About Us
Pamtingpa is a Buddhist Center within the FPMT organization.
Who We Are
“The FPMT is an organization dedicated to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by providing opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, and practice the Buddha’s unmistaken teachings. Based on this experience, we aim to share the Dharma with all sentient beings.
We provide integrated education through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility and service.
We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion. Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.
Pamtingpa was founded in 2003 by Su Ianniello and a group of like-minded individuals who came together to practice Dharma in Okanogan County, initially as a small study group. Over time, the founding members grew to include Julia Sanderson, Mary Engel, and Kim Jacobs. In 2009, Pamtingpa became a registered nonprofit in Washington State and an affiliate of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).
Julia Sanderson served as the first Director of the center, with Su Ianniello as the Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC). Early teachings were provided by Venerable Yarphel and, soon after, by Venerable Wongmo.
A significant milestone occurred in 2010 when Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche consecrated the land, marking the beginning of Pamtingpa’s physical and spiritual growth. The center expanded with the completion of The Enlightenment Stupa in 2013, followed by the construction of the meditation hall (Gompa) in 2018. Most recently, in 2024, the addition of a community room has further enriched the center’s offerings.
The current board of Pamtingpa Center includes Kim Jacobs as Chair, Debra Jones as Vice Chair, Julia Sanderson as Treasurer, and Mary Engel as Secretary. Kim Jacobs also serves as the current Director of the center, with Su Ianniello continuing in the role of Spiritual Program Coordinator.
FPMT Policy
We are affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition and as such, we follow the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It means the center uses the FPMT’s educational programs and material, created in the unique lineage of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Each FPMT center is incorporated individually (is a separate legal entity) and is responsible for its own governance and finance. All FPMT centers follow the FPMT Ethical Policy.
We have a grievance procedure, should anyone have a problem that was not satisfactorily worked out on the spot. A copy of it is here, with directions for completion and who to reach out to.
We have adopted the FPMT Protection from Abuse Policy a copy of this policy can be found here. Our center has appointed two Designated Protector Persons and their contact information is found in the policy. We take these topics very seriously and intend Pamtingpa Center to be a safe place for dharma practice and studies.