Tsal'gyür Wangmo has been an apprentice of Ngak'chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen informally since 1989 - and formally since 2001. In 2002, on the instruction of her Lamas, she joined her husband Ngala Rig'dzin Dorje in pastoral responsibility for the European Sangha.

Tsal'gyür Wangmo has become known for her strong presence, joie de vivre, and unerring sense of quality. She is valued for her ability to facilitate an informal atmosphere, and for giving advice that is both stimulating and motivating with respect to practise. She is noted for her gifted guidance in craft work and her pragmatic grasp of teaching ambience within everyday life. Her major rôle is that of Dé-kyong - Guardian of Enjoyment. The Dé-kyong presides over: active pastoral care, protection of the sangha's atmosphere vis-à-vis social ambience, the maintenance of personal practice, and the creative fulfilment of apprenticeship.

Tsal'gyür Wangmo trained in classical ballet for very many years, and then had a long career in film and television, specialising in the field of period costume. She had extensive experience of exhibition display in museums and historic houses - both in Europe and the United States. It has been these skills, particularly in attention to detail, which inspired her interest in thangka painting and all kinds of detailed hand- and craft-work since the 1980s. Tsal'gyür Wangmo, who has poured her considerable professional experience into the early stages of creating Aro Ga'dzong, has recently introduced thangka painting to a group of enthusiastic European apprentices. She has been the inspiration behind the European sangha's creation of the first sets of peaceful crystal ornaments' and joyous jewel ornaments for the lineage's Tantric meditational dances.