In 1998, my life was forever changed when I met Lama Drimed of Chagdud Gompa. Officially recognized in 1995, Lama Drimed was given permission to serve as the head Lama of Rigdzin Ling in California, the seat of Chagdud Rinpoche’s legacy. He was also recognized during his ordination as an emanation of one of the 25 students of Padmasambhava. After our meeting, Lama Drimed granted me permission to attend the annual Ngondro retreat in 1999, which he led with the profound Dzogchen view woven into the teachings.
After several years of Ngondro practice, I was invited to participate in multiple six-week Dzogchen retreats, as well as retreats focused on the practices of Longchenpa. Lama Drimed embodies the Dharma in every fiber of his being. As of 2022, he is currently in his second three-year retreat, deepening his practice and continuing to teach his students how to abide in the natural state of Buddha nature.
From Lama Drimed, I received the full cycle of Dzogchen teachings, which I treasure daily, always remembering the blessings of all Buddhas and bodhisattvas for their unwavering dedication in preserving the unbroken lineage of the Buddhadharma. Lama Drimed, without speaking, conveyed the inexpressible truth, and in his presence, we all experienced our true nature. He bestowed upon us the most precious jewel—our own true face, a jewel that can never be stained.
