Lama Gyalwa'i Nyugu - Dorje Yang Dron Resident Teacher

Lama Nyugu (secular name R.D. Fierro) is a disciple of Venerable Lama Lodu Rinpoche and has studied under his guidance since the year 2000 in the Shangpa and Karma Kagyu lineage traditions. He has received from Rinpoche many teachings and empowerments, also accompanying him on pilgrimage to India, China, and Tibet. He has also received teachings and empowerments from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, H.H. the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, H.E. the 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche, H.E. Trangu Rinpoche, H.E. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and H.E. Yangsi Kalu Rinpoche, among others. In 2005, with Lama Lodu Rinpoche as retreat master, Nyugu was able to put these teachings into practice by entering a traditional three year retreat in the Shangpa Kagyu tradition at the Kagyu Droden Kunchab (KDK) retreat land called Joyful Garden of the 5 Golden Dharmas in Laytonville, CA. He successfully completed the retreat in April 2009. He leads the Sunday Practice and Study Group for the KDK Arcata Buddhist Group, the Melody of Diamond Light, Tibetan Dorje Yang Dron, a satellite group of the main temple in San Francisco, CA, Kagyu Droden Kunchab (KDK).