Keith Hale - Short Bio

Keith's meditative practice started when he was fifteen years old when he started working with Gung-fu, practices which he later discovered were "very similar to resting mind practices" of Buddhism. Several years later, from 1976 to 1984, he had the opportunity to study with Nam Singh from whom he learned the art of Tai Chi and Taoist meditation. He has maintained those practices and, at the encouragement of his teacher, taught weekly classes in Tai Chi and Taoist meditation since that time. In this regards, he is one of the most experienced Western teachers of Taoism and Tai Chi. In addition, he has studied and practiced Chi Gung under various teachers. In 1992, Keith joined Mahamudra Meditation Center, participating regularly in classes and retreats, including a retreat at Lake Big Bear with Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. Since that time, Keith has studied and practiced closely with Lama Thapkhay and in reliance upon the teachings of Thrangu Rinpoche. His area of focus is uniting Mahamudra and Tai Chi practice and the integration of practice into daily life. A former contractor, he now teaches "shop" at a residential treatment center in Northern California dedicated to transforming the lives of "at-risk" boys. Since 2001, Keith serves as Dharma Teacher for Mahamudra Meditation Center where he facilitates various study and practice programs.

Pat Schotka - Short Bio

Pat's introduction to Buddhism started in 1969 while traveling in Scotland. At the suggestion of a friend, she visited Samye Ling monastery and was impressed by "the openness and joy of the people" there. For many years Pat maintained an active interest in Buddhism. In the early 90's, she encountered Piercing the Autumn Sky at her local library, only to discover that the book's author lived nearby and had a small meditation group. Ever since that time, Pat has been practicing with the group and studying and practicing closely with Peter, in reliance upon the teachings of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and Khenchen Könchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche. Over the years Pat has received teachings from and attended retreats with several leading Tibetan Buddhist teachers, including Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Chagud Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin and Khenchen Könchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche. In 2001, she traveled with Khenchen Könchog Gyaltsen to Tibet and Mount Kailash. Over the past twelve years, the focus of her dharma studies and practice has been on Mahamudra and Dzogchen practice. During this entire time, she has been active professionally and yet managed to participate in most center retreats. Pat serves as Dharma Teacher for Mahamudra Meditation Center where she facilitates various study and practice programs.

Mahamudra Meditation Center - Founding Director

Lama Thapkhay - Short Bio

Lama Thapkhay (Peter) was the founding director of Mahamudra Meditation Center where he led mahamudra study and practice programs from 1990 to 2007. Peter is a student of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, his "root lama," and the author of Piercing the Autumn Sky and A Meditation Guide for Mahamudra. In addition, he edited Mahamudra Teachings by Garchen Rinpoche. Peter studied Kagyu and Nyingma Buddhism with Khenchen Könchog Gyaltsen, Tarthang Tulku and the Nyingma Institute, Dukchen Thuksay Rinpoche, Togden Rinpoche and Geagen Khyentse, and other leading teachers. He was given the title "Lama Thapkhay" by Kyabje Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and has been recognized as a sincere practitioner and accomplished teacher of mahamudra by leading masters of the Karma, Drikung, and Drukpa Kagyu lineages. See official letter awarded to him by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche acknowledging his dedication to the practice of mahamudra. Buddhist Teacher Photo Gallery - Click Here.

"Have a good heart, act with kindness; nothing is more important than that." - Patrul Rinpoche

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