About
Drupon Gyalten Samten
Drupon Gyalten Samten (formerly Barkha Madan), a former model, actress, and producer, began her spiritual journey at the age of 10 with a visit to Rumtek Monastery. A transformative meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2001 deepened her connection to Buddhist philosophy and led her to formally pursue the Dharma. In 2012, she renounced her film career and received ordination at Sera Jey Monastery from His Eminence Choden Rinpoche, under the guidance of Venerable Zopa Rinpoche— becoming one of the first non-Himalayan Indian women ordained in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Since then, she has dedicated her life to Dharma practice, including extensive retreats, scriptural studies, social service, meditation facilitation, and center management across India and the U.S.
Venerable Samten has completed the extensive ngöndro (preliminary practices) in the Gelug tradition, is certified in the 10-day Shravasti Meditation program, and undertook a three-year solitary retreat on the Five-fold Mahamudra in Lamayuru under the guidance of His Holiness Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche.
In recognition of her accomplishment, His Holiness conferred upon her the title of Drupon Ma during the Drikung Snake Year Teachings in 2025 at Lamayuru— making her the first non-Himalayan Buddhist nun to receive this honor.
Offerings From The Heart
In a world often filled with noise and hurry, the Buddha’s teachings remind us of stillness, compassion, and the boundless potential for goodness within every being. These offerings arise from a wish to ease suffering and to nurture the heart’s awakening — both in myself and in others.
Through sharing the Dharma, serving the hungry, and accompanying those in times of transition, may these small acts become offerings of light — dedicated to the welfare of all who seek peace, healing, and freedom from suffering.
Learn The Dharma
Through the study and contemplation of the Buddha Dharma, we explore the timeless wisdom that brings clarity, compassion, and peace to everyday life. Offerings include Dharma teachings, pujas for health and well-being, guided meditations, and wellness retreats dedicated to cultivating balance, healing, and inner freedom.
Compassion in Action- Meals On Wheels
Inspired by the boundless compassion of my Guru, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and the sacred Langar Seva of the Gurudwara, friends and I joyfully offer meals to the homeless, destitute, and those in need. Each act of sharing is a living prayer — that no being go hungry, in body or in spirit.
Prayers for the Dying and the Departed
In the spirit of loving-kindness, I offer prayers and compassionate presence for those who are nearing the end of life, as well as for those who have already passed. This is not medical care, but a compassionate offering, to sit in stillness with the dying, to bring comfort and ease to the mind and heart, and to guide prayers for peace, clarity, and liberation during and after the time of transition.