Draft:Lama Dawai Gocha

Lama Dawai Gocha

Born: 1979, German-American Nyingma yogi, meditation teacher and founder of meditationonline.org

Introduction

Lama Dawai Gocha is a long-time Nyingma yogi and meditation teacher known for his teachings in Dzogchen and Atiyoga. He is the founder of meditationonline.org, where he focuses on integrating Eastern and Western cognitive science through meditation practices. His work emphasizes ease of access but also finding comprehensive harmony across various disciplines, drawing from both his extensive training in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and his background in cognitive sciences.

Early Life and Education

Born in Germany, Dawai Gocha moved to Spain and then to the United States at the age of ten. His early exposure to Vajrayana Buddhism came from his mother, a lifelong practitioner in the Palyul lineage of the Nyingma tradition. He faced challenges as a newcomer in America, such as language barriers, but found solace in drawing, writing poetry, and practicing yoga from a young age.

At the age of eighteen, he began living with Palyul monastics, an experience that profoundly shaped his spiritual development. He formed a close friendship with Yeshe Nyingpo, who significantly influenced his early years in Buddhism.

Spiritual Journey

Dawai Gocha received his first empowerments as a teenager from his root teacher, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Throughout his studies, he received transmissions and empowerments from a wide range of esteemed teachers, including:

• His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• Fifth Karma Kuchen Rinpoche
• Khentul Gyangkhang Rinpoche
• Garchen Rinpoche
• Mingyur Rinpoche
• Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso
• Tulku Dawa Gyalpo
• Gyatrul Rinpoche

In 2016, Dawai Gocha was ordained as a monk in the Palyul lineage under HH Karma Kuchen and Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso. He dedicated years to studying Dzogchen while undertaking retreats in various locations with notable teachers such as Gyatrul Rinpoche, Khenpo Tenzin Norgey, and Acharya Lama Gursam. His training included advanced practices like Ngondro, Tsa Lung, Kordu Rushen, Togyal, and Trekchö.

During a transformative seven-year retreat in the mountains of New Mexico, he was entrusted with teaching Dzogchen-Mahamudra by Lama Karma Dorje. Since 2021, he has been sharing his teachings through meditationonline.org, adopting a minimalistic approach that has resonated with many students.

Professional Background

Before fully committing to his spiritual path, Dawai Gocha developed a successful career in computer graphics and animation. Starting to use computers at the age of 17, he became proficient in 2D/3D modeling and programming. He worked briefly in an animation studio in Los Angeles and later as a virtual prototype specialist for Physical Optics Corporation, where his work supported scientists in various sectors.

In addition to his technical work, Dawai Gocha was actively involved in activism. He was an organizer for the Occupy LA movement, advocating against financial corruption and racial injustice. His commitment to social justice led to his arrest, after which he decided to focus on the liberation of his mind as a means of contributing to change.

Personal Life

Dawai Gocha is the son of Terri Merz, an accomplished computer scientist and author, and Gerd Scherm, a well-known German author and visual artist. His diverse background, combining technical expertise with deep spiritual practice, allows him to bridge various fields in his teachings and contributions.

Conclusion

Lama Dawai Gocha continues to inspire students and practitioners worldwide through his unique integration of traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary insights from cognitive sciences. His dedication to spiritual liberation and personal transformation serves as a guiding principle in his life and teachings.