Andre Papantonio began studying and practicing the Buddhadharma in 1980 at the Baltimore Shambhala Center, and studied with Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche at the 1984 Vajradhatu Seminary. He met Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche in 1994 and has studied and practiced under her guidance since then. Lopön Andre has been honored with the opportunity to serve JKR in various capacities, including helping to guide the newest students as they enter the path of Mahayana at Lotus Garden and in the Baltimore JKR Study Group. He is in the beginning stage of learning to serve as Umdze, or chant leader. Andre teaches several weekends each year at Lotus Garden, and travels occasionally to teach in other cities. He is particularly interested in bringing Mahamudra practice and bodhicitta practice to life in the hearts of students and in his own heart. As his small understanding of our fundamental Buddha Nature grows, he is especially eager to encourage students to discover, and rest in, their own natural state.
Lopön Andre welcomes questions by e-mail throughout the year. Please write to: heyandre@comcast.net