Geshe Dakpa Topgyal is well known for his particularly skillful means in presenting Tibetan Buddhism to Westerners. In addition to his years of experience and expertise, Geshe-la brings a kind heart and a sense of humor to his teaching that is both disarming and endearing.

He was born in the Western region of Tibet, but fled to India at the age of six. He entered Drepung Loseling Monastery at the age of ten and received his Geshe degree (Doctorate of Religion and Philosophy) twenty-two years later in 1992.

He taught for many years in Europe before coming to the United States. Between 1993 and 1994, he visited one hundred and twenty American cities giving lectures on Tibetan Buddhism and culture, and led a number of meditation retreats.

Currently, he teaches students year round and serves as spiritual director of the Charleston Tibetan Society Dharma Center as well as the South Carolina Dharma Group in Columbia, South Carolina.

In addition to authoring nine books, Geshe Topgyal has published practice manuals on topics such as Shamatha meditation, Vajrasattva purification, Guru Yoga of Lama Tsong-Khapa, Manjushri Sadhana Practice, Tara Sadhana Practice, Medicine Buddha Healing Practice, and Chenrezig Meditation and Mental Recitation of the Sacred Mantra of Chenrezig.