Board of Trustees
Chair: Jason Upton
I have been a practising Buddhist since the mid-90s and a student of Tsoknyi Rinpoche since 2001. For seven years, I lived with my wife in Nepal studying the Dharma and undertaking a traditional three-year retreat under the guidance of Rinpoche. I am also a psychotherapist and have worked for many years in the voluntary and education sectors in different capacities. I bring this experience to my role as chair of the board of trustees. You can contact me at jason.upton@pundarika.org.uk.
Secretary: Michelle Bernard
I first met the Dharma in 1989, when I began studying and practising in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. I have been studying with Ven. Tsoknyi Rinpoche since 1997, and have been the Secretary, a trustee and retreat manager for Pundarika UK since 2004. I have worked in book publishing as an editor and managing editor since 1989. I am also a spiritual healer and train healers for the Healing Trust. I live in a beautiful village near Cambridge with my lovely cat. You can contact me at michelle.bernard@pundarika.org.uk.
Treasurer: Anton Neumann
I have been interested in and involved with Buddhism since 2002 and have been following Tsoknyi Rinpoche since 2018. I am now retired but previously worked in Mental Health for various charities and also as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. I live in France with my wife, close to Nalanda Monastery and Institut Vajra Yogini and enjoy cycling, folk dancing and learning to play the accordion. You can contact me at treasurer@pundarika.org.uk.
Fundraising Coordinator: Carole Bishop
I helped set up Pundarika UK in 1999 when I met Tsoknyi Rinpoche in Nepal, and was Chair until retiring in 2022, now serving as a trustee. I’ve been involved in Tibetan Buddhism since 1990 and was a student of Chime Rinpoche. I have been very involved in the green movement, especially in Cornwall where I lived for 30 years. I retired from teaching English in 1995. I did the Art Foundation Course at Falmouth and now enjoy painting. You can contact me at carole.bishop@pundarika.org.uk.
Erica Whitfield
I have been interested in Buddhism for many years, and became a student of Tsoknyi Rinpoche in 2004. I work in Core Process psychotherapy- a Buddhist based mindfulness practice. I am also a registered social worker, and have experience in child protection and safeguarding in the statutory and voluntary sectors. I also host the Bath and surrounding areas practice group that meets monthly. You can contact me at erica.whitfield@pundarika.org.uk.
Matt Hart
I came into contact with the Dharma in 2003 and have been studying with Ven. Tsoknyi Rinpoche ever since. I have supported the sound for Pundarika UK retreats since 2005 and became a trustee in 2022. I am a trainer for professionals working with children with Autism and a music producer. I live in leafy Letchworth with my wonderful wife and son. You can contact me at matt.hart@pundarika.org.uk.