New Chairman of the Board Shares Her Vision

My heart is steeped in gratitude to the Panchen Lama Tashi Lhunpo Project and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. I am deeply humbled to assume the role of PLTLP Chairman of The Board/Executive Director.

I follow in the footsteps of Ruth Hayward and Adrienne Moberly whose commitments to the preservation and revitalization of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery have been truly exemplary. Their remarkable efforts of fund development achieved two major accomplishments: the building of the new Prayer Hall in 2015 and the state-of-the-art Main Library in 2019. Our deepest appreciation to all our supporters, past, present and future for helping manifest these profound dreams of Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan, now retired.

It will be my great honor to continue their work under the guidance of the new Abbot Khen Zeekyab Rinpoche to help support the mission of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in becoming a great scholastic institution and restore the former glory of the original monastery in Tibet, now in South India.

I would be remiss if I did not tell you a bit about my background and how I became involved with Tashi Lhunpo Monastery / PLTLP.

Shortly after a successful 25-year career in the banking industry, I met Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan back in 2007 when he was invited to bless the opening of the Cantor Arts Museum in Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. I guess it was what you could call a providential meeting. The Stanford Eastern Religious Studies Department arranged the accommodations of Khensur Rinpoche and former PLTLP Executive Director, Ruth Hayward (whom I remember with such fondness) for the duration of their stay in Palo Alto to be at the Cowper Inn, a boutique hotel which I am fortunate enough to own.

One auspicious morning during their stay, amidst the flurry of my breakfast preparation for the Inn’s guests, a man in monk robes quietly and unceremoniously entered the Breakfast Parlor. His presence (which appeared so seemingly big!), brought such noticeable happiness, warmth and lightness to the room. He came over to me and asked for my name. And just like that, unbeknownst to me, my life would never be the same. I met my spiritual mentor, my guru, and my lifelong friend.

Hence, over the years that followed, the Cowper Inn has sponsored many fund-raising events and yearly teachings by Khensur Rinpoche held at the Cowper Inn Yoga Loft in support of the monastery.

Khensur Rinpoche’s calm and uplifting energy inspired the founding of the Palo Alto Sangha Group in 2010 (soon to be officially Tashi Lhunpo Sangha) that now boasts almost 1,000 members. I and the Sangha feel a deep sense of gratitude to his tireless guidance and generosity, and we treasure this precious opportunity to have him as our spiritual guide. He is truly an embodiment of love, kindness and compassion. His ineffable impact on all those he met during his visits touched countless lives.

In addition, I have had the opportunity of traveling with him and Ruth Hayward in India, and visiting many wonderful sights such as the beautiful Golden Buddha Shrine in Bodhgaya. I was also fortunate to attend teachings by His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya and to visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery several times, the most recent of which was for the first LOSAR Retreat in February 2020 which I spearheaded as a fundraiser.

Now, as I look ahead, I feel profoundly inspired to undertake the many tasks of furthering the efforts of PLTLP. With new additions to the energetic PLTLP Board, I look forward to a great many successes in the fulfillment of our mission. Joining me, Adrienne Moberly and Felisa Vilaubi, Secretary, are new members Mary Dautricourt, Vice Chair and Communications, Holly Ross, Treasurer, and Dana Ochstein, all longtime supporters of the monastery and participants of the first Tashi Lhunpo Monastery LOSAR Retreat in February 2020.

I cannot deny the overwhelming challenges confronting us in all aspects amidst an unprecedented global crisis. However, despite all these hurdles, I feel hopeful for a positive outcome. I look forward to a transformed world, where common humanity has taken root and the spirit of equanimity celebrated. This shift will hopefully impel all peoples of the world to begin healing through the spirit of kindness, compassion and generosity.

With that said, we, the PLTLP Board members are all ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work, inspired by the expansive vision and exhilarating energy of the new Abbot Zeekgyab Rinpoche. With your help we will remain undaunted in fulfilling our mission to give honor and life to the wishes of the long lineage of His Holiness The Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.

With Gratitude,

Joji Arellano Santos