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Fifteen years ago, through the kindness of Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche,
Lama Sonam came to America and became resident lama of Dechen Ling
in Cottage Grove, Oregon. He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes
for many years supporting the activities of numerous Nyingma lamas
in the West: helping to establish Dharma centers, teaching the meaning
of our practices and ritual arts, and supporting the efforts of
Western practitioners to find the truth of Dharma.
Lama Sonam began his Dharma education studying with his father
in Tibet. In 1959 his family left Tibet and traveled to India. After
several years, they resettled in Orissa near His Holiness Dudjom
Rinpoche’s monastery, Duddel Rabten Ling, where he studied
the Dudjom Tersar lineage and ritual arts, and trained in the two
stages of practice (creation and perfection). Following this he
went to H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche’s Shedra, The Nyingmapa Wish-Fulfilling
Center of Study and Practice, where he was educated and graduated
after nine years of intensive study. He also received teachings
from many other great Nyingma lamas and khenpos.
Lama Sonam is Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s trusted dharma brother
of many years. For this reason, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche has entrusted
him to guide the Vajrayana Foundation. In addition to caring for
his other center, Dechen Ling, Lama Sonam has begun to oversee the
daily activities of Vajrayana Foundation, offering teachings and
guidance wherever it is needed. We are extremely fortunate to have
such a precious lama join us here at Pema Osel Ling.
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