this teaching a
commitment of three month's visits to the
Center is requested, to be
followed by once a week Wednesday
night visits.
These
introductory teachings are given
monthly. Check our calendar for
the exact time and date. Once a student has received a practice, she or he is welcome to
attend meditation practice sessions on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM and Sunday mornings at 10 AM.
 New
practitioners are encouraged to attend our one day retreats
scheduled for one Saturday of
each month. This is one of their most important opportunities as students of the Dharma to deepen practice and gain rapid insight. Join us every Sunday at 11AM, after the morning sit, for additional opportunities to be mindful.
As shown on the Calendar, a variety
of activities take place during the month, especially on
Sundays. These include various practices and practice Review
with Lama Padma Karma. There are monthly
Tsok Offerings to Guru Rinpoche and periodic teachings
and study courses for all levels. We also enjoy special
events such as the Losar
Tibetan New Year Celebration.
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