Meet Lama Aria Drolma | Buddhist Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lama Aria Drolma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lama Aria, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I had to make was when I was faced with the decision to leave the comforts of living in Manhattan and the daunting choice of relinquishing the glamorous life of Manhattan’s fashion scene to embark on a profoundly introspective Spiritual Journey to enter a traditional cloistered Tibetan Buddhist Three-year retreat program for a deeper understanding of existence, a quest for spiritual understanding that transcended superficial worldly success, and to find purpose in life. A journey of introspection, meditation, and profound communion with the divine.”

It was a decision that demanded unwavering courage and profound self-awareness, as it meant giving up the allure of material success and societal validation in pursuit of a deeper, more meaningful existence. The prospect of leaving behind the vibrant pulse of city life and immersing myself in the serene solitude of a monastery was both exhilarating and terrifying. Yet, deep within my being, I knew that this path held the key to unlocking the mysteries of the soul and attaining a profound sense of inner peace. Thus with deep commitment, faith and determination longing for spiritual fulfillment, I embarked on this transformative journey, ready to embrace the challenges and revelations that lay ahead.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My life was a exciting whirlwind of attending Fashion events, exclusive parties with celebrities, where every moment was adorned of societal acclaim and material opulence. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, a quiet yearning resonated within my soul—a yearning for a deeper understanding of existence, a quest for spiritual knowledge that transcended the superficial worldly success. Through my transformative journey of joining a traditional Three year Buddhist retreat program, I became a lama- a spiritual teacher, dedicated to spreading loving-kindness, compassion, and inner peace. My purpose in life is in service to others, guiding them on their paths to awakening.
Today, during these challenging times its crucial to for all of us to come together and strive for a kinder and safer world, Recognizing our interconnectedness and collective responsibility
To unite our hearts embodying compassion, empathy, and understanding, to contribute to a better tomorrow—a world where harmony prevails and all beings can flourish.
My journey is a testament to the power of introspection and self-discovery. It’s a reminder that true beauty lies within our souls, not superficially. And it’s a call to each and every one of us embark on our journeys of authenticity and purpose and to be of benefit for all beings and live in harmony and for a peaceful world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1: Arrival – Explore Downtown Manhattan
Morning: Breakfast at Clinton Street Baking Company for their famous pancakes.
Mid-morning: Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Offer prayers in memory of the victims, the survivors and salutes to the life savers.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Little Italy for delicious Italian cuisine.
Afternoon: Walk through Battery Park and enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty.
Evening: Visit the Rubin Museum for Meditation.
Dinner: Baar Baar for delicious Indian Cuisine
Nightlife: Head to Le Bain for rooftop cocktails and stunning views of the city.

Day 2: Midtown Manhattan
Morning: Breakfast at Norma’s for decadent brunch options.
Mid-morning: Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to explore contemporary art.
Lunch: Enjoy south Indian cuisine at Saravanaa Bhavan Resturant.
Afternoon: Take a stroll through Central Park and enjoy some quite time with meditation near the Bethesda water fountain.
Evening: Dinner at Mitr Thai Restuarant.
Nightlife: Catch a Broadway show at one of the iconic theaters in Times Square.

Day 3: Upper East Side and Central Park
Morning: Start with breakfast at Sarabeth’s for their famous brunch.
Mid-morning: Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) for its vast collection and Meditate in the Asian Buddhist artwork session.
Lunch: Head to BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman
Afternoon: Enjoy window shopping at Bergdorf Goodman
Evening: Enjoy a scenic dinner cruise along the Hudson River.
Nightlife: Relax with cocktails at Bemelmans Bar inside The Carlyle hotel.

Day 4: Upper West Side and Lincoln Center
Morning: Breakfast at Barney Greengrass for classic New York bagels.
Mid-morning: Take a guided tour of the American Museum of Natural History.
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely picnic in Central Park near the Great Lawn.
Afternoon: Attend a meditation session at the Tibet House
Evening: Dinner at Indian accent for creative Indian cuisine.
Nightlife: Catch a performance at Lincoln Center.

Day 5: Greenwich Village and SoHo
Morning: Breakfast at Buvette for a cozy French-inspired meal.
Mid-morning: Explore the historic streets of Greenwich Village and visit Washington Square Park.
Lunch: Chinese food in China town
Afternoon: Browse the boutiques and art galleries in SoHo.
And visit the Broom Street Ganesh Temple for Meditation.
Evening: Dinner at Balthazar for French brasserie classics.
Nightlife: Enjoy live music at the Blue Note Jazz Club.

Day 6: Chelsea and High Line
Morning: Start with brunch at Cookshop for farm-to-table cuisine.
Mid-morning: Visit Chelsea Market for gourmet food and unique shops.
Lunch: At the Rubin Museum and some quite time meditation
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the High Line and enjoy the elevated park’s views.
Evening: Dinner at Olly Olly Market.
Nightlife: Buddha Bar for great ambience

Day 7: Brooklyn Exploration
Morning: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy breakfast at Grimaldi’s for iconic New York-style pizza.
Mid-morning: Explore Brooklyn Heights Promenade for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Lunch: Try the famous pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen in Brooklyn.
Afternoon: Visit the Brooklyn Museum or stroll through Prospect Park.
Evening: Dinner at laser wolf with stunning views..
Nightlife: Experience the vibrant bar scene in Williamsburg or catch a live performance at Brooklyn Bowl.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am deeply honored to dedicate my heartfelt shoutout to three extraordinary friends, who have been unwavering pillars of support by my side: Franklin Lobo, Jaswant Lalwani, and Diane Melawani. They are not just friends; they are the very angels who have illuminated my path with their kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support. In moments of darkness, they have been the guiding lights, illuminating my journey with their boundless love and encouragement.

Website: https://www.seema.com/from-model-to-monk/

Linkedin: @lamaariadrolma

Facebook: lamaAriaDrolma

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9XcxAZXIcY&t=227s