Our Founders

Maitreya Project was the compassionate heart wish of the late Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Yeshe, who devoted his life to making the Buddha’s teachings available to people worldwide, and who, through his wisdom, warmth, kindness and joy, touched the hearts of thousands of people. Lama’s wish is being fulfilled by his successor, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Maitreya Project.

Lama Thubten Yeshe (1935-84)

Lama Yeshe was born in Tibet and educated at Sera Monastic University in Lhasa. With his main disciple, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe established Kopan Monastery near Kathmandu, Nepal. In 1975, the lamas founded the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). It was Lama Yeshe's wish to build a large Maitreya statue in order to inspire the qualities of loving-kindness and compassion.
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Photos of Lama Yeshe from the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive's Photo Gallery: http://www.lamayeshe.com/general/portraits.shtml

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche

Lama Zopa Rinpoche was born in Thami, Nepal in 1946 and was recognised to be the reincarnation of the Lawudo Lama. When Lama Yeshe passed away in 1984, Lama Zopa Rinpoche became the Spiritual Director of the FPMT and carried forward Lama Yeshe's activities and projects. Lama Zopa Rinpoche is Spiritual Director of the Maitreya Project, which is coming to fruition under his guidance.
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Photos of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition's Photo Gallery: http://www.fpmt.org/teachers/zopa/gallery/