Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Geshe Tenzin Zopa is an accomplished Buddhist master and extremely popular teacher, fluent in English, and with a contemporary approach. Geshe-la’s enthusiasm and warmth capture the hearts of all who attend his teachings. His humble manner, gentle humour, and clear and topical explanations of Buddhist philosophy easily engage the mind and gladden the heart.

Geshela holds the honoured Geshe (Doctorate) degree from Sera Jey Monastic University, South India. He was born in the remote Himalayan region of Tsum valley in Nepal and was ordained at the age of 9 in Kopan Monastery by the late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog. He received his full ordination from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Geshela was under the direct tutelage of many high lamas including Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

As a child he studied Tibetan language, English, Nepali, art, lama dance, ritual, puja, and Buddhist philosophy. He also did a 6-month retreat with Geshe Lama Konchog back in the cave in Tsum.

He was the top student in debate, writing, and memorization at Sera Je, and he always ranked among the top five students out of more than 5000 monks. In 2007 he completed his studies and graduated as one of the youngest Geshes (equivalent to a PhD or Doctor of Divinity) in Tibetan Buddhism. In his youth he skipped four grades, and the Dalai Lama let him take his final Buddhist exams four years ahead of schedule.

Geshela possesses vast scriptural knowledge, holds many rare transmissions and initiations lineages, has completed many retreats, extensive teaching experience and is skilled in rituals and astrology. Geshela has also undertaken extensive projects for FPMT centres around the world for many years.
He has frequently taken part as a speaker at many Buddhist, interfaith and peace dialogue conferences for many years. He has taught at Oxford University (UK) under “Visitorship for Traditional Scholars” in the Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program.

In 2019 Geshela was awarded the prestigious Global Peace Leadership and Excellence Award in Mumbai, India. Since 2000 he has been actively been teaching in FPMT centers as a visiting and resident teacher. Currently, he is serving as a touring teacher for the FPMT centers.

He is the principal and focal point of the award winning documentary film titled ”Unmistaken Child” which chronicles the search for the reincarnation of his master Geshe Lama Konchog. Now he is taking responsibility of overseeing the overall wellbeing of H.E Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, the reincarnation of late Great Mahasiddha Geshe Lama Konchog.

He speaks fluent English, Tibetan, Nepali, and Hindi, and a little Mandarin.

https://www.tenzinzopa.com/