Meet the Monks

Lobsang Zopa (Manuel Blanes), Spanish

My name is Manuel and I was born in 1956 in Alpujarras, very close to where Venerable Lama Osel Rinpoche was born. Because of my father’s work, my family and I moved to the capital of Granada and I studied Technical Architecture. I married very young, and I have two wonderful kids: Manuel and Alejandro. I was president of the Association of Industrialists of Public Construction of Granada. I got divorced 14 years ago yet have maintained and still maintain a good relationship with the mother of my children. I met Buddhism 13 years ago. I practiced and studied Zen Buddhism and other oriental philosophies. Soon after, I started to read a LOT about Tibetan Buddhism. I applied these teachings to my daily life verifying how my mental continuum became more positive. Two years ago I decided to dedicate my life to Dharma and to become a monk. Thanks go to my friends at the Nagarjuna Center of Granada, to Oseling, and to the infinite kindness of Geshe-la Thubten Choden and Geshe-la Lobsang Jamphal. Geshe-la Jamphal kindly gave me ordination on the 28th of May in 2006 at 12:32 P.M. Lobsang Zopa became my ordination name. I am finding myself very happy in this wonderful Nalanda Monastery. All the merits that will be derived from my ordination, I dedicate to the happiness and enlightenment of all sentient beings. (from Sangha Magazine, Issue 12, October 2006)

Lobsang Thupten (Rafael Enriquez de Salamanca Cana), Spanish

I have been a serious student and Buddha Dharma practitioner since 1995 when I first met Geshe Lobsang Tsultrim in Osel Ling, my Dharma center in Spain. I took refuge with Lama Chime in 1999 and from 1995 to 2004 I received teachings from Ven. Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, Ven. Geshe Thubten Tsering, Ven. Sangye Khadro, Ven. Steve Carlier, Ven. Chantal Carrerot, Ven. Rita Riniker, Ven. Robina Courtin, Silvya Wetzel, and many, many other teachers. I keep a very special memory of Ven. Thubten Dondrup and Ven. Lobsang Yeshe, both monks at Nalanda at that time, as they both left a deep impact in my heart. When I decided to resign my profession as a lawyer in Spain (after 15 years) in 2004, I always considered the possibility of being ordained as a Buddhist monk, to become a Noble Disciple of Buddha, and I prayed for that; I believe that this is a very natural evolution in my life. If you love oceans, ships and travel you will be a happy sailor!. I traveled to India where I stayed for 15 months, receiving teachings from HH Dalai Lama, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, Khensur Denma Locho Rinpoche and studying in the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives with Geshe Monlan Sangpo and Geshe Sonam Rinchen. Here in Nalanda, I received teachings from Geshe Lobsang Jamphal and Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin, who ordained me on the 23rd October 2006 in a heartfelt ceremony. I wish to stay at Nalanda Monastery as long as I can, studying, practicing Buddha Dharma and working and living in community.

Lobsang Gendun (Michel Sengers), Dutch

Eighteen years ago I met the Dharma when I was looking for a place to learn meditation and found a home at the Buddharama Temple in Waalwijk (Netherlands) run by two Thai monks. I was a punk at the time and was profoundly struck by the deep tranquility, kindness and forthcomingness of Luang Por, the abbot, despite my shocking appearance at the time. Although he spoke little English he led me into a new world and would teach me many things in the years that followed. I also took Refuge. Two years ago during a serious illness I encountered Tara in an extraordinary way and did a retreat on her as a Yidam (Deity) with Gehlek Rinpoche of the Jewel Heart Center. This was my first encounter with Tibetan Buddhism. After that I did various retreats on the Three Principal Aspects of the Path, Manjushri, etc. and slowly my life became so flooded with Dharma that I decided that it was time for a long retreat. As a layperson I worked with pleasure on building the new Gompa at Nalanda Monastery and later as office manager. Slowly I became part of this wonderful community. Finally, the Vipassana retreat led by Ven. Antonio Satta in August 2006 blew away all my mental obstacles and I quickly asked our teacher Geshe Jamphal for ordination, which took place with Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Tenzin in a beautiful and inspiring ceremony. It is my wish to stay living in and contributing to the flourishing of this monastery through study and practice. Beyond this, impermanence doesn’t allow for certitudes.