Our Spiritual Mentors
In Buddhism, the spiritual mentor holds a sacred role—guiding students along the Buddha’s path with wisdom and compassion.
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Drepung Loseling Monastery’s greatest treasure is the exceptional caliber of its teachers. Among Western Buddhist centers, we are distinguished by hosting multiple resident masters throughout the year, each holding the prestigious Geshe degree—the highest academic and spiritual qualification in Tibetan Buddhist study.
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Our visiting faculty includes some of the most revered masters of the Geluk tradition, and we have been honored to host luminaries of extraordinary standing, including future Ganden Tripas, the Supreme Heads of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism.
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This living lineage of accomplished teachers ensures that students receive authentic guidance, rooted in centuries of unbroken transmission.
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Tenzin Gyatso
The 14th Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet and a global advocate for compassion, nonviolence, and universal responsibility. Recognized as an embodiment of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, he has dedicated his life to promoting peace, interfaith harmony, and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
H.H. the 102nd Ganden Trisur Rizong Rinpoche
June 7, 1928 – December 8, 2022
Former Supreme Head of the Geluk tradition, Rizong Rinpoche is renowned for his deep scholarship and meditative accomplishments. A lifelong practitioner and teacher, he has led major monasteries and inspired countless students worldwide with his humility and insight.
His Holiness the 103rd Ganden Tripa Choeje Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche
As the 103rd Ganden Tripa, His Holiness served as the Supreme Head of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. Known for his wisdom, scholarship, and compassion, he devoted his life to spreading the Buddha’s teachings and guiding practitioners around the world.
His Eminence the Sharpa Choeje Jetsun Lobsang Dorjee Rinpoche
A former Abbot of Gyuto Tantric Monastery, Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche is a highly respected master of both Sutra and Tantra. He is known for his deep knowledge, humility, and lifelong dedication to preserving and teaching the authentic Buddhist tradition.
His Eminence Geshe Lobsang Yeshi
The 81st Abbot of Drepung Loseling Monastic University, Geshe Lobsang Yeshi is a leading scholar and spiritual guide in the Geluk tradition. His Eminence has offered teachings and blessings to students around the world, including the Houston community.
His Eminence Professor Samdhong Rinpoche
A distinguished scholar, teacher, and former Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Samdhong Rinpoche embodies both wisdom and compassionate leadership. His deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy and ethics continues to guide students across generations.
His Eminence Drakyab Tokden Rinpoche
Drakyab Tokden Rinpoche is a highly respected teacher and former abbot of Ratoe and Gyuto Monasteries. He is celebrated for his scholarship, spiritual discipline, and dedication to nurturing monastic education and practice.
Venerable Professor
Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe
Prof. Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe is one of the most eminent scholars of Buddhist philosophy and Madhyamaka studies. A professor at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in India, he has translated and authored major works that illuminate Buddhist wisdom for modern readers.
His Eminence Gala Tulku Rinpoche
Recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 7th reincarnation of Gala Tulku, Rinpoche is the founder and Spiritual Director of Drepung Loseling Institute of Texas. Trained in the rigorous monastic tradition at Drepung Loseling Monastery, he teaches with warmth, clarity, and a deep commitment to compassion and cultural preservation.
Blessings in Houston
Drepung Loseling Abbots are the ultimate patrons of Drepung Loseling Institute of Texas. We have also had the rare honor of hosting His Eminence the Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche's first visit in Houston, the Next Gaden throne holder of Geleupa or the Yellow Head school of Tibetan Buddhism. We were fortunate to have our new center inaugurated by His Eminence, and our Meditation Hall was blessed with his presence.
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We look forward with great devotion to the day when His Holiness the Dalai Lama will bless our center as well.