Tsering Ngodup

Chaplain, Buddhist Lama
& Meditation Teacher

  • I share teachings passed down through generations of Buddhist masters and students, supporting people of all backgrounds to cultivate resilience, clarity, and compassion.

About me

I am a Tibetan Buddhist lama (Dharma teacher), authorized to teach by HH Kunsig Shamar Rinpoche, lineage holder of the 900 year old Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. I have worked with people of all backgrounds and at all stages of life as an interfaith hospital chaplain, hospice spiritual caregiver, and teacher of Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT)

Born in Tibet, my early years were shaped by the challenges of displacement, as my family and I fled the Chinese occupation, seeking refuge in Nepal and India. Under the direction of HH the Dalai Lama, I was able to receive an education in India that was offered to Tibetan children in diaspora. I developed a deep commitment to preserving Tibetan culture and language and sharing our unique spiritual traditions.

I taught Tibetan language, culture, and religion and served as an interpreter for Tibetan Buddhist meditation masters and scholars in Germany and across Europe. In 2000, I came to the United States under the spiritual direction of HH Shamar Rinpoche. My role was to translate and teach Buddhist philosophy and meditation, which remains central to my life’s work.

Over the years, my journey has been shaped by a dedication to bridging spiritual wisdom with compassionate care. I am the founder and spiritual director of the Bodhi Tree Institute for Tibetan Buddhist Study and Practice, where I guide meditation and study groups focused on the Mahayana path. I teach at the Omega Institute, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers, Arlington Center, Open Spirit, Boston Center for Contemplative Practice, and many other public and private (in home) programs. Whether teaching, counseling, or leading meditation, my goal is to support others in cultivating peace, resilience, and coping skills.

How I can support you

With decades of experience as a spiritual teacher, chaplain, and meditation instructor, I offer personalized support for individuals, families and organizations.

  • I offer spiritual counseling to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges, including times of grief, crisis, and transition. Grounded in Buddhist wisdom and practices, I work with people of all beliefs and traditions to bring insight and support change. Counseling may address:

    • Spiritual Questions

    • Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

    • Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma Recovery

    • Addiction Recovery

    • End-of-life Pastoral Care & Bereavement

  • The mindfulness and meditation training I offer draws on centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist practices, helping cultivate awareness, compassion, and calm-abiding. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, I share methods to integrate mindfulness into daily life.

    Offerings include:

    • Custom Programs for Individuals, Groups, or Organizations

    • Lunch-break Meditation (via Zoom)

    • Walking Meditation

  • I offer spiritual support to individuals and families facing the end of life. As an experienced end-of-life spiritual caregiver, my role is to hold a sacred space, fostering acceptance, dignity, and grace during this profound transition.

    Offerings include:

    • Preparing for Death & Finding Peace in the Final Stage of Life

    • Supporting Families Through the Grieving Process

  • I offer consultations, workshops, and lectures that explore how meditation practices can foster well-being and resilience, bringing scientific and spiritual perspectives together. I work with medical professionals, scholars, and others to cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and compassion in their personal and professional lives.

    Topics include:

    • Exploring the Buddhist Path to Healing and Resilience

    • The Science of Meditation: Bridging Buddhism and Psychology

    • Navigating Mental Health Challenges Through Spiritual Practice

    • Investigating the Role of Compassion in Healing and Recovery

Credentials & Experience

Buddhist Lama

Recognized as a "lama" (spiritual teacher) by His Holiness Shamar Rinpoche, Tsering has over four decades of experience as a Buddhist teacher, meditation guide, and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. He regularly teaches at the Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers, Omega Institute for Holistics Studies, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and many more. He has been a guest speaker at numerous universities and medical centers, including Tufts University, Brandeis University, Harvard Divinity School, and Boston Medical Center, sharing the depth of Buddhist teachings with academic, medical, and spiritual communities.

CBCT® Certified Teacher

Tsering is certified by Emory University as a teacher of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®), a secular program developed at Emory University that cultivates compassion through guided practices and cognitive insights. Grounded in both ancient contemplative traditions and modern psychology, CBCT helps individuals build resilience, improve mental health, and enhance relationships by fostering empathy and compassionate awareness.

