About Rinpoche

Loppön Jigme Thutop Namgyal Rinpoche


Loppön Jigme Thutop Namgyal Rinpoche was born in Orissa, India, in 1965 to Lama Sherab Rinpoche, a senior lama in the Rebkong Monastery in Amdo, Tibet, and the main disciple of HH Dudjom Rinpoche, and to Pema Lhatso, a Tröma Nagmo practitioner from Pemakö.

Loppön Rinpoche received the entire Dudjom Tersar tradition from HH Dudjom Rinpoche and the entire Kama (long lineage) tradition from HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He also received the entire Longchen Nyingthig and Dudjom Tersar traditions from HH Chatral Rinpoche, his own root guru.

In 1992, after finishing two consecutive three-year retreats, Loppön Rinpoche was appointed by HH Chatral Rinpoche to the positions of Dorje Loppön (Vajra Master) of Rigzin Drubpe Ghatsal Monastery in Yangleshö, Nepal, and Drubpön (Retreat Master) for all of HH Chatral Rinpoche’s three-year retreat centers. 

Loppön Rinpoche lives with his wife, Christine Iverson, and their four children, traveling between their three retreat centers throughout the year. 

About the Centers

-descriptions of all big retreats in the year. (ex: this year would be Mexico Retreat, Tara retreat, Losar, and summer CST retreat.

-have a short description on this page and links to the registration information for each retreat.

LDG Elk

Nestled on an old apple farm in the coastal town of Elk, LDG California offers a serene environment to deepen Buddhist meditation and studies. Between practice sessions and teachings in the meditation hall, one can meander the trails through the orchards, meadows, and redwood forests, sit by the peaceful pond, visit the traditional Newari stupa at the heart of the land, and enjoy the bountiful community garden. Residents at LDG California maintain a daily practice focusing on the Dudjom Tersar Troma cycle. Rinpoche leads teaching and practice retreats in Elk throughout the year. If you want to visit or have any questions, please email us at LDGsangha@gmail.com.

LDG Mexico

Beneath expansive skies and the majestic Cerro Gordo hill, a few hours outside of Mexico City, Rinpoche’s Mexico retreat center is supported by a small yet dedicated team of residents who join together in daily practice, host monthly retreats, and work together to maintain the center. Rinpoche visits Mexico twice a year to bestow teachings and lead the Sangha in practice. 

LDG Nepal

Tucked in the verdant valley of Dollu on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, walking distance from HH Chatral Rinpoche’s Yangleshö Monastery, Rinpoche’s Nepal retreat center supports both traditional three-year retreats and short-term practice and pilgrimage for visiting sangha. Gardens and traditional Newari stupas and statues adorn the retreat center, offering retreatants and pilgrims the perfect environment to deepen their practice.