Lama Tenzin Namdak, usually known as Lama Tenam, began his education at the historic seat of Dzogchen Monastery in Derge, Tibet. He later moved to Dzogchen Monastery in southern India and continued his studies there for a number of years. Following his studies, Lama Tenam assumed one of the early key roles at the Nitartha Digital Input Center in Boudhanath, Nepal, under the direction of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

In the mid-1990s, Lama Tenam became Rinpoche’s personal Attendant, and served in this capacity for a number of years. He also continued his technical work, collaborating with Gerry Wiener on the creation of Sambhota Tibetan fonts, which are a favorite among many Tibetan scholars and publishers.

Along with Gerry, Lama Tenam also leads the Nitartha Digital Library, a vital online resource for the preservation and sharing of Tibetan Buddhist texts, and he continues to oversee and work on improving and expanding it.

Lama Tenam also continues to serve Rinpoche and his students. In particular, he supports Nalandabodhi students with their practices of the Longchen Nyingthik, and he is an important reference for the history of Dzogchen Monastery and the Dzogchen Ponlop lineage.