The largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world

It is a known fact that many Dorje Shugden lamas, Gelugpa or otherwise, have opted to lay low with their practice ever since the ban on Dorje Shugden was enforced in 1996. However, in recent months, a number of lamas have either revealed their practice or reconnected with other practitioners.

In late 2014, H.E. Zasep Rinpoche, who had been relatively low key about his practice, attended the opening of Gaden Khachoe Shing in Bloomington, Indiana, a Buddhist monastery under the spiritual direction of the Venerable Kuten (Choijin) Lama. While in early 2015, another lama, H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche began teaching extensively about Dorje Shugden’s practice on his blog and other online platforms.

H.E. Tsem Rinpoche has since become progressively more vocal about Dorje Shugden’s practice and the social impact of the ban. He has also unveiled the largest Dorje Shugden statue in the world! The massive 24ft statue is housed in Kechara Forest Retreat, an hour’s drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

This retreat center is the latest initiative of Kechara, a Buddhist organization founded by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche in the year 2000. Over the span of 15 years, Kechara has established its presence in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal and USA, upholding the precious lineage of Je Tsongkapa through methods both traditional and contemporary. Alongside its efforts to encourage the growth of Buddhadharma through publications, art, multimedia and the Internet, Kechara is also focused on various charitable works in the local community.

H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

History

What would eventually become Kechara Forest Retreat

Rinpoche and a group of us went to view a few pieces of land identified by our search party … The last piece of land to view was along Jalan Chamang, Bentong. We stood on the outside of the land and everyone of us liked it.

Then Rinpoche asked for a sign from our Protector. Without overhead clouds nor lightning and thunder, large drops of rain fell on precisely where we’re standing and then there was no more rain. That was the sign from our Protector.
~ Datuk May Phng, President of Kechara

In early 2012, H.E. Tsem Rinpoche and his students set out in search of a piece of land that would eventually house a retreat center from which the lineage and teachings of Je Tsongkapa’s tradition would spread. On that fateful day and on numerous other occasions, many auspicious portents were noted, including drizzles of rain, rainbows, and even an anonymous yet prophetic postcard.

A postcard from an anonymous Mongolian lama, which closely resembled Kechara Forest Retreat.

Kechara Forest Retreat in the early days. The uncanny resemblance is indicative of its potential in furthering Lama Tsongkapa’s lineage and tradition.

Through sheer effort, dedication and the blessings of Dorje Shugden, remarkable progress in the acquisition of land and construction of the initial phases of the retreat center was achieved in less than two years. Today, residents and visitors to Kechara Forest Retreat can enjoy its contemporary facilities including:

• Wisdom Hall (Main prayer hall and protector chapel)
• Tara Walk (Walking meditation path)
• Manjushri Hill (Majestic stone statue of 4-armed Manjushri)
• Vajrayogini Stupa
• The Aviary and Organic Farm
• Dukkar Apartments (Guest accommodation)

Images of Dorje Shugden’s 32-deity entourage

Dorje Shugden pujas are performed monthly according to traditon

Statues of the lineage lamas are prominently displayed in the protector chapel

Throne for the oracle of Dorje Shugden

A chapel to Gyenze or Ratna Shugden, the increase form of Dorje Shugden

We at DorjeShugden.com extend our gratitude to H.E. Tsem Rinpoche for his great works in spearheading the growth of Dorje Shugden’s practice and the Buddhadharma, and bringing it to greater heights. May he live long to continue his activities to spread the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa throughout the world.

How To Get There

Kechara Forest Retreat
Jalan Chamang
Bentong
Pahang
Malaysia

Phone: +603 7803 3908
Website: retreat.kechara.com
Email: retreat@kechara.com

More Pictures of Kechara Forest Retreat

Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong, Malaysia

The main prayer hall in Kechara Forest Retreat which is home to the 24ft Dorje Shugden statue

The imposing 24ft Dorje Shugden statue, the largest in the world

Lama Tsongkhapa in a long life form

Vajrayogini Stupa

Four-armed Manjushri

Dukkar Apartments

The aviary

Plans for further expansion are underway

Dagor Rinpoche’s Monastery in Markham, Tibet

On 16 December 2014, a new Dorje Shugden monastery opened its doors to the public in Markham, Tibet. Home to some 200 Buddhist monks who were expelled from a larger monastery in Markham due to the ban on Dorje Shugden’s practice, this new monastery, Ganden Dhamcholing, was built and offered to H.E. Dagor Rinpoche through the kindness of loyal Shugden supporters and sponsors.

