Founding Teachers
The blessings of Dharma (the Teachings of Awakening) depend on an authentic lineage of accomplished masters. Below you will learn about the Founding Teachers of Crystal Mountain.
Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche 1931-2003
The Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1931 as Leslie George Dawson. After receiving novice ordination as Anandabodhi, he received full ordination in 1958 at the Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar by the accomplished master Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. In 1968 while traveling with many students to Sikkim and Rumtek Monastery, Anandabodhi was recognized as a highly accomplished Tulku and meditation master by H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. Read More.
Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta
The Venerable Sayadaw has spoken of himself as a fisherman casting the golden net of Buddha Dhamma in many far-off seas. He was the abbot of Dat Pon Zon Aung Min Gaung Monastery in Rangoon, teacher of the late Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and builder of the World Peace Pagoda on Galiano Island.