Dharma

Over the years I have been fortunate to receive teachings and instructions from a variety of peoples in person, drawing from a range of lineages. I have, of course, also taken many teachings from books, podcasts, online lectures and teachings.

My main practice tradition today is Tantric Buddhism, as a holder of the three sets of vows, drawing principally on the Karma Kamstang tradition and the Shije/Chod tradition, which are Tibetan Vajrayana traditions, but also more widely in the Tantric traditions of Tibet and India. My teacher is Repa Dorje Odzer (Lama Justin von Bujdoss). I am part of what Lama refers to as a kula कुल, or spiritual family or community, modelled on spiritual organizations that arose in both the Indian Buddhist and Hindu tantric systems on the sub-continent, rooted around core practices, which in our case are the yogini tantras.

I also hold connection to my refuge and preceptor Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, and I keep in contact with my first Zen teacher Reisan Ann Baker. I also hold the teachings of the late Shō Ken Michael Stone (1974-2017) close to me. Their guidance is a blessing, and any shortcomings are purely my own doing.

My Teacher

*Repa Dorje Odzer (Lama Justin von Bujdoss)*

Lama Justin is my root Lama and principal teacher today. I am working on finding an authentic dharma, a tantric path for my own life, as a western practitioner. It’s an honour to be working as both a Tantrika and Chodpa with Lama Justin. Through Lama Justin it is an honour to connect with the lineages that traces through his teachers who include the late Ani Dechen Zangmo, the late Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche and the late Kyabje Pathing Rinpoche, the present Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche and Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche.

Refuge and Vows

In 2014, Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche became my preceptor and refuge Lama, as I undertook the Genyen (Lay/Upasaka ordination) vows, receiving the Dharma name Karma Yeshe Konchok, in a tonsure (hair cutting) ceremony.

Authorisation

(Shō Ken) Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a prominent Buddhist teacher, author, and host of the Awake in the World podcast. He ran a Foundations in Teaching Mindfulness Meditation course that I undertook, and thus passed on to me authorisation to teach mindfulness based meditation practices.

My first Teacher

Soto Zen was my first foray into the dharma. My first teacher Reisan Ann Baker (Empty Sky Zen Sangha), introduced me to Zazen and Soto Zen in the tradition of Suzuki Roshi. Ann provided numerous teachings and an introduction to so many wonderful texts and rituals. Dogen was, of course, a central component to such teachings. I shall be forever grateful for her time, kindness, and wonderful skill at teaching, and her on-going support of my Dharma practice to this day.