Yeshe Nyingpo CA

Los Angeles Yeshe Nyingpo, known officially as Southern California Region Yeshe Nyingpo (SCRYN) was founded by Dudjom Rinpoche together with Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche in Santa Monica in 1982.  It was the second Tibetan Buddhist dharma center established in Southern California.  Dudjom Rinpoche stayed for several months giving teachings and empowerments. The Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche was asked to guide the group after Dudjom Rinpoche’s departure. Over the years the sangha waxed and waned in size and eventually grew very small. Leaders of the group have included David Johnston and Suzanne Soehner, both of whom guided tsok for many years. Eventually, in 1999 His Holiness Shenphen Rinpoche counseled Ed Heckerman and his wife Simone to keep the center going, and with his guidence it has become once again active. The center holds Lake Born and Dakini Tsok regularly, celebrates Great Wheel Days, and organizes animal releases in honor of the long life of Shenphen Rinpoche. Recent visiting teachers have included Gyatrul Rinpoche, the Venerable Yangthang Tulku, the Venerable Bhaka Tulku, Lama Jampa Thaye from England, and Lama Tenzin Samphel who currently resides in France. Lopon Ed Heckerman gives teachings on shi-ne, ngöndro, and the five Dhyani Buddha Yogas.