Kalyan Mitra
My Journey from the World of Films to the Path of Dharma
My journey from the world of films and fame to the path of Dharma was not a rejection of life, but a deeper embrace of it. It has been shaped, nourished, and illuminated by the presence of extraordinary beings, spiritual mentors who have guided me gently, firmly, and unconditionally toward inner freedom.
Each of these revered masters has offered unique guidance along the spiritual path, and I hold deep gratitude for their presence in my life. Their wisdom continues to illuminate my way, a light I can only begin to honour through words.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
When I first encountered the teachings of His Holiness, it felt as if a mirror had been placed before my heart — reflecting not only who I was, but who I was capable of becoming.
His message of universal compassion, inner freedom, and ethical living awakened a quiet knowing within me: this was the path I had always been seeking.
In moments of uncertainty, I’ve drawn strength from his gentle voice, his laughter, and his tireless example. Meeting His Holiness changed my understanding of freedom, no longer defined by external choices, but by inner clarity and selfless love.
Even today, I feel his presence in the smallest gestures — a breath, a pause, a prayer , reminding me that true spiritual practice is not separate from life, but its very essence.
Venerable Lama Zopa Rinpoche
If His Holiness opened my heart, it was Lama Zopa Rinpoche who gave it direction. When I once asked, “Would it be beneficial for me to ordain for the benefit of all beings?” he smiled and raised both thumbs up. That simple gesture — playful yet profound — became a turning point in my life.
His infinite compassion, tireless service, and profound teachings showed me that ordination is not a withdrawal from life, but a complete offering of it.
With his blessings, I took the monastic vows with His Eminence Venerable Choeden Rinpoche at Sera Jey Monastery. Through Rinpoche’s guidance, I came to understand that the path is not only about personal liberation, but about showing up wholeheartedly for all sentient beings — with courage and joy.
His Holiness Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche
My connection with His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche runs deep and sacred. Under his profound guidance, I undertook and completed a three-year solitary retreat — a transformative journey that stripped away illusion and brought me face to face with the nature of mind.
At the retreat’s conclusion, His Holiness Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche graciously bestowed upon me the title of Drupon Ma a recognition I hold with humility, as both an honour and a responsibility.
His teachings, rooted in the Drikung Kagyu lineage, are a living transmission of ancient wisdom, clear yet deeply mystical. Through his unwavering support, I found the discipline, silence, and spaciousness to truly deepen my practice.
Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche
Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi Rinpoche is a bridge between timeless wisdom and the needs of our modern world — a teacher who embodies integrity, clarity, and compassionate action.
Rooted in lineage yet fluent in the language of contemporary ethics, his teachings inspire me to bring insight beyond the cushion into classrooms, communities, and the quiet spaces of daily life.
In a world that scatters the mind outward, his presence calls me inward — to clarity, to integrity, and to a path where tradition and service walk hand in hand.
Venerable Robina Courtin
Venerable Robina is a force — bold, direct, and unapologetically real. Her fierce compassion and honesty have taught me to meet the mind as it is, without turning away.
She has reminded me that the path is not always quiet or pretty — it is raw, luminous, and alive. Her presence encourages me to live the teachings with authenticity, to speak truthfully, and to stay rooted in Bodhicitta, no matter what.
Through her, I have learned that the Dharma is not only to be studied in silence, but lived in the world.
What I now offer as a monastic, as a practitioner, as a human being, is not mine alone. It is the continuation of their kindness.
May every teaching I share, every service I offer, and every life I touch carry the imprint of their wisdom.