More than 10,000 Shugden practitioners from Markham and various parts of Tibet attended the grand opening of Ganden Dhamcholing Monastery, complete with auspicious pujas and public performances to celebrate the great fortune of the people of Markham. Below are some pictures of this joyous occasion submitted by our friends in Tibet, which are a source of inspiration for all Shugden practitioners across the world during these difficult times.

We at DorjeShugden.com rejoice and pray that the monks of Markham Gaden Dhamcholing Monastery will continue to uphold the pure lineage of Je Tsongkapa and for H.E. Dagor Rinpoche to fulfil the prayers of his previous lives and arise as an erudite master once again.

H.E. Dagor Rinpoche

More than 10,000 people gathered at Dagor Rinpoche’s Monastery to celebrate the grand opening ceremony

The lay people dressed in their best clothes to celebrate such a joyous occasion

Ganden Chang Chub Choling started from humble beginnings in the early 1970’s through the efforts of a great attained master and stalwart Dorje Shugden practitioner, Geshe Khenrab Gajam of Ganden Jangtse Monastery. During this era, an influx of Tibetan refugees had migrated to Canada. Thus, the Canadian government extended an invitation to Geshe Khenrab Gajam to establish a dharma center to fulfill the spiritual needs of their new citizens.

When Geshe Khenrab Gajam arrived in Montreal, he lived in a small apartment in Longueuil where the local Tibetan community soon made a close connection with him. Not long after his arrival, a small group of English and French students also started to gather for Dharma classes in Geshe Khenrab’s apartment.

Eventually, Geshe Khenrab converted his apartment into a Dharma centre known as the Atisha Dharma Centre. Although it was small, they were often visited by many great lamas, amongst them Venerable Pema Gyaltsen, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, Venerable Kalu Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.

Geshe Khenrab Gajam (right) and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (left)

In 1980, just before the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Atisha Dharma Centre moved to a larger building in Longueuil and was renamed the Tibetan Buddhist Temple – Ganden Chang Chub Choling. The more spacious premises allowed the Dharma community to flourish, and many more newcomers began to participate in the temple’s activities.

Chang Chub Choling remained in this location for six years until they relocated yet again to an even bigger place on De l’Eglise Ave. in Côte St. Paul at the advice of H.H. the 98th Gaden Tripa, Jamphel Shenpen, who had visited the temple several times over the course of a few years. The new center had its official opening in May 1986, with a traditional ceremony performed by the monks of Gyuto Tantric College.

H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama visited Ganden Chang Chub Choling in 1980

Chang Chub Choling continued to enjoy visits from great Lamas such as Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, and the students received many teachings and initiations from these enlightened masters under the auspices of Geshe Khenrab Gajam. After Geshela entered clear light on 4 October 1993, his students continued their practices and sought advice from both Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche on the search for the reincarnation of their beloved teacher.

Through the kindness of Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, the temple came under the guidance of Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, an exceptional Geshe and Dorje Shugden practitioner, also from Ganden Jangtse Monastery. Geshe-la arrived with Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche in the fall of 2001, and remained in Chang Chub Choling for 4 months during which he gave many teachings. Thereafter, Geshe Tsultrim was called away to Austria to be the tutor of H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin (right) with his close student Zawa Tulku Rinpoche (left)

Since then, Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Tashi, both close disciples of Geshe Tsultrim, have established a permanent monastic presence in Chang Chub Choling to guide the spiritual community of Montreal. Together, they work hand in hand to actualize the vision of Geshe Khenrab Gajam.

