Program Teachers
Dr. Reginald A. Ray
Program Teacher
Dr. Reginald “Reggie” Ray is the co-founder and Spiritual Director of the Dharma Ocean Foundation, dedicated to the evolution and flowering of the somatic teachings of Tibetan Tantra. He is a lineage holder in the tradition of Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. The author of many books, audio courses, and online series, Reggie’s work and teachings draw from his background as a Buddhist academic and practitioner. His PhD is in the History of Religions from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.
After a personal invitation from Chögyam Trungpa, Reggie became the first full-time faculty member and chair of the Buddhist Studies (later Religious Studies) Department at Naropa University. Over more than 30 years he grew the department, developing with Trungpa Rinpoche many initiatives and projects that became signatures of Naropa. Reggie remains engaged in the transmission of this lineage through his involvement with Dharma Ocean students, the creation of new offerings such as this course, and in his lifelong work as a student and as a teacher.
Caroline Pfohl
Program Teacher
Caroline Pfohl is the lineage successor of the Dharma Ocean lineage. Her spiritual journey has included three decades of study and practice in Chan, Taoism, and Tibetan Buddhism. Within Dharma Ocean, she holds the role of Desung (Protector of Joy), and drawing on lifelong work in educating and healing, she takes the lead in bringing somatic meditation into the arenas of mentoring, relationships, family, well-being, and the arts. In addition to Dharma Ocean, Caroline also currently leads the Hemera Foundation, dedicated to supporting contemplative views and practices and their integration into ordinary life. It focuses on dharma and secular education, children, and the arts.
Shaun “Skye” LaChute
Assistant Teacher
Skye LaChute has been studying and practicing with Reggie Ray since 2002 and is the senior teacher for Dharma Ocean Seattle. The somatic meditation practices have had a profound and healing impact on her life and work. As a naturopathic physician, Skye’s passion is helping people discover the healing power of nature: the innate nature of wisdom, sacredness and well-being already available within their own bodies. Both personally and professionally, she has discovered that the journey to health and healing is found within the body, discovering its true nature and supporting its vitality, rather than trying to escape or suppress discomfort and unease.
