When his father died in 1971, his mother decided to move to the Tibetan refugee camp at Hunsur in southern India. At that time, Geshe-la visited a relative who was a monk at Sera Mey, and decided to enter the monastery. So, in 1971, he was given his novice vows and ordained name by His Holiness’ senior tutor, Trijang Rinpoche. As Geshe-la’s teacher, Khensur Rinpoche Tsering Sherab, an ex-Abbot of the Gyuto Monastery, taught him how to read, write and memorize texts and the complete educational program including advanced topics such as logic and Buddhist philosophy. Geshe-la emphasizes that his teacher was the most important influence on his monastic life and, without his patience and kindness, he would never have been able to study the dharma with such a clear understanding. When Geshe-la entered the monastery, he had no money and therefore no way to support himself. However, Rinpoche had set up a scholarship for gifted students and Geshe-la was awarded one. So again, Rinpoche’s kindness and generosity were a great benefit to him. 

At the end of a monk’s studies, he took three exams: tests of memorization, tests of knowledge through essays and an oral test (a public debate). The whole monastery gathered for the debate. The senior lamas sat on the stage with a stack of envelopes containing a question for the debate. The question is very brief so  the person asking and the person answering must be very knowledgeable to ask and respond fully and correctly.  From there, Geshe-la debated the question in front of the whole monastery of about 800 monks. In his class, Geshe-la placed third and became a Lharampa Geshe, the highest-level possible, receiving his title in three years instead of the customary six. After completing his degree, Geshe-la went to Gyuto to study the tantras. Although it’s a two-year program, as Khensur Rinpoche was at Gyuto at that time, he stayed for five years before returning to Sera Mey. 

In addition to his rigorous dharma study and practice schedule, Geshe-la studied Tibetan astrology with an emphasis on  calculations and the calendar. 

Since it is Geshe-la’s first visit to America, he is enjoying the new experience and using the additional time to increase his studies.  Geshe-la is looking forward to meeting the students and providing teachings to benefit them.