In June 2004, Lama Pema Wangdak of New York Palden Sakya Centers, and ritual master Lama Kunga Dhondup of Pema Ts’al School in Pokhara, Nepal, presented public programs on spiritual practice, ritual, and meditation in everyday living, and conferred on Stephen K. Hayes a 5-day depth instruction in the practice of Vajrakilaya – “truth like a dagger blade” that removes obstacles to brightness and wholeness in life.

Venerable Lama Pema Wangdak has been a monk since 7 years old. A student of His Holiness Sakya Trizin, he graduated from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Benares, India in 1980 with Acharya (Masters) degree. In 1989 Lama Pema founded the Vikramasila Foundation, and then Palden Sakya Centers in New York City, Woodstock, NY, Philmont, NY, Charlottesville, VA, and Cresskill, NJ. Lama Pema is the creator of “Bur Yig” Tibetan Braille, and founder of Pema Ts’al (“Lotus Grove”) Schools in Mundgod, India and Pokhara, Nepal, and Pema Ts’al School in New York City based on the curriculum at Sakya College, India. Lama Pema has been guiding western students for over 20 years through his marvelous command of the English language and his knowledge and compassion.