Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok

At a young age Tulku Orgyen Phuntsok was recognized by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Togden Kunzang Longdrol Rinpoche, a highly realized yogi from Powo who had been one of H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche’s main students and influential in spreading the Dharma in Tibet and Pema Köd. Tulku spent his early years in retreat and studied all aspects of Buddhism at his monastery in Pema Köd in northeastern India. At the age of 15, he began his studies in southern India at Namdroling Monastery, the largest monastery of the Nyingma lineage, rebuilt in India by H.H. Penor Rinpoche, the Supreme Head of the Nyingma tradition. Tulku Orgyen completed the nine-year Khenpo degree and taught Buddhist philosophy during his final three years at Namdroling Monastery. Since 1999, Tulku Orgyen has been with the Vairotsana Foundation, assisting Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche with teaching, practice, and other Dharma activities. Tulku has taught and led retreats in throughout the United States. He has also taught at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Currently, Tulku Orgyen is the resident Lama and Director of the Santa Barbara Center of Vairotsana Foundation.