Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Born in Tibet, Chögyam Trungpa (1939-1987) was recognized in infancy as a reincarnate teacher, or Rinpoche. At twenty, he was forced to flee his homeland, a harrowing journey over the Himalayas to India. After emigrating to England, he studied at Oxford University and established a meditation center in Scotland. He moved to North America in 1970.
Chögyam Trungpa’s command of English and his understanding of the Western mind made him an important early influence on Buddhism in the West. He established hundreds of meditation centers, founded the first Buddhist-inspired university in North America—Naropa University—and trained several thousand students who continue to propagate his teachings. An ecumenical teacher who sought the wisdom in all religions, he also promoted a contemplative awareness of the arts and poetry.
He is the author of more than fifty books, including The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, the main text studied at The Profound Treasury Retreat.