1995, NanKai University, B.S. Physics

2001, Fudan University, M.S. Physics

2008, University of Utah, Ph.D. Physics

2009 - Present, Lecturer at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, School of Electronic and Optics

2000, took refuge. 2005, took refuge in Dzogchen Buddha Path lineage with H.E. Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche.

2018, Title Bodhi Lama Li Heng.

Mary has an undergraduate degree in political science and a Master of Arts degree in conflict resolution, and has had a successful mediation, facilitation, public participation, and organization development practice since 1999.

Mary Orton is an authorized Dharma Acharya, having taken refuge vows January 2009, and bodhisattva vows July 2010. She has studied and practiced with Rinpoche since 2005.

Biography coming soon!

Our highly appreciated Dharma Teacher Heini Ilmarinen first met His Eminence Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche in October 2011 when she attended her first month retreat in Russia. Heini has been a student of Rinpoche’s since and has attended many month-long internships and shorter retreats. Heini lives in Helsinki, Finland, and is one of the main pillars of the European Sangha. She is Treasurer of the European Sangha Board, leads and teaches the Finnish Sangha, is an active member of the international IT committee of the Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation, and does many more.

Heini has always explored topics in many different fields of science and got her Master of Science from University of Helsinki with a major in mathematics and minors in pedagogy, physics and psychology. Heini currently works as a DevOps Consultant and goes around the world to talk at technology events as a public speaker. She has also been awarded the Microsoft Data Platform Most Valued Professional recognition for her contributions to the community. With her background in the sciences, Heini enjoys uniting the Buddhist views with scientific knowledge.

Dr. Sophia Ho earned her doctorate in Economics from East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. She taught at University of Hawaii at Manoa, conducted researches focussing on Asia and the Pacific region with the East-West Center. Dr. Ho then joined Asian Development Bank, and worked 20 years closely with governments and practitioners of developing and developed countries to reduce poverty in the Asia and Pacific region. She travelled extensively in Asia, the South Pacific island countries, and in Europe capitals for her work. Dr. Ho now resides in Hong Kong and dedicates her time and effort to learn and promote dharma in Dzogchen Buddha Path lineage.

Dr. Ho first met Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche in Nepal early 90s through her sister Stella's introduction. She has joined regular weekly and monthly practice with Vancouver dharma center since 2013 both in English and Cantonese. She teaches occasionally in WeChat, WhatsApp and Telegram chat groups and offers tutoring generously to whoever needed. Dr. Ho took refuge with Bodhi Lama Lau Kin in Taiwan 2015. She is a also Board member of Vancouver Center and DSSF respectively.

Has been a Buddhist practitioner since 2014, took refuge with Ven. Bodhi Lama Erik in 2017.

Now giving teachings and organizing events in Europe, especially Estonia. Before committing to the Buddha Path lineage has been practicing Chan, Theravada, and Triratna Buddhism.

Educational background:

2022 – ... Tartu University: Master of Data Science

2019 – 2022 Tallinn University of Technology: Bachelor of Informatics (cum laude)

Currently working as full-stack developer and data analyst specializing on analyzing data from businesses and psychological surveys.

I was introduced to the Dzogchen Lineage by AlejAndro Anastasio when I was his Aikido student in high school. When I returned to Boise after college, I joined the sangha more formally, and took refuge in 2014. Since then I have regularly attended week-long retreats and activities throughout the year.