OUR MISSION

We aim to preserve and support the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Nyingma Buddhist tradition of Tibet, with a particular focus on the elaborate ritual practice of drupchen

At OTR Foundation, our mission is to preserve and support the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Nyingma Buddhist tradition of Tibet, with a particular focus on the elaborate ritual practice of drupchen. We uphold these sacred traditions by providing comprehensive event planning and financial management for drupchens across Bhutan, Nepal, India, and beyond. In collaboration with Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche and the esteemed monks of Chokling Monastery—the authentic holders of these ritual lineages—we ensure the successful implementation of these profound ceremonies.

We achieve our mission by:

  • ⁠ ⁠Facilitating and sponsoring community offerings and group practice events—such as ceremonial gatherings (drupchens), meals and tea service, butter lamp offerings, tsok feast offerings, offerings to lamas and monks, and traditional services—at Pema Ewam Chögar Gyurme Ling Monastery (India), affiliated centers, and sacred pilgrimage sites.

  • ⁠ Responsibly managing and allocating grants and donations for special projects, including the creation and distribution of traditional Buddhist art (thangkas), pilgrimages to sacred Buddhist sites, and drupchen practices at locations around the world.

  • Connecting the global sangha through our platform, which provides timely announcements and insightful blogs to keep everyone informed and engaged with these important spiritual activities.

  • Offering avenues for making offerings, which are considered both meritorious and inspiring for practitioners worldwide.

Through these activities, the OTR Foundation ensures that all funds are used in accordance with its charitable purpose, supporting both the preservation of an important cultural tradition and the well-being of the communities who uphold them.

Meet the Board

  • Boon N Goei

    My journey with drupchens began over 20 years ago and with earnest 15 years ago when I have been fortunate to develop meaningful connections with Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche and the monastery's monks, learning the inner workings of these transformative practices.

    I am bringing my BSc in Engineering and project management skills to help coordinate these sacred events across the globe—skills that have proven invaluable in navigating the complex logistics of organizing drupchens internationally. What truly excites me is connecting our global sangha family through the social group I started, creating opportunities to support the regular drupchens in Bir and nurturing our community's faith and devotion.

    In our fast-paced world, I'm committed to helping us create a sanctuary where we can step away from mundane concerns and reconnect with what truly matters—witnessing how our collective practice creates ripples of transformation that sustain us through life's challenges.

  • Philip Philippou

    Philip Philippou was born in London, graduating from the London School of Economics with a BSc degree in geography. After leaving university, he developed an abiding interest in Buddhist philosophy, leading him to work for a prominent non-profit Buddhist organization where he played an important role in helping bring ancient Tibetan wisdom to the modern world.

    In 2006, he helped create one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centres of learning in the West, built according to the authentic traditions of sacred architecture and craftsmanship of the Himalayas. More recently, in 2016, he helped found a ground-breaking hospice/care centre near to Berlin, Germany, based on Buddhist/humanistic principles.

    Philip first met Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche in 1982 and from 2002 onwards, helped organize his frequent visits to Europe. Philip also visited Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche regularly at his home temple in Bir, India, and accompanied him on several pilgrimages to sacred Buddhist sites in India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

  • Michael Wong

    Michael Wong was born in East Los Angeles, California. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a B.A. in psychology and a Master's degree in Social Welfare. After graduate school, he worked as a children's social worker for a few years. During this period, he also developed a deep interest in studying Tibetan Buddhism.

    This interest led him to leave his role as a social worker to initially volunteer with and later work for a non-profit Tibetan Buddhist organization in the US, supporting its mission to bring Buddhist wisdom to the modern world in the West.

    After participating in several Buddhist ceremonies with Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche and receiving teachings from him around the world, he was inspired to support Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche's extensive dharma activities.