The Sangha of Ganden Chang Chub Choling

Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin

Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin is the Spiritual Director of Gaden Chang Chub Choling temple in Montreal since 2001. Born in Kham, Tibet, he became a monk at the age of twelve at Ganden Jangtse Monastery and was awarded the highest degree of Geshe Lharampa after completing the study of all divisions of Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy.

Geshe-la also received an Acharya (Masters) degree at the Varanasi Sanskrit University in India and completed his tantric education at the Gyumed Tantric College.

Today, Geshe-la teaches at many Buddhist temples and monasteries in India, Tibet, Europe and North America. He has been responsible for the education of many monks, guiding them from a young age to maturity, and in particular, he is the chosen teacher of the young Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche

Born in India in 1978, Zawa Tulku Lobsang Dorje Chokyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche was recognized as the incarnation of the great Zawa Geshe Rinpoche. He was enthroned and ordained at Ganden Shartse monastery in 1982, where he studied Buddhist philosophy for the next 16 years.

Upon completing his education, Rinpoche then embarked upon an international tour, teaching at numerous Dharma centers around the world. Rinpoche is also a master of the ritual arts, particularly in healing and purification rituals, and the construction of sand mandalas.

When Zawa Rinpoche’s Guru, Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, was called away to Austria to assist Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in his studies, Zawa Rinpoche was given the responsibility to carry on the work of his teacher. Renowned for his kindness and pure morality, Zawa Rinpoche is now the Abbot of Ganden Chang Chub Choling Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Montreal.

Gen Lobsang Tashi

Gen Lobsang Tashi was ordained at the age of 8 in Ganden Jangtse Monastery and is in the process of completing his traditional monastic education.

Gen-la is the assistant of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and is also the resident Tibetan translator and language teacher in Ganden Chang Chub Choling.

Carrying on the Lineage

It is widely known that Geshe Khenrab Gajam was an eminent Dorje Shugden practitioner who upheld his commitments and practices until he entered clear light in 1993. Determined to preserve the holy lineage of their Guru, the members of Chang Chug Choling have continued their protector practices after the passing of their teacher.

Through Chang Chub Choling’s Spiritual Director, Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, and his unique position as H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s tutor, the members of the temple are also closely connected to many great Dorje Shugden masters.

Today, under the guidance of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche, who is an active and vocal supporter of the Dorje Shugden movement, Ganden Chang Chub Choling offers a variety of Buddhist services for the public, among them Dorje Shugden prayer services .

We at DorjeShugden.com are proud of our Dharma brothers and sisters in Montreal for staying strong and unified during these difficult times, and for their unwavering devotion to Geshe Khenrab Gajam.

Tibetan Buddhist Temple – Gaden Chang Chub Choling

1870, De l’Eglise Ave.
Montreal H4E 1G8
Quebec, Canada

Tel.: +1-514-765-3515
Info: +1-514-219-4506
Fax : +1-514-765-9102

Email: tbt@khenrab.org
Website:http://www.khenrab.org

Rabten Choeling is one of the first Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to be established in the West after the exodus of Tibetans into India. Located 820m above sea level on Mount-Pelerin, above Lake Geneva in Vevey, Switzerland, the centre is an institute for Higher Tibetan studies and the pursuit of Tibetan Buddhist practices. At present, there are about 30 monks, 5 nuns and 20 lay students living in the centre.

Early Beginnings: Geshe Tamdrin Rabten Rinpoche

Geshe Tamdrin Rabten Rinpoche

Rabten Choeling was founded by Geshe Tamdrin Rabten Rinpoche. After escaping from Tibet, Geshe Rabten Rinpoche along with Kyabje Lati Rinpoche was appointed as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s advisor on philosophical matters.

Later in 1974, at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Rabten moved to Switzerland to serve as the Abbot of Rikon Monastery in Tosstal. During this time, Geshe Rabten and a handful of monks lived in a rented house in the tiny hamlet of Schwendi, located 4 km from Rikon Monastery.

Geshe Rabten with a group of monastics in Rikon Monastery in 1976

H.H. the Dalai Lama gave a discourse on adaptating to Western civilization at Rikon Monastery, Switzerland, 6 October 1973

Geshe Rabten was an extraordinary lama, able to explain Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy with powerful clarity. Combined with his understanding of the Western mind and ideas, Geshe Rabten quickly gained a following of Western students and became the pioneer in spreading Tibetan Buddhism in Western Europe. It was also during this time that Geshe Rabten started training Westerners to become qualified Buddhist teachers in their own right.

Geshe Rabten Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India with his Western students

A year and a half later, Geshe Rabten and his entourage of students moved into Le Colibri, a larger property in Mount Pelerin, which later came to be known as Tharpa Choeling. A strong and closely knit Buddhist community was formed and enthusiastic lay students began settling down in the area, each finding their own unique way to contribute to the growing Dharma community. Some studied, while others helped with the more mundane works such as administration, finances, kitchen work and even gardening.

Venerable Abbot Geshe Tamdrin Rabten (with sunglasses) and the monks of Tharpa Choeling in 1978. From left to right: Glaude Grenier, Stephen Schettini, Christopher Pace, Laurence Williamson, Brian Grabia, Arnold Possick, Dominique Monmayeul, Stephen Batchelor, Helmut Gassner, Eckart Zabel, Bruno Le Guevel, Alan Wallace, Geshe Tamdrin Rabten, Geshe Jhampa Lhodro, Geshe Gendun Zangpo, Elio Guarisco and Gen Lo Norbu on the occasion of the novice ordination of Laurence, Dominique and Eckart

A younger Geshe Rabten Rinpoche

The Geneva Group

Anne Ansermet

Comprising of businessmen and industrialists, the Geneva group was led by Anne Ansermet, daughter of a famous Swiss conductor, Ernest. Coming from a privileged background, Anne was well-connected to the movers and shakers of the day, and it was this group that arranged and financed the purchase of Le Colibri. They funded the institute, put visas in passports, and provided sufficient funding for living expenses and books.

At the age of 70, Anne was drawn to Buddhism and even traveled to India to be ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She was an amazing woman to whom the residents of Tharpa Choeling owed much of their spiritual pursuits. It was the hard work of Anne and her group that allowed the ordained and lay people in Tharpa Choeling to live a life of study and contemplation without having to worry about their material needs.

The Geneva group on the other hand, approved of the study programs in Tharpa Choeling, confident that their hard work, money and time were well spent, and that things were moving in the right direction to help disseminate Buddhism in the West.

Anne Ansermet in Dharamsala with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Visits

In the summer of 1979, Geshe Rabten invited His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Switzerland. It was in Tharpa Choeling that His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave his first public teaching in the West. Under the direction of Geshe Rabten, Stephen Batchelor was placed in-charge of organizing the Dalai Lama’s visit. He was given a total budget of 30’000 Swiss Francs to prepare for a free public teaching by the Dalai Lama to accommodate 1,000 attendees.

At that time, the organizing committee’s request to the Swiss police for security forces was declined with the argument that “The Dalai Lama is not an endangered person”. On top of that, despite intensive advertising, only about 900 attendees turned up for the Dalai Lama’s teaching.

1979: His Holiness Dalai Lama (left) in Tharpa Choeling, Mt Pelerin, Switzerland humbly sat on a few cushions instead of the throne prepared for Him. Seated beside the Dalai Lama are translators: B. Alan Wallace (centre) and Helmut Gassner (right)
(Photo by Fred von Allmen)

1979: His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives his first public teaching in the West in Tharpa Choeling, with B. Alan Wallace and Helmut Gassner translating

10 Years Later: H.E. Gonsar Tulku Rinpoche

H.E. Gonsar Rinpoche

H.E. Gonsar Rinpoche, one of Geshe Rabten’s closest disciples, served his teacher for 33 years until Geshe Rabten’s passing in 1986. Gonsar Rinpoche considered it his personal responsibility to continue Geshe Rabten’s works, and Tharpa Choeling was renamed to Rabten Choeling in Geshe Rabten’s memory. At present, Gonsar Rinpoche is the director of Rabten Choeling as well as other Rabten centres across Europe.

Gonsar Rinpoche also led the search for Geshe Rabten’s incarnation, Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche. Born in India in 1987, he now lives at Rabten Choeling under the care and tutelage of Gonsar Rinpoche. In the spring of 1998, the then ten-year-old Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche gave his first teaching in front of 200 people in Rabten Choeling.

H.E. Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche

Trijang Rinpoche and Rabten Choeling

Rabten Choeling was also host to H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche during his younger days. Due to increasing hostility against practitioners of the dharma protector Dorje Shugden, Trijang Rinpoche, a great Dorje Shugden proponent, had received several death threats from the Secret Society of External and Internal Enemy Eliminators which forced him to relocate to Switzerland for his own safety.

Having since moved to USA and established Trijang Buddhist Institute in Vermont, Trijang Rinpoche continues to maintain close ties with Rabten Choeling, especially with Tenzin Rabgye Rinpoche and Gonsar Rinpoche.

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche visits Rabten Choeling in 2012

Rabten Choeling Today

Rabten Choeling is both a monastery and an international school with students from 14 different countries. The sangha of Rabten Choeling perform daily prayers, monastic rites such as sangha confessionals, summer retreats and monthly pujas in the centre. Several guest rooms are available in the centre for retreats and for those interested to visit the monastery.

The residents of Rabten Choeling conduct prayer recitations twice a day, at 7 am and 6 pm, except during the weekends. Tsok offerings are also performed every fortnight according to the Tibetan calendar. A general class is held every Sunday, 3 pm, and several public seminars are conducted throughout the year.

Rabten Choeling Monastery

Centre des Hautes Etudes Tibétaines
Chemin Derochoz 2
1801 Le Mont-Pèlerin
Vevey, Switzerland
Phone: +41 21 9213600
E-mail: info@rabten.ch
Website: http://www.rabten.eu/visitSwiss_en.htm

More pictures of Rabten Choeling

Rabten Choeling Monastery in Switzerland

Front view of Rabten Choeling

Inside Rabten Choeling

Regular blessings ceremonies are conducted

The Dorje Shugden altar in Rabten Choeling

The magnificent view from Rabten Choeling

Prayer flags around the monastery

Trijang Buddhist Institute (TBI) located at Northfield, Vermont in the United States, is where Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, the incarnation of one of the most important and prominent lamas of Tibetan Buddhism in the modern era, H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, eventually retreated to after coming under tremendous pressure for refusing to cease his practice of Dorje Shugden after a ban on the Protector practice was decreed.

Although not a monastery per se, Trijang Buddhist Institute is nevertheless an important seat within the Gelug lineage fully authorized by the 101st Ganden Tripa to preserve, represent, and transmit the Buddhist teachings of the Gelug tradition. If the previous Trijang Rinpoche was described as “a vast reservoir from which all Gelugpa practitioners of the present day received ‘waters’ of blessings and instructions” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, then it is from here that Dharma continues to set its high water mark by virtue of its principal resident-Spiritual Director.

Letter of Authorization from the 101st Gaden Tripa, the then Head of the Gelug Lineage, to Trijang Buddhist Institute. Click to enlarge.

TBI is unique in that whilst preserving the complete teachings of the Dharma in the Gelug tradition, it has as its goal to spread the principles of Tibetan Buddhism to interested people, both of religious and non-religious backgrounds, and to work for the good of all sentient beings. Today TBI offers a wide range of classes and activities ranging from the study of the Tibetan language and culture, courses on pujas and meditation, and intermediate studies of the Dharma right up to advanced Vajrayogini retreats. In this way, TBI’s draw of people to the Dharma is eclectic and diverse.

H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche with some of the resident monks, administrators and students of TBI. Photo courtesy of www.tbiusa.org

Clearly, TBI is recognized by many as an institution that correctly upholds the rudiments of Dharma and has even received His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s blessings. One of TBI’s precious objects of veneration is an autographed photo of His Holiness addressed to TBI with His good wishes and prayers for the Dharma to flourish.

