About Lama Rangbar

Born as Adam Friedensohn, Lama Rangbar Nyimai Özer, has studied and practiced extensively within the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition for over 45 years under the guidance of many renowned Nyingmapa masters such as his Root Lama, His Holiness Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, the Lord of Refuge, Chadral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche, H.E. The Venerable Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche HH Dungse Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche, Dungse Trinlay Norbu Rinpoche, Kyabje Trulshig Rinpoche, HE Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche,   Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche, Acharya Dawa Chodrak Rinpoche and Khandroma Khachöd Tsering Palmo.

Lama Rangbar's specialty is to bring traditional Buddhist teachings forward for modern audiences to help people transform their lives and actualize realization.  Lama teaches according to the various vehicles of Buddhism and is well known for his invigorating and often challenging presentation the teachings.  Although he often employs playful humor, he makes sure that the teachings retain their ancient authenticity and gravity, he keeps their presentation relevant for practitioners in today's world.

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 and are clearly explained in practical modern terms thereby remaining applicable in today’s world . 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.

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. During a 25 year period living, working and practicing in Nepal, Lama Rangbar established several organizations in the fields of Solar and renewable energy technologies for remote villages, electric vehicles and philanthropy through his not for profit ,organization the Himalayan Light Foundation. Lama is also the founder of The Bodhivastu Foundation for Enlightened Activity. Lama currently tours worldwide teaching at various centers.

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 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 where he is invited to offer teachings, including Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, France, Italy, 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.