Spiritual Director

Lama Matthew Palden Gocha

Photographed by Mark Berndt

Lama Matthew, Lobpön Palden Gocha, has been practicing Buddhism since 2000 and a member of the Rime Center since 2001. He has received teachings from numerous teachers such as H.H. Dalai Lama, Wangdor Rinpoche and Lama Lodu Rinpoche, as well as Lama Lena and Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche. His root teacher, Younge Khachab Rinpoche has been his primary lama and mentor since 2004.

Through these teachers Lama Matthew has received empowerments and instructions to engage in tantric practices. In addition, he has received Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachings, the most profound aspect of Buddhist teachings. As a result of these traditional Buddhist trainings, he has achieved a level of knowledge and experience that qualifies him to guide students on the path of the dharma.

Lama Matthew’s main tradition is the non-monastic Ngakpa (lay-yogic) tradition of the KaNying lineage. He also adheres to the Rimé philosophical approach of non-sectarianism. Thanks in part to this approach he also has connections to the Gelug lineage as well.

Currently Lama Matthew serves as the Spiritual Director of the Rime Buddhist Center. In addition he teaches classes on meditation and Buddhism and performs Buddhist ceremonies for the Kansas City and interfaith communities. Lama Matthew also serves as the Buddhist Director for the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council and on the Board of Directors for SevenDays. He is a member of the Parliament of World Religions, the North American Buddhist Alliance, and Sakyadhita – International Association of Buddhist Women. Lama Matthew also spends his time with organizations in the Kansas City community who are working at ending social and economic issues of injustice.

Zhabs brten dPal ldan Go cha and Ti ka