Our Lineage

The Nyingma tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism reaches far back into relative time.  Over 1200 years ago, as Buddhist teachings expanded northwest from Kashmir, the Dharma found its way to Tibet.  The Buddha’s compassionate words took root there through the skillful activity of Padmasambhava, the founder of our lineage.  Today, we are fortunate to receive profound teachings on the true nature of mind from an unbroken lineage through more contemporary teachers: Dudjom Rinpoche (1904-1987), Khenchen Palden Sherab (1942-2010), Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal, and Lama Rinchen Phuntsok.

Our resident teacher is
Michael Scott Stevens (Pema Kunzang)

The Natural Mind Dharma Center was founded in 1997 by Michael Scott Stevens to foster the experience of Vajrayana Buddhist teachings and practices. Michael has a degree in Religious Studies (comparative religion) and an extensive background in psychology, meditation, yoga, and nature studies. His connection with Buddhism spans nearly thirty-five years and he is the author of Being an Ordinary Buddha: Practicing the Natural Mind.

We are fortunate to be aligned with an authentic Nyingma lineage through Padmasambhava Buddhist Center (PBC), an organization that includes nearly thirty centers worldwide.

PBC was created by Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoches. The two brothers began their monastic training in Tibet and India before emigrating to the West.

Our home monastery, Padma Samye Ling, is located in Delaware County, New York. Contact www.padmasambhava.org for retreat information and East coast teachings.