OUR LAMA
The Early Years
Born in Singapore as Felix Lee, Lama Thubten Namdrol Dorje knew early in life that Buddhism was the path for him. From age seven, he studied under a Thai monk, Venerable PhraMahathongkum who has a vision one day and told him that his future spiritual teachers donned red robes. Lama did not think too much about it at that time as Tibetan Buddhism was not widely known in Singapore then.
After the Venerable's passing seven years later, he continued his studies in Ampang Kuala Lumpur where he learnt Chinese Mahayana Buddhism and realized the essence of Mahayana Buddhism as interpreted in different cultures.
Where he was 15, Lama had a series of mystifying dreams. In the dreams, he was instructed by a Buddhist master to fulfil the vows of his previous life, to teach those who did not have teachers.
Finding Root Gurus
Following clues in the dream, he finally found some answers from Shangpa Rinpoche and Venerable Sangye Khandro and made a trip to Nepal. There, he met Lumbum Rinpoche whose first words to him were "We've been waiting for you". It was a spiritual reunion for them and later, Lama met the abbot of Kopan Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lama Lhundrup Rigsel and Geshe Lama Konchog who became his root gurus. It was also revealed that the Buddhist master who had appeared in Lama's dream was the great Tibetan Buddhist saint, Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava.
In the following years, Lama studied philosophy and tenets of the Gelugpa tradition from Geshe Lama Lhundrup, together with the monks in Kopan Monastery. Geshe Lama Konchog taught him tantric practices and sutra teachings, and emphasised the importance of real Dharma practices over rituals.
Later, Lama was initiated as a Yogi (a lay lama) after being advised by Geshe-la that he would benefit more people if he did not take monastic vows. Other notable lay lamas include His Holiness Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and KyabjeMinling Trichen Rinpoche.
Bringing Alive the Buddhadharma
Today, Lama is the Spiritual Director of Thekchen Choling, a temple he founded under his guru's instructions.
Behind his unassuming demeanour is a highly accomplished Dharma practitioner who is well-versed in the three vehicles of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. He is not only knowledgeable in the teachings of the Buddha but also a natural teacher who has experienced the Dharma, and is always enthusiastic in sharing it with anyone who has an interest. Having the ability to connect with all people regardless of their position, Lama always manifest as a simple, sincere and jovial man.
Dharma teachings are always interesting as Lama uses many examples and anecdotes to bring alive the essence of Buddhism. Listen carefully and one will notice that Lama, with his skilful means, often provides answers to one's innermost questions during his teachings. Teaching in English, Mandarin and even using Chinese dialects, Lama's signature style of teaching is direct and easy to relate to. He has made Buddha's teachings accessible to a diverse spectrum of people, young and old. Like many great masters of the past, Lama is able to compose prayers that are simple yet profound, direct and touching, just like his heart teachings for us.
He firmly believes that a Dharma cultivator should not just rely on reading about the dharma or performing rituals and meditations. Instead he demonstrates through his own actions how to bring alive the Dharma in every action and word. His advice is "Think not for yourself. Speak not for yourself. Do not for yourself. Always benefit others."
With his experience of working life, marriage and parenthood, together with his understanding of Buddhism as a lay Lama, he is also in a unique position to counsel and offer practical advice to those who seek help and direction in life.
Lama's main gurus are His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Eminence Dagri Dorje chang, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lama Lhundrup, Abbot of Kopan Monastery and the late Geshe Lama Konchog now reincarnated as Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche.