Emaho Foundation: A Living Home of Wisdom, Compassion, and Community

Emaho Foundation, founded in 1998 by ZaChoeje Rinpoche, is a thriving Tibetan Buddhist center in Phoenix, Arizona dedicated to preserving authentic teachings while making them accessible, welcoming, and deeply meaningful for modern practitioners. Rooted in the timeless values of nonviolence, wisdom, compassion, and joy—and illuminated by the Six Perfections of generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration, and understanding—Emaho offers a multipronged path for spiritual growth, cultural preservation, and compassionate service.

Teachings & Dharma Education

At the heart of Emaho are the teachings of ZaChoeje Rinpoche and the guidance of our resident Geshes. We offer a year-round calendar of teachings designed for all levels—from newcomers seeking basic orientation to seasoned practitioners exploring the deeper layers of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Students can attend public talks, weekend teachings, multi-week courses, and special series focused on the stages of the path, compassion training, mind transformation, and more. With both in-person and online options, Emaho creates accessible pathways for anyone wishing to cultivate genuine happiness and inner freedom.

Meditation Programs & Inner Development

Meditation is the ground of Buddhist practice, and Emaho provides multiple supportive spaces to cultivate awareness, presence, and resilience. Weekly Wednesday guided meditations help students relax, settle the mind, and build confidence in practice. Sunday morning silent meditation with Geshe Namgyal offers a spacious, peaceful hour for contemplation, mantra recitation, or resting quietly in the natural clarity of the mind. Retreats—held throughout the year—allow students to deepen their practice in community and reconnect with their inner spiritual life.

Children’s & Teen Programs

Emaho is committed to nurturing future generations.

Our Children’s Program introduces young minds to mindfulness, compassion, and emotional awareness through stories, activities, and gentle teachings rooted in Buddhist values. Children learn how to understand their feelings, care for themselves and others, and cultivate the confidence that comes from knowing their own self-worth.

The Bodhisattva Teens Program empowers young adults to become wise, compassionate, and courageous leaders. Combining service projects, mentorship, and mindful exploration, the program helps teens understand their potential to impact the world and gives them tools to navigate life with clarity and integrity.

Cultural Enrichment & Tibetan Preservation

Emaho plays a vital role in safeguarding Tibetan culture and sharing its richness with the wider community. We offer cultural programs, traditional arts demonstrations, community celebrations, and visits from Tibetan monastics and artists. Through these offerings, students gain not only intellectual knowledge but an embodied experience of the heritage, symbolism, and beauty that have shaped the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for centuries.

Humanitarian Outreach: Compassion in Action

Compassion extends far beyond the meditation cushion. Emaho’s humanitarian programs touch lives locally and globally.

In the Tehor region of Tibet, we provide school uniforms, supplies, meals, and educational support to children who would otherwise lack basic resources. We also assist monks, elders, and community members facing hardship.

Locally, Emaho partners with the community aid organization, Mom’s Pantry, to provide water, food, and essential supplies to individuals and families in need. Our sangha regularly participates in seasonal drives and ongoing support efforts, embodying the Bodhisattva ideal of service with open hearts and joyful intention.

Retreats, Pilgrimage & Sacred Travel

Emaho hosts retreats throughout the year—opportunities for students to step away from daily pressures and immerse themselves in teachings, meditation, and community.

Beyond the center, ZaChoeje Rinpoche leads extraordinary spiritual journeys to sacred Buddhist sites. These pilgrimages are far more than travel experiences—they are transformative teachings in motion. Participants visit holy places, receive direct guidance from Rinpoche, and share in a journey that enriches understanding, deepens connection, and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Benefactors Circle & Sustaining Our Spiritual Home

The Benefactors Circle is a vital part of Emaho’s heart. Through the practice of generosity, members help sustain the foundation’s programs, support our teachers, maintain our center, and fund humanitarian projects. In return, participants experience a deep sense of belonging, connection, and purpose—becoming part of a spiritual family dedicated to benefiting all beings. Their support ensures that Emaho can continue offering teachings, meditation, cultural preservation, and community service for decades to come.