Pema Khandro is the founder of Ngakpa Intl. She is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, humanitarian and scholar specializing in the philosophy and practice of Tibet’s Buddhist Yogis. Her mission is to make in-depth Buddhist education accessible to students, teachers and leaders. Pema Khandro is an authorized Lama and lineage holder of the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages and one of few westerners recognized and enthroned as a tulku. She is a practitioner, scholar, and teacher of Dzogchen and Vajrayana Buddhism, teachings that emphasize cultivating awareness and presence as the goal of the path.

She was ordained in the Nyingma tradition and was authorized to pass this non-monastic lineage of ordained Buddhist Yogis, also known as naljorpas and ngakpas on to her students.

In her academic work, she specializes in the Dzogchen philosophical tradition and narratives of the Buddhist Yogis. She holds a master’s degree specializing in the study of Tibetan Buddhism and is currently completing a PhD specializing in Tibetan studies. She speaks English, Tibetan, Chinese and Spanish languages.

Today, Pema Khandro continues to be an advocate of the relevance of traditions of Tibet’s Buddhist Yogis as Buddhism takes shape in North America. She teaches courses regularly, works in academia, and pursues research projects, continuing to cultivate a close relationship with her students and friends who work together in Ngakpa Intl.

For full bio and website, visit: PemaKhandro.org

Pema Khandro’s Extended Biography

About Pema Khandro’s Recognition

About Pema Khandro – the Ngakpa Tradition

You will find answers to frequently asked questions about Pema Khandro here.