20/08/2026
Geshe Tenzin Zopa is a Tibetan Buddhist monk, scholar and international teacher in the Gelug tradition. Born in 1975 in the remote Tsum Valley of Nepal, Geshe-la grew up in a farming family in the Himalayas.
His connection with Buddhism began very early through Geshe Lama Konchog, a highly respected Buddhist master who became his spiritual teacher.
Geshe-la was ordained as a monk at Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu when he was nine years old. He then began an extensive monastic education that included Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, ritual, meditation and traditional monastic practices.
As a young monk, he spent many years close to Geshe Lama Konchog, becoming his disciple, assistant and eventually his English translator.
Lama Konchog remained one of the most important influences in his life until his death in 2001.
In 1990, Geshe-la entered Sera Jey Monastic University in South India, one of the major centres of Tibetan Buddhist learning.
The traditional Geshe curriculum involves many years of intensive study, memorisation, philosophical analysis, formal debate and examination. After completing this extensive training, Geshe-la received his Geshe degree in 2007.
The title βGesheβ represents a very advanced level of traditional Tibetan Buddhist scholarship. It is sometimes compared with a doctorate for Western audiences, although it belongs to a distinct monastic system of education with its own traditions and methods of study.
One of the most extraordinary chapters of Geshe-laβs life began after the death of Geshe Lama Konchog.
Having spent much of his childhood and youth as Lama Konchogβs student, assistant and companion, Geshe-la was later given the responsibility of helping to search for his teacherβs reincarnation.
The search took him through Nepal and the Himalayan region as possible candidates were investigated according to Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
That journey became the subject of the award-winning 2008 documentary Unmistaken Child.
The film follows Geshe-la as he searches for the child eventually recognised as Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche, the reincarnation of Geshe Lama Konchog.
His responsibility did not end with the recognition of the child. Geshe-la subsequently became involved in supporting and guiding the young Tulkuβs education and wellbeing.
Today, Geshe Tenzin Zopa is an FPMT touring Geshe who travels internationally teaching Buddhist philosophy, meditation and practice.
Drawing on decades of traditional monastic training, his teachings explore subjects including compassion, karma, meditation, bodhicitta, the nature of the mind and the wider Buddhist path. He has taught at Buddhist centres internationally and has also participated in interfaith, peace and community events.
Geshe-la also has a wonderfully down-to-earth side. He often shares stories from his childhood and monastic life, including joking that one of the attractions of becoming a monk was the chance to eat rice and discover the taste of sugar.
Those who have received teachings from Geshe-la often describe the profound impression he leaves:
βGeshe-la is a beacon of light for me because he continually benefits others day and night. He embodies guru devotion, compassion and wisdom and I aspire to one day be like him.β
βI have truly never met a being more kind and compassionate, selfless and masterful. Itβs such an incredible honour to have met such a Great Master in this life.β
βHe is an incredibly giving teacher, always providing rich and practical approaches to the dharma. His laughter is contagious, as he shares his gratitude and joy with those around him. It is so incredible to be in his presence!β
