Lama Surya Das, one of the foremost American-born Lamas in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, has been an integral part of Buddhism's surge in popularity in the United States in recent years.

Surya Das spent nearly 30 years in India and Tibet studying with the most revered 20th century Tibetan lamas, including H.H. Dalai Lama, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, H.H. 16th Karmapa, and many others. He is an authorized linage holder of the non-sectarian Rime movement teachings of Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche, having mastered both the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions.

In the 1990s Lama Surya Das created the Dzogchen Foundation to further the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. By 2005, more than a dozen local practice groups flourish, meeting throughout the country, under the guidance of Lama Surya Das and Lama John Makransky. In 2003, according to the wishes of his root guru Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche, he founded Dzogchen Osel Ling as his hermitage and lineage seat in Austin, Texas.

Lama Surya Das travels and teaches throughout the United States each year, continuing his mission of transmission. He is the author of several books designed to bring Buddhist principles into the daily lives of Westerners, including "Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World"; "Awakening the Buddhist Heart: Integrating Love, Meaning and Connection into Every Part of Your Life"; and "Awakening to the Sacred".