Autographed picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered to TBI

Translation of dedication on photo

This object of veneration is offered to Trijang Buddhist Institute with the prayer that the Buddha’s teachings flourish, that all sentient beings may obtain the treasure of the Dharma, and that they may live in happiness and virtue. Signed: Dalai Lama, Buddhist Monk. May 9, 2007

It is noteworthy that although the Dalai Lama initiated the Dorje Shugden ban in 1996 supposedly for the reason that the Protector practice is not in accordance with the Dharma, TBI was very well received by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the then 101st Ganden Tripa Lungrik Namgyal Rinpoche in 2007 and 2009 respectively, despite H.H Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s continued propitiation of Dorje Shugden.

History of Trijang Buddhist Institute

Trijang Buddhist Institute was once home to Seitz Dairy Farm. In its early days, TBI was known as the Institute for Visionary Leadership, first founded by Rae Ann Barkley in 1986. Barkley taught classes at Norwich in peace education and service leadership. She was a disciple of the Venerable Domo Geshe Rinpoche, and it was under Domo Rinpoche’s guidance that the Institute for Visionary Leadership was relocated to Northfield in 1995, where TBI now is. Over the years, the center expanded to its current 354-acre plot through progressive donations and support as TBI continued to establish itself within the local and global community.

Barkley was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist Nun, Ani Tsering Lhamo by Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche and it was her wish that TBI be offered to Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche to fulfill his mission of benefitting all sentient beings. Barkley passed away in March 2004, and 6 months later, the Institute for Visionary Leadership was formally gifted to Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche and became known as the Trijang Buddhist Institute.

The buildings on the estate have been restored and beautified, including the 1790s farm house that now serves as the home of TBI’s resident teachers. A barn circa the 1880s has been refurbished and partitioned and now serves as the Gompa, Bookstore, Office and Dining Hall complete with a commercial kitchen.

Spiritual Director of Trijang Buddhist Institute

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was born on 15th October 1982, as the reincarnation of the late H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, one of the foremost Tibetan Buddhist Masters of our time. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang was a heart disciple of the great lama H.H. Kyabje Pabongka Rinpoche and amongst his many great deeds, he was also the philosophical assistant and then the junior tutor to the 14th Dalai Lama.

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche is well known for editing Pabongka Rinpoche’s Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand – one of the most-studied Lam-Rim texts in the Gelugpa lineage. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche also authored the definitive text on Dorje Shugden, entitled Music Delighting An Ocean of Protectors.

Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche was also the root guru to many great masters such as Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Geshe Rabten, Lama Yeshe, H.E. Gangchen Rinpoche and Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, just to name a few.

In his present incarnation, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche is the 18th incarnation of an eminent line of Buddhist masters. This supreme reincarnation was discovered in a Tibetan family in Northern India and was officially recognized by the 14th Dalai Lama on 23rd April 1985.

Trijang Choktrul Rinpoche studied under many esteemed gurus and his root gurus were the erudite Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche. At present, Trijang Rinpoche is furthering his studies under the guidance of H.E. Dagpo Rinpoche and H.E. Yongyal Rinpoche with the assistance of a study helper, Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok.

How blessed the Buddhist world and the people of Vermont are, to have this eminent high lama, Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, return to turn the wheel of Dharma. And how fortunate that a stalwart of such an important practice as Dorje Shugden’s is beginning to teach again, both at TBI and around the world.

Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s Recent Teachings

1. Trijang Rinpoche in Mongolia 2014
2. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche leads Vajra Yogini Fire Puja
3. H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche accepts Tenshug from Shar Gaden
4. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Oral Transmission of Dorje Shugden
5. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Initiation in Europe
6. Trijang Rinpoche Confers Dorje Shugden Initiation in Mongolia

Resident Teachers and Staff in Trijang Buddhist Institute

While many Dharma classes are conducted by Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche personally, he is ably supported by two qualified Geshes (holders of the equivalent to a Doctorate in Buddhism).

