Lynda Perlman and her daughter Melissa founded BodhiHeart in 1999 to help bring Tibetan teachings and special events to the Phoenix Valley. When asked how she got involved with Tibetan monks she laughs and replies: “Through their stomachs. One day I invited a group of monks for lunch and that was that. How can you explain karma?” Lynda is called Ama-la (Mother) by many monks and her home provides a place of safety and refuge for all.

Lynda has been on the dharmic path since she studied Hindu Vedic teachings in the 1960s. She then progressed to Buddhism and The Dharma. Rizong Rinpoche, holder of one of the three highest spiritual positions in the Gelug tradition, told her that she has had many past lives in Tibet. This, she is quick to point out, was after she had cooked for him for a week.

Believing that Dharma is something to be put into action, Lynda worked for 30 years in community service, assisting people in the Valley. Before retiring, she was a member of a police department, working in crisis intervention. She has been a trainer at the police academy and has taught community college . Her warmth, humor and knowledge of dharma have helped her reach people in their most trying times.