About Lama Padma Gyatso

Lama Padma Yontan Gyatso (Richard Baldwin) began his formal Buddhist training in India in 1970 with the outstanding meditation master, the late Venerable Kalu Rinpoche. After returning to the U.S., he entered the Buddhist Studies Program at the University of Washington and at that time also received many teachings at the feet of the late Venerable Dezhung Rinpoche, a master of all lineages. He received his degree in 1974 and embarked on a number of meditation retreats.

In 1982, he became a student of H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche. After fourteen years, Chagdud Rinpoche ordained him as a Lama in the Nyingma Lineage, authorized him to teach and guide others in meditation, and appointed him Resident Lama of Chagdud Gonpa Amrita in Seattle, Washington.

Under Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche’s direction, Lama Padma translated from Tibetan an extensive Chenrezig terma cycle, one that was particularly upheld by Chagdud Rinpoche himself and the lamas and monks of Tromgé Gonpa in Tibet. In 2004, Lama Padma deepened his connection with this practice when he was invited to Tibet by the Terton, Tromgé Dechen Rinpoche, who entrusted him as a Tromgé Gonpa lama and lineage-holder of this cycle. Subsequently, under Tromge Jigme Rinpoche supervision, he completed extensive retreats and began to teach and lead groups in this Chenrezig treasure cycle.

Presently, Lama Padma serves as the Lama-in-Residence at Rigdzin Ling, the Seat of the Chagdud Tulkus in North America, and continues to oversee the activities at Amrita in Seattle. He teaches and practices with Chagdud Gonpa Centers and study groups around the country. Lama Padma has also been overseeing the development and activities at Chokdrup Ling, Chagdud Gonpa Foundation’s 320-acre retreat center in Southwest Colorado.