Hospital Chaplain

With over fourteen years of experience as an interfaith staff chaplain at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, as well as over five years as a chaplain and study therapist at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Tsering brings deep experience providing spiritual care and teaching to patients, families, and medical professionals.  He completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, and he mentored students doing their chaplaincy internship, as a Field Education Supervisor at the Harvard Divinity School.

End-of-Life Spiritual Counselor

With years of experience providing end-of-life care in hospice settings, hospitals, and personal residences, Tsering offers compassionate spiritual guidance and support to individuals and families navigating the final stages of life. Drawing on Buddhist teachings and his work as a chaplain, he creates a supportive space for people of all faiths and traditions to cultivate peace, acceptance, and dignity during this profound transition.

Testimonials

  • Working with you has transformed my life.

    During a stressful time with my premature twins in the NICU, the breathing and mindfulness techniques you taught me gave me the strength and calm to get through it.

    Over time, your teachings have profoundly shifted how I approach life. I feel less reactive, more compassionate, and better equipped to navigate challenges with peace and clarity. The wisdom you share is universal, enriching any worldview.

    I am forever grateful for the joy, meaning, and calm you have brought into my life.

    Maura

  • Your kindness and empathy guided us through the many phases of recovery.

    When my husband was diagnosed with leukemia, we were overwhelmed. Your kindness and empathy guided us through the many phases of recovery, offering meditation and support that brought peace during the most difficult moments.

    After treatment, we joined your weekly support group, which has enriched our lives and strengthened our bond. Your guidance has been an immeasurable part of our healing journey, bringing resilience, understanding, and compassion into our lives.

    Betsy

  • Both wise and knowledgable

    Lama Tsering is both wise and knowledgeable. He has had a distinguished career as the Shamarpa's interpreter, a renowned Dharma teacher and mentor, and an accredited Buddhist Chaplain.

    If you are eager to make substantial spiritual progress, you will find Tsering-la most approachable, kind, and helpful.

    Tashi Nyima

  • One of the most spiritually generous people I know

    Tsering is a wonderful teacher and one of the most spiritually generous people I know. His dharma talks, informed with a deep grasp and wide breadth of knowledge about Buddhist principles, inspire and touch the soul. Because he is so approachable, you feel free to ask questions and --whether you’re a beginner or more advanced practitioner.

    Tsering’s presence and his calm example generate and promote deep listening. His inclusive approach inspires and centers me, casting an irradicable light on my path.

    Sandra Shuman, Ph.D.

  • With all of my heart, I recommend anyone looking for support in their journey to connect with Lama Tsering.

    Lama Tsering has a unique capacity to communicate traditional Buddhist teachings and practices in a way that can meet a broad audience of all backgrounds. With warmth and humor, he has a way to help students access the deepest essence of what Buddhist practice has to offer. Lama Tsering does this in an open way so that those from any particular spiritual, religious, or completely secular background could access the benefits of practice (without contradiction).

    With all of my heart, I recommend anyone who is looking for support in their journey to connect with Lama Tsering. 

    Noel Coakley, LMHC, M.Ed.

  • Beloved by the staff at our hospital, as well as those in our research team

    Chaplain Yodsampa was much beloved by the staff at our hospital, as well as those in our research team {Tsering was the study chaplain on a randomized clinical trial of a meditation approach as a treatment for PTSD) . Study participants routinely reported that after meeting him, the major reason they wanted to stay in the study was the opportunity to work with him.

    It is rare to find a Chaplain who has extensive command of both high and low density faith groups, exceptional interpersonal skills, the dedication to seek substantial training to expand his capacity, and understanding of scientific research methods such as randomized control trials.

    J. Irene Harris, Senior Clinical Research Psychologist

  • Your guidance helped me to stay in the moment.

    Your guidance helped me to stay in the moment, rather than getting carried away with my mind, and developed my awareness of my constant thoughts and worrying.

    The meditations we would do were centering and grounding for me, my outlook and disposition would improve significantly for the next couple days.

    You have a presence that is very calming and brought us great peace - even through zoom.

    Carolyn

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