Our Lineage

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, born in Tibet on July 6th 1935, is widely revered as a living embodiment of compassion and wisdom. A leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Je Tsongkhapa, he is regarded as the emanation of Avalokiteśvara (Chenrezig), the bodhisattva of compassion, and a guardian of Gelug teachings.

A global spiritual guide and tireless advocate for peace, human values, and interfaith harmony, he has dedicated his life to preserving Tibet’s spiritual heritage and awakening kindness and understanding in the human heart. Among the many places he has shared his wisdom, His Holiness offered teachings here at Vajrapani Institute, leaving a lasting blessing on the land and community. Recognized as one of the greatest beings of the modern world, he continues to inspire humanity toward compassion, understanding, and inner peace.

Je Tsongkhapa

Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) was a Tibetan Buddhist master, scholar, and reformer, widely revered as the founder of the Gelug school. Renowned for his profound wisdom, disciplined practice, and boundless compassion, he emphasized ethical conduct, rigorous study, and the cultivation of the mind through meditation. His teachings and writings have shaped centuries of Tibetan Buddhist thought, inspiring generations to follow the path of wisdom and compassion. Recognized as one of Tibet’s greatest spiritual figures, his legacy continues to guide practitioners toward ethical living, insight, and awakening.

Lama Thubten Yeshe

Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935 – 1984) had a rare gift for touching hearts in ways words can barely capture. He could make you laugh and reflect at the same time, helping you see your own mind with clarity and compassion. Those who met him remember a presence that was both playful and profound—a teacher whose warmth made every student feel truly seen, valued, and capable of  growth.

For Lama Yeshe, the essence of Buddhism was not rituals or doctrines, but the transformation of everyday life—how we think, feel, and relate to the world. He often reminded his students, “Buddhism isn’t about converting people—it’s about understanding your own mind,” encouraging everyone to meet their thoughts and emotions with honesty and kindness. His teachings bridged East and West, combining ancient wisdom with a spirit that was alive, adaptable, and deeply relevant to the modern world.

Born in Tibet in 1935, Lama Yeshe began his monastic studies at Sera Monastic University at the age of six. After fleeing Tibet in 1959 following the Chinese invasion, he continued his studies in India and eventually settled in Nepal. In the late 1960s, he began teaching Western students alongside his closest disciple, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Together, they founded Kopan Monastery near Kathmandu in 1969, creating a welcoming home for spiritual seekers from around the globe.

Lama Yeshe also co-founded the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) and inspired the creation of the Vajrapani Institute in California. Though he passed away in 1984, his spirit lives on—in the laughter, insight, and compassionate practice of the many students, centers, and communities he nurtured.

Lama Thubten Yeshe’s life reminds us that wisdom and warmth are inseparable, and that the heart of the Dharma can be found in laughter, kindness, and the courage to meet ourselves fully.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1946–2023) was one of the greatest Yogis of our time, a being of extraordinary compassion, wisdom, and tireless dedication to the welfare of others. Recognized at birth as the reincarnation of the Lawudo Lama, a revered meditation master from Nepal, Rinpoche’s life was marked by profound devotion, relentless practice, and an unwavering commitment to the path of enlightenment.

From his earliest years, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s heart and mind were closely aligned with Lama Thubten Yeshe. Together, they co-founded the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) in the early 1970s, opening the door for authentic Tibetan Buddhist teachings to touch countless lives beyond Tibet. As one of the founding teachers of the Vajrapani Institute, he helped create a sacred home for practice, study, and the deep cultivation of the Dharma.

Rinpoche’s life was a living example of bodhicitta—the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. His devotion to his teacher, his students, and all sentient beings was unparalleled. He guided countless practitioners with profound clarity, offering teachings on karma, emptiness, and the Lamrim, while embodying the Dharma in every action of his daily life.

After Lama Yeshe’s passing in 1984, Lama Zopa Rinpoche became the spiritual director of FPMT, guiding a global network of over 160 centers, projects, and social services with humility, wisdom, and ceaseless compassion. Though he passed away on April 13, 2023, his presence continues to inspire and guide practitioners worldwide, a testament to his extraordinary life of practice, love, and service.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s example reminds us that the heart of a true Yogi is tireless, devoted, and boundless in its care for others—a legacy inseparable from the warmth, insight, and devotion he shared with Lama Yeshe.