About Chief Lama & President
Vajra Master Ganesh Gurung (Sangye Yonten)
Lama Ganesh Gurung, also known as Sangay Yhonten, hails from Sandakpur-4 in Mabu Ilam. He has dedicated approximately sixteen years of his life to the service and teaching at the Kathog Namnang Hoesal Chhyoling Monastery.
His journey into Buddhist philosophy began in 1985, spanning six years of study at Boudha Arghau Sadan, situated in Ramghaat, Pokhara, Nepal.
Following this foundational education, Lama Ganesh Gurung embarked on a more profound spiritual path under the benevolent guidance of the esteemed Guru H.H. Chatral Sangay Dorje Rinpoche, a luminary of the Ngingma lineage. As a devoted disciple of His Holiness, he delved into the profound teachings of Mahayana Buddhism, receiving numerous empowerments (Wang), transmissions (Lung), and teachings (Thi) from his revered master.
Subsequently, he immersed himself in traditional meditation for a duration of three years and three months. He undertook this practice at Kunkhap Yoesal Thonkdol Choeling in Dakshinkali V.D.C. Ward-8, Pharping Phulchok, Kathmandu, Nepal, from 1991 to 1997, and later at Dupdey Chenpo Ngedon Namgyaling Monastery and Retreat Center in Mabu-5, Ilam, Nepal, from 2001 to 2005. During this intensive retreat, he completed the preliminary practices (Ngondro) and mastered various meditation techniques encompassing the development and completion stages of the Longchen Ngingthik and Konchok Chidu.
Upon successfully concluding his rigorous retreat, Lama Ganesh Gurung emerged as a capable Vajra Master, ready to serve his community and society at large by disseminating Buddhist teachings and participating in religious rituals and prayers.
In addition to his spiritual mentor, H.H. Chatral Sangey Dorje Rinpoche, Lama Ganesh Gurung received empowerments and transmissions from a constellation of esteemed masters, including H.H. Penor Rinpoche, H.H. Thulshik Rinpoche, H.H. Dodrupchen Rinpoche, H.H. Yangthang Rinpoche, H.H. Mogchha Rinpoche, H.H. Dudjyo Yangsi Rinpoche, and H.H. Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche.
At present, Lama Ganesh Gurung (Sangay Yhonten) holds the esteemed position of Chief Lama and Chairperson at Kathog Namnang Hoesal Chhyoling Monastery in his village. Additionally, he serves as the Senior Vice-President of the Gurung (Tamu) Lama Buddhist Association Central Committee in Kathmandu, Nepal. His devotion extends to his role as the Resident Lama of the Nepal Boudha Gumba in Dharan-18, Nepal, and his service to the Ilam Gurung Society in Kathmandu, Nepal.