Khenpo Sonam is a fully trained Khenpo (Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy) in the Nyingma Palyul tradition. He completed the rigorous nine-year program covering Higher and Lower Sutra and Tantra teachings at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (NNI), the prestigious monastic university of Namdroling monastery in South India. He received full ordination from the late Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche as well as many empowerments including the entire Rinchen Terdzod (Collection of Revealed Treasures) empowerments as well as a rare empowerment entitled Dowang Drangtsi Chugyün (Empowerment of the Sutra that Gathers the Enlightened Intentions called the Stream of Honey). Further, from HH Penor Rinpoche, Khenpo Sonam has received instruction in Tsa Lung, the secret energy yoga practice from the Namcho cycle as well as instruction on Dzogchen (Great Perfection).  Since 2006, Khenpo Sonam has been teaching Shedra  (Buddhist Philosophy) classes at Namdroling monastery.