Palden Tsultrim Yönten began his meditation practice in India in 1971. He spent most of his working life as a professional musician, travelling the world. He received initial ordination as a monk from Ringu Tulku Rinpoche during Bodhicharya Summercamp in Portugal in 2018, and his full ordinations from his eminence Tai Situpa in Delhi in April, 2023.