The 2009 Tibetan Mandala Project --Scholar Profiles

Geshe Thupten Dorjee was born Sonam Palden in Tibet during the Chinese Communist invasion of 1959. He and his family escaped occupied Tibet and headed over the Himalayan mountains to Bhutan when he was three. At the age of 13, Geshe entered Drepung Loseling Monastery in Karmataka, South India.

In the Fall of 2006, Geshe accepted a one-semester appointment at the University of Arkansas' Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, teaching courses in Tibetan Culture and Buddhist Philosophy. In 2008, Geshe received the prestigious University of Arkansas Outstanding Faculty Award from the U of A Associated Student Government and the Arkansas Alumni Association. The award is typically won by faculty members at Arkansas who have been teaching for 10-20 years. However, Geshe received the honor after only 18 months of service to the University. 
   

Introduced to Geshe Dorjee by Lama Thinley of Little Rock, Lama Mepham soon met Professor Sidney Burris. While Lama Mepham was visiting in Fayetteville, Professor Burris learned that he had completed two 3-year retreats, and so he and Geshe la wondered if Lama Mepham might be interested in remaining in Fayetteville to offer instruction in both meditation and philosophy.

Lama Mepham will be teaching classes in meditation and Tibetan arts in conjunction with the Tibetan Cultural Institute of Arkansas. He is also assisting Ven. Geshe Thupten Dorjee with his numerous duties at the University of Arkansas. Both the growing sangha in northwest Arkansas and the students at the University are indeed fortunate to have such an accomplished teacher and meditator in their midst; Lama Mepham has quickly become a cherished member of the community.

Lama Agha was born in Tibet and escaped to India when he was thirteen years old.  He entered Drepung Loseling monastery in Mundgod, India and began the course of study that would lead him ultimately to obtain the cherished Geshe degree.  While studying for this degree, he also mastered the arts of polyphonic chanting and mandala construction, and he is currently a highly respected master of both disciplines.

Lama Agha is no stranger to America, having several times toured the country with the Mystical Arts of Tibet, and he has been given honorary citizenships in many American cities, including Fayetteville, Arkansas and Austin, Texas.

Zoepa Gyatso was born in Tibet in 1964. He was later raised in Bhutan, India. His area of expertise is in the handcraft of Tibetan art. Not only will he be creating this year's mandala by hand, but he is also skillful with other forms of painting and sculpture. He is inspired by an opportunity to work with students, and is excited to come and share his knowledge of his heritage and its culture.