Our Teams
Spiritual direction in Rigpa is held by the Vision Board, along with Rigpa’s Senior Teachers and Practice Holders, and with the guidance of our Spiritual Advisers.
Our Spiritual Advisors are Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Mindrolling Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche and many other great masters of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.
Vision Board
The Vision Board’s role is to safeguard the spiritual integrity of Rigpa, helping ensure all its activities remain true to its spiritual vision, values and culture. We do this by listening closely to the members, working collaboratively with the rest of the organisation, and with the spiritual guidance of the lamas advising Rigpa.
Led by Rigpa’s vision and under the guidance of our Spiritual Advisers, Rigpa’s activities are steered by a collaboration of teams, made up of members from different countries.
Vision Board
Gabriele Maass
Jacki Lee
Mauro De March
Philippe Cornu
Seth Dye
Vinciane Rycroft
Carla Ott
Emma Heijdeman
Fiona Loehr
Yara Vrolijks
Dharma Path: Overseeing Rigpa's Path, Teaching and Guiding Students
The Dharma Leadership Team and Councils
The Dharma Leadership Team and Dharma Councils work closely with the senior teachers and senior practice holders to oversee and develop the Rigpa Path of Study and Practice. Dharma Councils oversee, design and help with programming, resources, training, communication and networking for each stage of the path (Foundation, Mahayana, Ngöndro, Vajrayana and Dzogchen).
Dharma Leadership Team
Jana Biedka
Lisa Farquhar
Ian Ives
Lily Ng
Sebastien Reggiany
Masters of the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition
A number of great masters from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition regularly grant empowerments, transmissions, pith instructions and teachings in Rigpa to enable students to accomplish their practice and study.
Senior Teachers and Senior Practice Holders
Rigpa’s Senior Teachers and Senior Practice Holders oversee, develop and teach the Rigpa Path of Study and Practice, and guide the Rigpa sangha with a common vision of vibrant dharma transmission. You can find out more about Rigpa’s Teachers here.
Overseeing International Activity
International Board
A representative from each Rigpa entity who has signed the ‘One Rigpa Network Agreement’ is part of the International Board. The One Rigpa Network formally connects the different Rigpa entities (countries and retreat centres), and establishes the way they work together and share decision-making.
The International Board approves international strategy, international budgets and authorises the use of Rigpa’s video/audio teachings and images in Rigpa centres. It also ensures all Rigpa entities meet the relevant legal requirements in their country.
International Board
Louise Whibly
Australia
Gwen Berrou
Belgium
Alain Beauregard
Canada
Anthony McCay
Dzogchen Beara
Gilles Maniglier
France
Günter Bauer
Germany
Norma Cochrain
Ireland
Stefan Trojer
Italy
Ane Tsultrim
Lerab Ling
Willem Kattenberg
Netherlands
Sally Burgess
Spain
Shared representation
Switzerlend
Shared representation
UK
Richard Grimes
USA
International Steering Group
The International Steering Group’s principle task is the coordination of Rigpa’s international activities.
Appointed by the International Board, this group proposes the yearly priorities which are created in dialogue with the Vision Board and the Dharma Leadership Team.
The composition of the group is key as it brings together individuals from different bodies such as the Vision Board, Dharma Leadership Team, Senior Teachers and practice holders, and Finance, and seeks regular input from other expert teams.
The International Steering Group reports to the International Board and Vision Board.
International Steering Group
Gabriele Maass
Gilles Maniglier
Hans Fredrik Gustafson
Helen Cargill
Lily Ng
Malcolm MacClancy
Pedro Beroy
Expert Teams
Several small teams support the work of the Steering Group by advising and leading international initiatives according to their specific expertise. These include:
- Sangha Engagement Team (Marketing & Communications)
- International Programme Team
- Safe Environment Advisory Team
- International Fundraising Team
- International Finance Team
Delivering the Teachings and Dharma
Prajna
Prajna is a project of Rigpa available to both Rigpa members and open to anyone with an interest in Tibetan Buddhism. It is an online platform that hosts a vast library of Buddhist teachings from all traditions, regular live practices, teachings, talks and courses.
Zam Dharma Shop
ZAM is Rigpa’s online store that sells a range of dharma items such as practice books, incense and ritual items. It also has a shop ‘Windhorse Boutique’ at Lerab Ling, Rigpa’s retreat centre in France.