Our tutors | Dolpo Tulku

Ellen Johannesen

What is special/unique about the Longchen Shedra by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche?
  The Longchen Shedra gives you the opportunity to study Buddhism in depth focusing on one specific text over time. Having, Rinpoche unpack and explain Longchenpa’s Treasury of Philosophical Systems provides a unique insight into the development and refinement of Buddhist thought. Studying such a text is a Sadhana in itself!

Why would you recommend this study program?  
I would recommend this program because is a real study that challenges you intellectually. You learn all the foundational doctrines but also the different viewpoints of the higher and lower schools. This means that next time you pick up a Buddhist book or go to a teaching you’ll understand a lot more.

Short background about yourself and your connection to the Longchen Shedra.
I am a graduate of Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Kathmandu, from where I hold an MA in translation studies. I am also a long time yoga teacher and I include Buddhist philosophy and meditation practices in my teaching. I have known Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche for more than 20 years, first from Namdroling monastery and later when we both lived in Kathmandu. I have been lucky enough to host Rinpoche in my homeland, Norway.

What is special/unique about the Longchen Shedra by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche?
  Longchen Shedra stands out for its distinctive approach to Buddhist education. What sets it apart is the systematic presentation of fundamental aspects of Buddhist philosophy and history. It serves as a guiding framework that allows students to comprehend the evolution of dharma from both historical and philosophical perspectives.

Why would you recommend this study program?  
Following the practical framework of Listening, Contemplating, and Meditating, students are encouraged to not only grasp the intellectual aspects but also to relate them to their personal experiences and incorporate them into their lives. Traditionally, these teachings were confined to monastic settings, but now they are available in a simplified format that can be adapted to the demands of a modern, busy lifestyle.

For those who attain a deep understanding and practical experience of the teachings offered at Longchen Shedra, there is a strong emphasis on becoming proficient in specific subjects and eventually passing on this knowledge through teaching. The program at Longchen Shedra is led by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche, who embodies the teachings he imparts and carries an unbroken lineage of wisdom.

Short background about yourself and your connection to the Longchen Shedra.
My Tibetan name is Konchok, and I am 35 years old. I have been living in Nepal for the past five years, studying Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, and receiving practice instructions from various Buddhist teachers and institutions. Currently, I am the tutor for the 3rd cycle of Longchen Shedra.

What is special/unique about the Longchen Shedra by Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche?
  What I particularly like about Longchen Shedra is that with Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche’s help we dive into the depth of teachings of three great Nyingma masters (Longchenpa, Jigme Lingpa and Mipham Rinpoche). In many other study programs, it sometimes happens that although we study profound commentaries from various wonderful male and female masters, there is a lack of homogeneity of viewpoints and practical instructions. In the Longchen Shedra this homogeneity is given in a very vivid way, and Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche always manages to bring out the essence of the most important key points and build a bridge to practice.

Why would you recommend this study program?  
I can highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in such an approach.

Short background about yourself and your connection to the Longchen Shedra.
After Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche and I met in 2011, we immediately started “working together”: Rinpoche has since accepted many invitations to teach in Berlin. Also at Longchen Shedra, Rinpoche graciously entrusted me with the role of tutor of the first four-year cycle. My personal background is that I am a medical doctor, have been following Tibetan Buddhism since 1989, and have acted as translator, lecturer, teacher, organizer or cameraman in various Buddhist contexts.