Lama Gursam

Lama Gursam went to monastery at a very young age, received teachings as a monastic, and studied and practiced as a monastic. He then studied in the Tibetan University at Sarnath, Varanasi, India to get both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Buddhist Philosophy, History, and languages. Upon graduation, he received a special award for scholastic achievement from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After university, Lama Gursam was requested to assist His Holiness the Chetsang Rinpoche. Lama volunteered for five years as an assistant, as a teacher, and helped with many other duties.

Lama Gursam then completed the traditional three-year retreat under the supervision of Garchen Rinpoche. Since then, every year Lama has gone on retreat in various mountains, including some of Milarepa’s caves. He then returns for six months each year to provide teachings in the West. He also leads pilgrimages to holy places in India and Nepal.

Since COVID-19 has restricted  travel , Lama makes use of Zoom to keep continuity with his many students. He offers daily meditations at 8 am & 8 pm, yoga classes on Saturday and Sunday, weekly classes on ancient Buddhist texts including Gampopa’s “Jewel Ornament,” Shantideva’s “Way of Life of a Bodhisattva,” The Karmapa’s “Aspiration Prayer for Mahamudra, “with more to come. Monthly retreats are provided to meet the needs of his students,and provide practice opportunities and personal guidance. His Zoom programs reach students in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and Poland.