Yogi Lama Gursam

Yogi Acharya Lama Gursam Rinpoche was born in India and received a monastic education from the age of six. He went on to study at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Varanasi where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He graduated at the top of his class, receiving honors from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Thereafter, he taught language and philosophy at the Drikung Kagyu Institute in Dehradun, serving His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche for six years.

In 1995, he was invited to teach in the United States. He has taught and travelled extensively for more than 25 years. In addition to teaching in numerous Dharma Centers, he taught in schools, prisons, mental health and addiction settings, and in animal hospitals. He completed a traditional three year retreat and created The Bodhicitta Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which aims to support the flourishing of Dharma activity. His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche has officially recognized The Bodhicitta Foundation as an affiliate of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage.

As part of his ongoing activities, Lama Gursam maintains a regular retreat and teaching schedule internationally. Every year, Lama goes on retreat in various mountains and holy places, including some of Milarepa’s caves and Bodh Gaya. He also leads pilgrimages to holy places in India and Nepal.

Lama Gursam teaches in English, and always tries to focus on the practical application of the Dharma in everyday life.