His interest in Buddhism began in his childhood, with a book called Gods of the Lotus by Parfionov. The book details the author's trip to the Himalayas and it opened up a whole new world of deities and religions. Later, this interest was combined with martial arts based on Taoism and Zen philosophy, and Qi Gong, disciplines which were strictly forbidden in the Soviet Union. It was only with the coming of Perestroika in 1989 that Dmitry was able to meet Buddhist masters: receiving a blessing for the Lotus Sutra from a Japanese Zen master; and then teachings and initiations from a Tibetan Buddhist lamas: Bakula Rinpoche (1989), Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoches (1991), Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche (1992).
Dmitry first visited Buryatia in 1990 where he struck up a deep friendship with the Buddhist thangka-painter Batodalai Doogarov as well as with a several of the local bo and utgan shamans. Welcomed into their circle, Dmitry was able to gain unique insight into the Buryatian spiritual tradition of Bo Murgel, insight which developed into a detailed study of the similarities and differences between this ancient tradition and Yungdrung Bon. With the patient help of Yongdzin Rinpoche, Dmitry spent years researching a large anthology, Bo and Bon: Ancient Shamanic Traditions of Siberia and Tibet in their Relation to the Teachings of a Central Asian Buddha, (2008), which sheds new light on both traditions.
Dmitry went on to study Tibetan at Oxford University with Prof. Charles Ramble (2009-2010) and, as well as having articles published in both English and Russian, has been invited to lecture in Oxford, London, St. Petersburg, Vilnius, Cagliari, Budapest etc.
Dmitry is the chairman of the Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bon. He currently lives in the North Pennines, UK, where he works as a freelance translator. Alongside his work for the Bon tradition, he is running an international Meld Music project called MetaQuorum which as of now has released two albums - Midnight Sun (2015) and Witchcraft Jazz (2017) as well as six singles. Work on a third album is ongoing.
As well as producing over 70 edited transcripts and practices for internal use by the international Bonpo sangha, his published works include:
Drubdra Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin; transcribed and edited by Carol Ermakova and Dmitry Ermakov; Illustrations by Yungdrung Rabten. Magyu Tsalung & Tummo: Clear explanations on the daily practice of tsalung & tummo from the Mother tantra, which is both an excellent medicine for healing hundreds of diseases and the essential elixir of immortality. (Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bon, UK, 2018).
Oral Teachings by Kyabje Menri Tridzin Tenapai Nyima Rinpoche; Orally translated, transcribed, compiled and edited by Khenpo Tenpa Yungdrung, Carol Ermakova and Dmitry Ermakov. Approaching Dzogchen According to the Athri Cycle. (Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bon, UK, 2016).
Oral Tachings by Yongdzin Tenzin Lopon Tenzin Rinpoche; transcribed, compiled and edited by Carol Ermakova and Dmitry Ermakov. The Four Wheels of Bon. (Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bon, UK, 2016).
Jinpa, Nagru Geshe Gelek and Carol Ermakova, Dmitry Ermakov. Bon in Nepal: Traces of the Great Zhang Zhung Ancestors in Himalayas, The Light of the History of Existence, (New Delhi, Frosterley: Heritage Publishers & Foundation for the Preservation of Yungdrung Bon, 2013).
Heart Essence of the Khandro: Experiential Instructions on Bonpo Dzogchen as taught by Yongdzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche. Thirty signs and meanings from women lineage-holders Translated by Nagru Geshe Gelek Jinpa, Carol Ermakova and Dmitry Ermakov. (Heritage Publishers, India, 2012).
Masters of the Zhang Zhung Nyengyud: Pith Instructions from the Experiential Transmission of Bonpo Dzogchen. Teachings by Yongdzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, transcribed and edited by Carol Ermakova and Dmitry Ermakov (Heritage Publishers, India, 2010).
Ermakov, Dmitry. Bo and Bon: Ancient Shamanic Traditions of Siberia and Tibet in their Relation to the Teachings of a Central Asian Buddha, (Kathmandu: Vajra Publications, 2008).
Dmitry Ermakov. Article Understanding Karma: creating happiness and well-being in Yoga Magazine, ISSUE 68, September, 2008.
Bo & Bon 
