Our presenters are curated for their quality, depth, integrity, and alignment with our educational purpose. Since 1982, a distinguished faculty of authors, educators, activists, artists, performers, and practitioners have shared their work at our Cortes Island campus and in Vancouver.
Lopöns Pieter Oosthuizen and Charlotte Rotterdam
Pieter Oosthuizen and Charlotte Rotterdam draw their inspiration from the teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition which they have studied and practiced for the last three decades. Senior teachers (Lopöns) at Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center, founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione, they share this rich lineage of wisdom with clarity, compassion, and humor. They have forged deep and lasting dharmic friendships worldwide, teaching meditation, Feeding your Demons, Chöd, and other Buddhist practices in North America, Europe, and online. Over the last ten years, they have focused on reflecting the non-dual nature of mind writings of the 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön. Their book on this topic, Skymind, is forthcoming from Shambhala Publications.
Pieter received his Law degree in his native South Africa. His love of people, places, and cultures has carried him around the globe, eventually finding a home in Boulder, Colorado. A child of New York City, Charlotte received her Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. Her essays have appeared in Lion’s Roar, Buddhadharma, Mandala, and an anthology, Fearless Nest. Pieter and Charlotte met while working at Naropa University, where they continue to teach. They are the parents of two sons.