Geshe Lobsang Sopa

Geshe Lobsang Sopa, a contemporary of Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, is a highly accomplished Geshe who completed his studies in all aspects of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. As a young boy, Geshe Sopa received his ordination vows and studied in Ganden Shartse Mahayana University.

Throughout the years, Geshe Sopa received countless teachings from great masters such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, and many others.

Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok

Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok was born in 1969. He started his education in a Tibetan school for seven years before joining Ganden Shartse Mahayana University at the age of 12.

It was at Ganden that Geshe Lobsang Phuntsok was ordained as a monk by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Throughout Geshe Phuntsok’s monastic studies, he received guidance from illustrious teachers such as Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche, Sharpa Chojay Lobsang Nyima Rinpoche and Geshe Tendar.

Geshe Phuntsok completed his monastic studies and was one of the brightest Geshes in Ganden Shartse. He was later selected to assist Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in Trijang Rinpoche’s studies of philosophy in Europe, and has continued to assist Trijang Rinpoche till today in TBI, Vermont. Besides his passion and dedication to teaching Buddhism, he is also skilled in creating sand mandalas and in Tibetan ritual arts as well as chanting.

Geshe Cheme Tsering

Geshe Cheme Tsering is a highly qualified Buddhist teacher. He studied in the Central Institute of Tibetan Higher Studies from 1972 to 1976 before joining Ganden Shartse Norling College as an ordained monk from 1976 until present.

Geshe Cheme received his “Geshe Lharampa” degree in March 1996, the highest degree awarded by a Tibetan monastic university after 15 years of intensive studies. In May 2007, Geshe Cheme Tsering was invited to TBI to take up a post as a Resident Teacher, and officially assumed this position on September 16, 2008.

Geshe Cheme has a diverse role and is a valued member of TBI. Besides being skilled in performing sacred rituals, guiding meditation classes, introducing Tibetan Buddhism to new members of TBI and chanting prayers, Geshe Cheme is highly praised in his skill to translate Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s teachings in the English language.

Venerable Tharchen Lobsang

Venerable Tharchen Lobsang studied in the Tibetan Children’s Village School in Dharamsala from 1962 to 1974. At the age of 15, he was ordained by Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Since then, he has studied Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy at Ganden Shartse University in south India, where he received many great teachings from many great Buddhist masters.

When the current incarnation of Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche was recognized by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama in 1985, Venerable Tharchen began attending to the young Trijang Rinpoche until the present. In TBI, besides attending to Trijang Rinpoche, he gives Tibetan language classes.

Mrs. Kunsang Dechen

Mrs. Kunsang Dechen was born in Leh/Ladakh India. She is the daughter of Venerable Drigung Rinpoche and Gangchen Drolma. Kunsang has two siblings, an elder brother, the recognized Kagyupa Lama Ayang Dupchen Rinpoche, and a younger sister, Dolma Lhamo.

Kunsang finished her middle school education in Leh/Ladakh and her high school education in New Delhi. Following that, she went on to the all women’s Jesus and Mary College at the University of New Delhi, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2002.

In addition to her regular education, Kunsang Dechen has received many Tibetan Buddhist teachings and initiations, has assisted in the translation of Buddhist texts to English from Tibetan.

She has also coordinated and performed meditation retreats, understands and observes monastic protocol, and performs many duties such as corresponding with other Tibetan spiritual leaders, all of which qualify her to perform official Temple duties and rituals and assist the Dharma teachers.

Venerable Tashi Jamyang

Tashi Jamyang was born in Lhasa, Tibet in 1933. At the age of five he was offered to Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang by his parents. Under the guidance of Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang he studied in Nyarong Sha school in Lhasa for eight years.

At the age of fifteen he was ordained as a Buddhist monk by Rato Chuwar Rinpoche. In 1959 he fled from Tibet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang. Since then he attended to Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang and now to Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.

Events in Trijang Buddhist Institute

TBI is a non-profit educational and religious organization and conducts events and teachings throughout the year. For detailed timing and dates on their activities, please visit the TBI website’s activity calendar.

