Ven. Lama Lodu Rinpoche
Venerable Lama Lodu Rinpoche: In His Own Words
The Venerable Lama Lodu Rinpoche was appointed resident lama of Kagyu Droden Kunchab in San Francisco in 1976 by His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa and His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche:
I was born in Sikkim in 1942 into a Tibetan family. My grandfather, Lama Wongten, was held in very high esteem throughout the region as a yogi and general practitioner of the Dharma. I was sent to Rumtek Monastery, in Sikkim, at the age of 8 to begin my studies. I completed my preliminary training and education there and at the monastery of His Holiness the Karmapa. At the age of 16, I went into a cave for solitary retreat for two years, studying and training under the great yogi Drupon Tenzin Rinpoche and His Eminence Thranguinpoche. After Drupon Tenzin Rinpoche passed away, I completed the traditional three-year retreat under H.E. Kalu Rinpoche. I was granted the title of Lama after I completed the three year retreat, and I was sent to a cave near Ladak, Kuruminali, Pangong Cave, to serve as Retreat Master.
After that, I went to His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche.s monastery in Sonada and served for seven years as Chanting Master. His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche and His Holiness the Karmapa had many students in Europe by then, and were requesting a teacher be sent to them. So I went first to Sweden to teach, and then to various European centers, for about 2 years.
In 1976, on Thanksgiving Day, I arrived in San Francisco, sent by His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche to serve as Spiritual Director for Kagyu Droden Kunchab, the Center that he established. Since then, I have been continually teaching here in the United States, and I have trained three sets of three year retreatants. Some of these individuals are now teaching at different centers, and some are helping here me as my assistants.
I have a very busy teaching schedule, I travel to different states, on a teaching tour, every six months, giving empowerments and teachings. My profession, or occupation, is Lama. La means someone who is a highly realized being, ma means mother for all sentient beings, a Lama is teacher, or guru, one who is above others, with wisdom and teaches others. Like a mother who cares for her child selflessly, a Lama views all beings with compassion and love. I may not be that highly realized, that is the title that I have. The title itself does not automatically confer respect, your nature and how you benefit beings determines that, as your activities as a Lama grow and flourish.
Interview with Lama Lodu Rinpoche
Q: How did you become interested in the start of this project that helps children?
LLR: My belief is that without education many children will continue to live in poverty and have no opportunity to better their lives. I felt that if I could make a difference it could be with this. St. Joseph’s has already been established in our area, and by sending them to school we provide the children with opportunities. Some of my close students had “taken” to some of these children’s plight and felt that they were fortunate enough to share. We started sponsoring with only 1-2-3 children in early ‘90s, and presently we are sending 16 children to school. Depending of the children’s circumstance, we provide clothing, food, shelter, some medical care and educational supplies. Some of the parents who are capable supply the children with food and clothes. Sometimes we just provide part of the money for education as we do not have enough for all the students.
Q: How many children go to college normally from this area?
LLR: Only 3% – 4% go to college.
Q: How many children were supported by KDK sponsors and entered colleges?
LLR: In the 17 years, since early ‘90s, that I have started this program, we have graduated 8 students and 3 of which are in college or are preparing for college.
Q: What happens if the children do not go to school?
LLR: Well, they work as rock breakers, may tend to some yak, do field work and continue to live in poverty.
Q: What is the average income here?
LLR: The average income here is ZERO. Most of the families grow enough food to feed only themselves, if that. Anything extra they are able to sell. However, this is not very much. So most families continue to live in poverty and are do not have the opportunity to better their lives.
Q: What can people do to help the Sikkim Children’s Education Fund?
LLR: First, we need to keep our current children to stay at school, learn and then graduate. In addition, we would like to help more children to receive education. Therefore, your support becomes a major source for the success of this fund.
The most helpful and ideal support is to sponsor one or more children until he/she/they complete the educational program. It takes $950.00 per year for a child. However, any amount of donation is a great help. We can pool fund together to support as many children as possible.
You’re welcome to share these information with your family, friends and communities. Please refer to the link to see the photos for those children whom you’ve sponsored and those who need help.
I really appreciate your generosity and compassion for giving those children a future!