Bruce grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He was first exposed to the Sakya Dharma in 1982 when he met and received teachings from H. E. Deshung Rinpoche. In 1985 he began studying with Khenpo Pema Wangdak. In 1987 he attended the Lam Dre at Sakya College with His Holiness Gongma Trichen Rinpoche and other senior Sakya teachers. The following year he got married and then began a doctorate in clinical psychology. He did his doctoral dissertation comparing Buddhist and Western psychological theories of self and selflessness. At that time he studied closely with Khenpo Migmar Tseten.

Bruce and his family moved to rural Western Massachusetts in 1997, where he worked as a psychologist for various hospitals, agencies, and in private practice. In 2003, with the encouragement of His Holiness Sakya Trichen, he founded the Ahimsa Institute for Buddhist and Peace Studies. With the approval of His Holiness he also accepted the role as resident teacher at the nondenominational Pittsfield UU Sangha. In 2006 he joined the board of Windhorse Associates, a mental health agency which integrates Buddhist and Western psychological perspectives. He was president of the board from 2010 to 2012.

Over the years Bruce had the good fortune to receive many teachings and empowerments from H.H. Gongma Trichen, H.H. the 42 nd Sakya Trizin, H.H. the 43 rd Sakya Trizin, H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, H.E. Ludhing Kenchen Rinpoche, H.E. Jetsun Chime Ludhing, as well as numerous other Khenpos and lamas.