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Venerable Gendun Kunga Nyima Gyalpo, a tibetan buddhist monk became ordained in India on August 2, 2012 at the Ngor Monastery by His Eminence Luding Kenchen Rinpoche and His Eminence Thartse Khen Rinpoche. Venerable Nyima Gyalpo or formerly known as Anthony Q. Bennett lives in Northen California. Venerable Nyima Gyalpo was born in Holland, Michigan in 1962.

His upbringing apparently followed traditional dutch customs as his childhood clothing included liederhosen, wooden shoes and carried a tulip in May.

He was born in Holland, Michigan but shortly thereafter moved to Alameda, California. His parents divorced when he was 7 years old and was court awarded to his Great Grandmother, whom raised him in Oakland, California and Sparks, Nevada until her death in 1979.

His Great Grandmother passed away in February 1979, followed by his Grand Mother in May 1979 and Grandfather in September 1979.

He had already moved in with school mates and enlisted in the Nevada Army National Guard. Afer completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, then known as Anthony moved to San Lorenzo, California.

He transferred into the California Army National Guard and transitioned from Huey Helicopter Warrant Office School to Wheel vehicle Mechanic.

Private First Class Bennett continued his military career until 1989 when he transferred to the Air Force Reserves until 1991. He received an Honorable Discharge from both branches of service. He then worked in Retail Management, Armored Transportation and several contract management positions with corporations such as The Nature Company, Brinks, Chevron and Levi Strauss.

Anthony decided to reenlist in the California Army National Guard to finish up his retirement in 2002. He was immediately recognised by high level officers whom he served with in the past and was quickly accepted back.

He worked as an Acting Brigade Commander, Administrative Officer, Command Sergeant Major, Operations NCOIC, NCOIC and received several accalations from several senior General Officers.

Anthony left the military to pursue work at Blue Shield, unfortunately shortly after being hired full time several departments consolidated and was terminated.

He then continued to help friends in need and transitioned into the role of caregiver for two very close friends and continues to this day.

Aside from all of his civilian and military experience. He found interest in spirituality.

Initially he was baptised as a christian, was born again Lutheran and found a good friend who was really into Meher Baba from India.

This interest lead to many years of meditation at the Siddha Ashram Center in Oakland, California, refuge in the Sochu Nichiren Japanese Buddhist tradition.

Fortunately, was in the presence and blessed by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Many years later through another close friend was invited to Ewam Choden Tibetan Buddhist Center in 2010. It was then that I met Lama Kunga Thartse Rinpoche. Initially, participated in teachings from visiting Lama Pema.

Volunteered for whatever they needed, led to more focused interest in pursuing my inner self again. Over time, meditation, volunteer work, empowerments, I found myself feeling more inclined to take my personal life into a more dedicated monastic life.

I took refuge, non-monastic or lay vows. After a few personal challenging and life changing circumstances felt it was time to dedicate myself in pursuit of enlightenment. I asked for permission to become ordained and take the Getsul Vows. Lama Kunga Thartse Rinpoche approved and requested permission for these vows from the Ngor Monastery in India.

Upon returning from India, Venerable Nyima Gyalpo was given the honorable title as the temple keeper for Ewam Choden Tibetan Buddhist Center located in Kensington, California.