Lineage and Training
Lama Rangbar Nyimai Özer (born Adam Friedensohn), is a Mantra lineage holder trained in the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition over the past 40 years. Lama Rangbar first received initiations and instructions from his root Lama, His Holiness Düdjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche.
Subsequently, Lama Rangbar received years of teachings and personal instructions from His Holiness Dungse Shenphen Dawa Norbu Rinpoche, Kyabje Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche, H. E. Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche, Dungse Thinlay Norbu Rinpoche, Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Kyabje Trulshig Rinpoche, Lama Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche (also known as Karma Gyalpo Rinpoche), Acharya Dawa Chöddak Rinpoche and Khandroma Khachöd Tsering Palmo, among others.
Due to auspicious previous karma, aspirations, travel and over 25 years of living in Nepal, Lama Rangbar was able to spend extensive periods of time in close proximity to his teachers, often in daily contact and living together with these masters. This enabled him to absorb countless teachings, personal guidance, instructions and precious lessons exhibited by the living example of the teachers — elements which are otherwise practically impossible to impart and which today serve as part of Lama Rangbar’s approach towards teaching and transmitting Buddhadharma in the West.
Recognition and Enthronement
Lama Rangbar was recognized and enthroned by Tsewang Ngodrup Rinpoche as the activity emanation of Tulku Chimed Yugyal, a discoverer of hidden treasures (Tertön) and the ritual meditation master of Rangnang Ogmin Ling Dzogchen Monastery in Kham, Tibet.
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Teaching and Approach
As noted by several of Lama’s teachers, Lama Rangbar exemplifies the transfer of Eastern Wisdom to Western mind. While firmly rooted in the authenticity of the Nyingma (“Ancient School”) tradition in general and Düdjom Tersar lineage in particular, his presentation of Buddhist teachings is warm, playful and invigorating.
Lama Rangbar’s mission is to assure that the Vajrayana methods and wisdom remain functional and are clearly explained in practical modern terms. Although he often employs humor, he makes sure that the teachings retain their ancient authenticity and gravity while keeping their presentation clear and relevant for practitioners in today's world so that they can understand and apply the timeless teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lama teaches according to the various vehicles of Buddhism and guides his students across the entire vast scope of Buddhist path — from foundational practices through advanced yidam practices up to the pinnacle teachings of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection.
As a part of his approach he also often teaches on various practices that can be utilized for the absolute benefit of reaching a full awakening as well as improving the temporary conditions for self and others, such as Riwo Sangchö, offering practices as well as various healing methods and even teaching the traditional arts, crafts and sciences which all ultimate serve the noble purpose: to awaken people and create circumstances conductive to this major life goal.
Bodhi TV Nepal interviews Lama Rangbar
Lama Rangbar visited the Boudhanath stupa in 2017 and in discussion with Bodhi TV describes the nature of Buddhism in Nepal versus America as well as the ongoing process of Buddhism taking root in the U.S.
Past Activity
Lama returned to the USA after 25 years of living and practicing in Nepal in order to establish a prophesied peace project specifically for our times — the Stupa of the Great Awakening (more on that below).
While living in Nepal, Lama Rangbar established several benevolent environmental organizations in the fields of solar energy, (Lotus Energy (P Ltd) electric vehicles, (EVCO and Eco-Visions) poverty reduction for remote areas and vital service provision.
He is the Founder of several organizations including: The Bodhivastu Foundation for Enlightened Activity, The Himalayan Light Foundation (Nepal and USA), and Clean Environmental Products International.
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Current Activity
Lama Rangbar now resides in Pleasant Valley, NY and oversees centers Trinlay Khachöd Ling (Big Indian, New York), Samten Ösel Chöling (Heidelberg, Germany), Dechen Mingyur Ling (Sankhu Vajrayogini, Nepal) and Düdjom Ngakdra Labrang — The Academy of Mantric Disciplines in Pleasant Valley, New York.
Apart from these centers, Lama also travels and teaches in numerous countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, France, Slovakia and Lithuania.
With regards to his activity, Lama Rangbar’s guise covers the entire spectrum of a traditional Ngakpa Lama — giving empowerments, transmissions and teachings, conducting various ceremonies for the benefit of individuals, families and communities, offering various consultations and advising in feng shui arrangements both for individuals and companies, conducting divinations, guiding people on sacred pilgrimages and offering public engagements.
One of Lama's main interests is the establishment of peace by development of sacred blessed spaces and structures. These are well present in the Big Indian center Thrinlay Khachöd Ling and include several current and planned projects such as Naga Palace, Mani Peace Wall, Practice and Event Pavilion, Mariamma Tara shrine, Wellness center and health clinic, natural outdoor event amphitheater and exercise pavilion, international teahouse, garden of sacred arts or community art studios.
Foremost among the planned activities, however, is the prophesied Stupa of the Great Awakening.
For more information about Lama Rangbar Nyimai Özer and his activities, please see the links below
Prophecy of the Stupa of the Great Awakening
In the Buddhist tradition, building of stupas is a traditional, major undertaking done with the altruistic motivation so that the stupa may benefit the land, its inhabitants and the world at large for the generations to come.
Construction of Stupas generates vast merit for both individuals and collectives largely because engaging with Stupas is one of the most powerful ways for us to become aware of our interdependence and for the actualization of our highest potential. A properly constructed stupa based on sacred geometry and consecrated with countless mandalas and holy relics not only has the power to completely transform the lives of individuals who connect with it, but greatly improves circumstances for an entire country, its relations with other countries and then the world.
Filled with precious relics, stupas serve as a focal point and a tangible foothold for enlightened energy and presence. As Lama Rangbar remarked:
“A Stupa is also a stream of divine positive energy, humanity’s highest potential generated by its building and by relating to it in its environment. It is built with each contribution, each investment of individuals and every ounce of purest intention offered by everyone who cares about this Earth and all the beings who live on it.”
As for this particular stupa — the Stupa of the Great Awakening, the prophecy to construct it descended from the Nyingma protective deity Tsi’u Marpo. The prophecy arose several years ago for the purpose of curtailing several impending challenges that we are currently all very well aware of, including environmental catastrophes, world ideological clashes, as well as to generally boost the level of merit and therefore prosperity of this nation and the entire world.
The prophecy very clearly places the fulfillment of this major project in Lama Rangbar’s responsibility while there is ample gathered support and encouragement from a host of Lamas and other institutions and individuals, including Kyabje Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche, H.H. Kyabje Dodrubchen Rinpoche, H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche, Lama Chökyong Yeshi Dorji, H.H. 41st Sakya Trizin, H.E. Ayang Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, Boudha Gyang Guthi or Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture and Tourism.