Arta Lama Rinpoche (Tsultrim Namgyal Rinpoche) first had the fortunate opportunity to enter the gates of the Bön teachings when the true yogin Nyima Tsultrim Rinpoche arrived in his homeland. Through the kindness of this holy master, Arta Lama received instructions on the ordinary preliminary practices and on numerous occasions received special profound Dzogchen teachings, thus obtaining the auspicious opportunity to practice.
In 1985, Arta Lama Rinpoche took monastic vows. In 1986, together with Lama Nyima Tsultrim Rinpoche, he visited the sacred site of Mount Kailash, where he performed prostrations and completed thirteen circumambulations. After this, he entered Menri Monastery. At that time, he studied Dudra under Master Kunzang Lodo of Yunling Monastery, and received explanations of Mar Yig [the Zhang Zhung language], Pungso [the Tazig language], and Lenwar [Sanskrit and Wartu] from Sherab Chogden. At Hor Drachen, he received numerous empowerments, transmissions, and profound instructions from Rakshi Togden and Beru Togden.

At the monasteries of Chungpo Ritse Drukgon and Hor Yetha Lungkar Gon, under the guidance of Master Transong Yungdrung Rinpoche, he studied philosophy and also entered the Drubdra Shardza practice school, where he studied the extensive and condensed Vinaya and received numerous commentaries, empowerments, transmissions, and instructions at Ye-tri and Drak. From Tsedruk Khen Rinpoche, Kose Tulku, he received the four empowerments of Sekhar Choknga, the four special empowerments of New Bön, and the majority of other empowerments. From Khenpo Tsukphu Tsultrim he received the transmission of Zhang Zhung Nyan Gyud and studied the special rushens (the separation of samsaric and nirvanic appearances), tsalung (wind and channel practices), and more. From the hermit Yeshe Gyaltsen he received several commentaries on Tögal and on the conduct of dark retreat. From the yogin Namkha Gyaltsen he received numerous transmissions and commentaries, and also offered him certain instructions such as Nyamgyu and others.

From Khavo Togden Rinpoche he received the transmission of Gyalwe Kalung Chenmo and the transmission of the Drubkor Mangdag collection of texts. He also studied numerous rituals and practices under his father, Yeshe Sopa. At Patsang Monastery, from Yongdzin Rinpoche, Khavo Togden Rinpoche, and Pala Dawa Gyaltsen Rinpoche, he received the pure gelong vows. After this, at Tromtsang Monastery he gave teachings on tsalung and tummo practices to Lama Yonten Gyamtso and his students, and at the retreat place of Nyamsel to Lama Uri and his brothers and others. He then built a small retreat house and for several years diligently carried out numerous practices.
In 1999 he entered the practice school branch of Drubdra Triten Norbutse in Nepal, where he received commentaries, transmissions, empowerments, and instructions on the four sections of the highest texts — such as Mapu, Chalak, and others — as well as on sutra, tantra, and Dzogchen, from Kyabje Yongdzin Rinpoche and the abbot Khen Rinpoche of that school. From the 33rd Kyabje Menri Trizin Rinpoche he received the highest empowerments of Sherab Lhachog and Chase Kengtse. He also thoroughly studied the grammatical sections of Sumchupa, Takjuk, and Dag Yig, astrology, poetry, mandala construction, and more, relying on various other teachers.
In 2007, several followers invited him to Russia, where over the course of a year he gave numerous teachings on Dzogchen, tummo, lojong, and other practices.
(Written by the publisher and friend of Rinpoche, Trangsong Namgyal, in 2008.)
At present, the Precious Teacher lives and practices in Moscow, gives various instructions on practice to his students, is actively engaged in establishing the Russian Bön community, and leads the first center for the study of the Bön tradition in Russia.