Geshe Thupten Dorjee was born Sonam Palden in Tibet during the Chinese Communist invasion of 1959. He and his family escaped occupied Tibet and headed over the Himalayan mountains to Bhutan when he was three. It was a long, arduous journey for the family. On many cold Himalayan nights, they sought refuge in shelters created for animals. Much of Geshe's early life was spent in a refugee camp in Bhutan with other Tibetan exiles. Unfortunately, most members of his family died while there due to the poor living conditions and lack of medical care.

After 8 years of these insufferable living conditions, Geshe and his family journeyed south and settled in Southern India. At the age of 13, Geshe entered Drepung Loseling Monastery in Karmataka, South India.

Over the next 22 years, Geshe made a thorough study of the vast scriptures, principally the five foremost Buddhist philosophical subjects, i.e., Pramana (Valid Cognition), Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom), Madhyamaka (Middle Way Philosophy), Vinaya (Buddhist Ethics), and Abhidharma (Buddhist Metaphysics). Geshe was ordained a Buddhist monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1986. In 1994, Geshe received the degree of Geshe Lhatampa (meaning "Spiritual Guide"), the highest scholastic honor, which is equivalent to the Doctor of Philosophy.

During his years at Drepung Loseling, Geshe taught scriptures and Tibetan grammar to the lower classes while pursuing his advanced course of study. For four years, he was supervisor of agricultural projects at the Monastery.

In 1995, Geshe traveled the world as part of the Mystical Arts of Tibet , a group of Tibetan monks who showcase Tibetan culture, practices and beliefs. During a brief stop in Birmingham, Alabama, Geshe was invited to become an instructor for the Birmingham Dharma Wisdom Group. He accepted the challenge and, through an interpreter, gave weekly lectures on Buddhist principles and meditation to a group of enthusiastic students.

In 1996, Geshe received an invitation to teach at the Losel Shedup Ling Buddhist Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. After a short time there, Geshe realized he would be a more effective teacher if he had a better command of the English language. Fortunately, in 1997, he received a scholarship to study English at the Intensive English Language Institute at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. He has continued to pursue his studies there. Geshe says, "I need more study in English. I need more study in other cultures, in Western traditions. Everybody is my teacher." Geshe has been able to assume the role of resident teacher at the Fairhope Tibetan Society and pursue his coursework at Spring Hill due to the good graces and generous support of his host, Barbara Wascom.

Geshe is not sure where life will take him. He has raised money and has applied to renew his United States Visa so he can remain here longer. He is a citizen of no country and has only an International card which expired in the year 2000. Despite his uncertain future, Geshe is not worried. "My main purpose, my life, is for the benefit of others. I do not care about myself."

No matter where life leads him, Geshe has made a commitment to teach others about the situation in Tibet. "There is no freedom there. As a Tibetan, it is my responsibility to teach people about that. I'd like to go back there some day."

As members of University community , we are extremely fortunate to have Geshe in residence on our campus during the Fall of 2006 , gracing us with his wit, wisdom and compassionate spirit. He has become acquainted with our customs and western ways and from his unique vantage point has been able to present the fundamental tenets of Tibetan culture and philosophy in a way that is very accessible . Geshe's message is universal and speaks to people of all persuasions and cultures.

Geshe Thupten Dorjee is a wonderful ambassador both for his culture and his way of life, and we believe that his residency here will be of great benefit to the Fayetteville and the University communities. 

If you have further questions, or would like to get in touch with Geshe Dorjee, please contact Sidney Burris in the Fulbright College Honors Program.  His email address is sburris@uark.edu , and he can be reached by telephone at the Honors Office at 479-575-2509.

(Thanks to the Fairhope Tibetan Society for providing the above information.)