Loppon Lodro Dorje

After a stint pursuing theology, then physics, and then computer programming, Lodro Holm became  a student of the Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1971, and moved to Boulder to join the Karma Dzong community there. Under Trungpa Rinpoche’s direction, Loppon Lodro Dorje was head of the Office of Three Yana Studies from 1976 through 1990, which facilitated the meditation practice and study of the three yanas for Vajradhatu students. As a founding member of the Nalanda Translation Committee he was fortunate to work with the Druk Sakyong on both Buddhist and Shambhala texts. In 1985 the Vidyadhara designated him Dorje Loppon and empowered him to give ngöndro and vajrayana transmissions. He was appointed an acharya by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and served from 1996 – 2020.  Over the years, he also continued his study and practice with other lineage masters, especially Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultim Gyatso and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Over the past 8 years he has taught annually on Shambhala Online, mainly on sadhana practice and mahamudra tradition. He lives in Halifax with his wife Donna; they have one son and two grandsons.

Upcoming Programs by Loppon Lodro Dorje

The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya - Five-Week Retreat

Also with Karen Porterfield

October 29 - December 3, 2026
Join Loppon Lodro Dorje and Karen Porterfield in this 5-week Vajrakilaya retreat. The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance. Through this program, participants can complete the Vajrakilaya retreat requirement by time which is specified as 32 days of practice. 

The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya - Part 1 (Two-Week Retreat)

Also with Karen Porterfield

October 29 - November 15, 2026
Join Loppon Lodro Dorje and Karen Porterfield in this Part 1 of the Vajrakilaya retreat, a two-week offering. The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance. In this program, participants can begin their Vajrakilaya retreat requirement by time by completing 14 days of the full 32 days of retreat practice. This program is also open to those who are qualified to do the Vajrakilaya retreat but would like to attend this as an intensive.

The Wisdom Weapon of Compassion: Vajrakilaya - Part 2 (Three-Week Retreat)

Also with Karen Porterfield

November 13 - December 3, 2026
Join Loppon Lodro Dorje and Karen Porterfield in this 3-week Vajrakilaya retreat. The practice of Vajrakilaya is timely.  In this time of unusual aggression and chaos in the world, this practice is aimed at addressing just this kind of circumstance. Through this program, participants who have completed the first recitation (14 days) can complete their retreat requirement by time (specified as 32 days of practice).  Those who have completed the retreat commitment (by time or mantra; in solitude or group setting) are warmly welcome to join in.