Born in Kham, Tibet, Tulku Urgyen began to meditate at the age of 4 years, guided by his father, Chimey Dorje, and his root guru, Samten Gyatso. Devoting much of his time to recognizing the nature of mind (20 years spent in retreat), Rinpoche, as well, guided many students in Dzogchen, including Lama Thupten and Jean Gardner. It was through his blessings and name, that Salt Lake’s Tibetan temple became established and known as “Urgyen Samten Ling".
Mewa Khenchen Thupten entered the Buddhadharma at an early age, studying under Tulku Do-ngak and receiving empowerments from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche. Establishing the retreat center, Pangang, in northern India, Khenpo taught the Dharma tirelessly to a variety of students, until his physical passing in late 2000.
Ordained at Drikung Kagyu Monastery, Khenpo became a Tibetan Buddhist monk at eight years of age. Under the guidance of Khenpo Thupten Ozer, he studied for 20 years at Pangang. Currently, Rinpoche cares for 15 nuns at Ngoedup Charbeb Ling in Nepal, and is the spiritual head of Urgyen Samten Ling.
As the resident teacher of Urgyen Samten Ling, Lama Thupten has studied and practiced the Buddhadharma for over 37 years. In 1997, he was ordained as a Lama by the late Khenchen Thupten Ozer and Khenpo Konchok Monlam Rinpoche.
Begins Tuesday, January 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m., taught by Jean LaSarre Gardner.
Please click “schedule” tab at left for details.
Download the Schedule (pdf)
Begins Thursday, January 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m., taught by Mark Earl.
Please click “schedule” tab at left for details.
If you have a school or scout group that would like to visit the Gonpa, please give us 2-3 weeks advanced notice. Urgyen Samten Ling Gonpa is run entirely by volunteers and we need extra time to make arrangements for someone to host your group.
Please call 801-328-4629 or email us. Thank you!
We accept credit cards.
740 South 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
