Administration
Lotus Garden was founded under the guidance of His Holiness Mindrolling Trichen, the Head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and the Head of Mindrolling. Following the parinirvana of His Holiness, Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche continues to guide all activities of Lotus Garden.
Lotus Garden's parent organization is The Samten Tse Charitable Society, a private non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. It was established to support and fund the work and various charitable projects of Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche in India and abroad.
Samten Tse Charitable Society is administered by a Board of Directors, headed by Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche and Jetsün Dechen Paldrön and supported by a team of lopöns, drupön and the Resident Staff with help of the Five Families system of administration.
The Five Families are a division of labor system that helps to make the operation of programs and day to day operations run smoothly.
- The Buddha Family is typically responsible for all spiritual aspects of the Center including teachings, texts, rituals, and shrine management. It is coordinated by the lopöns and works closely with Rinpoche on the curriculum and all practice related issues. The Buddha Family also works closely with the Dharmashri Foundation in distribution of new translations, liturgies and transcripts as well as in interpretation of liturgies and ritual practices.
- The Vajra Family is responsible for all communications, safety and well being of the teachers and participants.
- The Padma Family is responsible for housing, meals, registration and hospitality of participants and for the functioning of the teacher's residence.
- The Karma Family takes care of the land issues at Lotus Garden, including construction projects, landscaping and gardening, maintenance and land management.
- Last but not least is the Ratna Family which manages the financial aspect of operating Lotus Garden and deals with membership and fundraising.
Photo Credit: View from the Main Residence after an ice storm at Lotus Garden, ©2008 Mindrolling International