Drikung Kyobpa Choling is a 501(c)3 non-profit religious organization. Drikung Kyobpa Choling was founded in 1996 by Drupon Samten Rinpoche, under the guidance of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsung. We are dedicated to providing the opportunity for all individuals to have a place of refuge, solitude, and tranquility, and to experience the teachings and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism. Additionally, our goal is to support the Tibetan community, preserve the ancient Tibetan culture, and to maintain the traditional teachings as taught by The Buddha and the great masters of India and Tibet.
Drupon Samten Rinpoche was born in the Himalayan Mountains of Ladakh. At the age of six, he entered the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Lama Yuru, which was built in the 12th century and is where Naropa did many years of retreat. He studied with 13 accomplished teachers, learning Buddhist philosophy, ceremony, butter sculpture, painting, music, lama dance, healing, and astrology. Drupon was 22 when he went into a 3-year retreat as a student of a great meditation retreat master, Khyunga Rinpoche. Under the retreat master's guidance, Drupon completed the traditional Three Year Meditation Retreat and the Six Yogas of Naropa. In 1987, his Holiness Drikung Kyabgon sent him to the United States to teach at the Tibetan Meditation Center and he stayed with Khenchen Rinpoche there for many years. On January 20th, 2001, he was enthroned by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang in India, in front of over 800 monks attending the Snake Year teachings at Jang Chubling Monastery, and received the title Drupon Samten Rinpoche, Vajra Meditation Master. Drupon Samten has been teaching in the United States, Taiwan, Malaysia and Chile since 1987. He has obtained a very good command of the English language. He teaches with clarity, compassion and wisdom, and is open to help everyone he meets.
Upaya is the ambient instrumental project of American composer Dave Howard. Howard has released three CDs under his own name as a singer-songwriter and one with his rock band, The Shamey Jays. Dave has been practicing Buddhism since 1986 and began studying and practicing with Drupon Samten Rinpoche at Drikung Kyobpa Choling in 2006 after encouragement from his wife, Terri who was already part of the sangha. Upaya music is atmospheric, environmental and evocative. Fans of Eno, Deuter, Steve Roach, Liquid Mind and Phil Thornton will find familiar musical textures, treatments and themes. "I have wanted to work with the lamas and nuns at DKC for a long time" says Howard. "Finally, the opportunity arose and I am thrilled with the results. I am sure this is only the first of many projects together."
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