Ngakpa Namgyal and Ngakma Shé-zér

Ngakma Shé-zér Khandro and Ngakpa Namgyal Dorje are a married couple who live in Caldicot, South Wales, Britain, with their baby son. They have been practising Buddhism since their early 20’s. They became apprentices of Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen in 1994 whilst engaged in a degree course in Religious Studies. They were immediately drawn to the Aro teachings’ applicability to everyday life in terms of the emotions and loving relationship as the basis for practice. They took ordination in Holland in 2000 and have been vibrant members of the Sangha, particularly engaged in running teaching events, and the registered charity which supports the work of the tradition. Most recently they have focused their recent efforts on fund raising for the Drala Jong retreat centre appeal.

Ngakma Shé-zér and Ngakpa Namgyal teach classes together, but are available as mentors in the Aro Membership programme separately.

Ngakma Shé-zér Khandro and Ngakpa Namgyal Dorje both specialise in the practice of Namkha – sky weaving – the practice of conjuring and transforming the energy of the five elements through weaving beautiful geometric patterns in the five elemental colours. They are presently engaged in writing a book on the subject.

Ngakma Shé-zér is renowned for her infectious laughter – and her joyful ability to bring into being beneficial environments for teaching and practice. Ngakpa Namgyal Dorje is moved by the passionate dance at the heart of essential Vajrayana – as exemplified by his root teachers. To take tea with Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen is to dine with the Emperor and Empress of the Universe.

Until the birth of young Tomas, Ngakma Shé-zér Khandro ran her own gardening business. She is often to be found in the garden tending both flowers and the fruit and vegetable plot where she gardens organically. At the moment much of her time is spent looking after the new arrival, and both Ngakma Shé-zér and Ngakpa Namgyal enjoy family life as the basis for their practice.

Ngakpa Namgyal Dorje works as a manager in the steel industry. In his leisure time he enjoys intellectual pursuits such as interactive fiction and complex board games. When time and Tom allows, he helps out in the garden, where his keenest interest is turning the produce into beverages of various unlikely kinds.