Lama Palden has been studying Comparative Mysticism since childhood. The feminine dimension has long interested her, in particular Tara, Mary, Vajra Yogini, and many of the Vajrayana Buddhist manifestations of the Awakened Feminine. Spiritual practice has been an important focus in her life. In her young days in the Episcopalian church, Palden was fortunate to be graced with many spiritual experiences and blessings. From the age of 14, she began to pursue further studies and practices. Both Gandhi's and Yogananda's writings and life examples became important cornerstones at that time. Meditation and yoga practice soon followed. In her early twenties Lama Palden studied and practiced Zen, Sufism and mystical Christianity. At 25 she met the Tibetan master Kalu Rinpoche, who became her primary teacher.

Kalu Rinpoche also had deep respect for all religious traditions and often said that, "All religions in their essence are manifestations of awakened mind." Five years after meeting her root teacher and spending some years in the Himalayas studying and practicing with him and other great Tibetan lamas, Palden entered the traditional three year, three month retreat in British Colombia, Canada. The retreat was an in depth training in successive meditation practices of the Kagyu and Shangpa lineages.

Following her cloistered retreat, Palden was authorized in 1986 as a lama by Kalu Rinpoche. Continuing with her interest in all religions, Palden studied for some time with a Lakota Pipe holder. She also completed a masters degree in Counseling Psychology and became licensed as a therapist. During the 1990's Lama Palden studied and did personal work in Diamond work, a psycho-spiritual integration system.

ince the early 90's Palden has maintained a private practice, working with individuals facilitating deep psychological spiritual transformation. She founded and serves as the primary teacher at Sukhasiddhi Foundation, a Tibetan Buddhist center www.sukhasiddhi.org and in 2009 Zen Heart Vajra Heart with Lew Richmond www.zenheartvajraheart.com. In 2010 she co-founded The Feminine Wisdom School with Sherry Anderson and Miranda Macpherson.