Upcoming Events
Lama Tashi Dondrub Memorial Service
Sunday, November 22, 2026
On Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, the Maui Dharma Center will honor the life of Lama Tashi Dondrub of the Kauai Dharma Center with a half-day Buddha Amitabha retreat. A cherished friend and benefactor of the Maui Dharma Center, he passed away peacefully in Costa Rica on November 1, 2026. His passing occurred on the auspicious Tibetan Buddhist holy day of Lhabab Duchen, which commemorates the Buddha's descent from the heavenly realms. The service will be at the third week of his passing in the Temple and on Zoom.
Lama Tashi Biography
All who knew Lama Tashi remember his boundless goodness, humility, and genuine compassion for every sentient being. From the Maui Dharma Center's earliest days, he worked alongside Lama Tenzin to help establish the center. He served diligently under Lama Tenzin’s guidance by volunteering for countless projects, providing ongoing financial support, and donating vital appliances and sacred statues to the temple.
Born in the Pacific Northwest in 1938, Lama Tashi was embraced during his childhood by the Samish, Skokomish, and Snoqualmie First Nations peoples. His spiritual journey into the traditions of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism began in 1977 when he met His Eminence Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche. Shortly thereafter, he met Lama Rinchen and became his devoted student. Between 1986 and 1989, Lama Tashi completed the rigorous, traditional three-year, three-month retreat in Oregon under the guidance of Lama Tsang Tsing, graduating as an ordained traditional Tibetan Lama. He began teaching on Kauai in 1990 and co-founded the Kauai DharmaCenter with Lama Rinchen the following year. In 2006, he joined Lama Rinchen, and his Kauai sangha in creating a 17 foot marble stupa to honor and preserve the sacred Shangpa Kagyu lineage.
Throughout his life, Lama Tashi embodied the Buddhist ideal of compassionate action through tireless service and spiritual devotion. For many years, he hosted the annual Mahakala Retreat on Kauai while leading weekly Dharma programs both locally and globally via YouTube and Zoom. His deep care for others extended well beyond temple walls through his advocacy for women’s rights, environmental stewardship, and prison outreach programs. Putting his practical skills to compassionate use, he frequently refurbished used appliances to donate to those in need or offer at affordable prices, while also providing vital financial support to numerous Lamas and nuns. Known for his vibrant energy, he upheld his daily Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices with unwavering diligence.
May Lama Tashi realize samsara to be nirvana!
May suffering arise as bliss!
May obstacles gather into siddhi!
May he realize the supreme attainment of Mahamudra!
May he totally reach the ten powers and achieve Buddhahood!