You may also contact TBI via their website for more information.

May many more Dharma centers manifest in the world and share the same vision as TBI, and may everyone meet, be protected and guided by the king of Protectors, Dorje Shugden himself.

Address

Trijang Buddhist Institute
210 Morning Star Lane|
Northfield, Vermont 05663 USA

Telephone: 802-485-4140 (8 am – 6 pm EST)

Website: www.tbiusa.org

Many great masters have kept their practice of Dorje Shugden strong. Here we see Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche, meeting with Kensur Lati Rinpoche and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen. The Tibetan leadership forced Kensur Lati Rinpoche and Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen to give up the practice, but they went to meet Kyabje Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in 2000, a sign that they still had great faith in Dorje Shugden. Why else would they meet a Dorje Shugden lama? Despite the ban enforced by the Tibetan leadership, they held their own views strongly. Click on image to enlarge.

In Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, there is a temple that faithfully remains loyal to the practice of Dorje Shugden. Established in 1990, the Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery was built with great perseverance through a ten-year of struggle, and is now maintained and operated by a group of Mongolian women and lay nuns who have strong faith and devotion to Dorje Shugden. The gonpa (main prayer hall) of the nunnery features a beautiful shrine dedicated to Tara.

Tugs Bayasgalant, which means Heaven of Joy, is one of the few nunneries in Ulaanbaatar. Led by its current Abbess, a lay Buddhist nun named Gantamur, the temple focuses on Buddhist study and practice. In fact, in 2008 there were 21 nuns at Tugs Bayasgalant nunnery, half of which had graduated with a Bachelors degree in Buddhist studies from Zanabazar Buddhist University. This was the first time Mongolian women had been granted such an honor.

Tugs Bayasgalant has been blessed with visits from erudite Dorje Shugden lamas including H.H. Trijang Rinpoche, H.E. Zasep Rinpoche, H.E. Zava Damdin Rinpoche and many others, who fearlessly dedicate their lives to spreading the lineage and practice of Dorje Shugden worldwide.

May all at Tugs Bayasgalant nunnery continuously be blessed with the wisdom of Dorje Shugden and continue to propagate the Gelugpa lineage and practice of Dorje Shugden to many Mongolian women in Ulaanbaatar.

The main gompa at Tugs Bayasgalant

Dorje Shugden altar in Tugs Bayasgalant

A close-up of the Dorje Shugden altar

A beautiful shrine dedicated to Tara

The nuns of Tugs Bayasgalant

Abbess Gantamur, the head of the nunnery

An extremely old and precious thangka of Lama Losang Thubwang Dorje Chang that survived the cultural revolution, passed down through many generations.

A statue of Guru Deva Rinpoche in Tugs Bayasgalant

His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche visited Tugs Bayasgalant and expounded the Dharma to the lay nuns

His Eminence Zava Damdin Rinpoche, an erudite Mongolian Lama of the Gelug tradition has also visited Tugs Bayasgalant

The current incarnation of Geshe Tendar at Tugs Bayasgalant

Zasep Rinpoche enthroned in the main gonpa of Tugs Bayasgalant Nunnery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Zasep Rinpoche giving audience to the Abbess and nuns of Tugs Bayasgalant. Zasep Rinpoche is the Spiritual Director of Gaden for the West

Zasep Rinpoche, the Abbess Gantamur (center) and some lay nuns

Since the 1950′s, Tibetan Buddhism has been traveling out of Tibet and into the West. It was through this exodus that the start of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) came to pass. Founded by Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, NKT’s spiritual guide and a spiritual mogul of the Western world, NKT has grown to 200 centres and 900 study groups worldwide in just over two decades.

The NKT’s headquarters, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre (Manjushri KMC), located in Ulverston, Cumbria in North West England on a 70-acre piece of land, is a contemporary temple that brings the ancient teachings of Buddha to the modern people of today.

Originating from the pure Kadam lineage transmitted by their respected spiritual guide, the teachings in Manjushri KMC center greatly around the Lam Rim, where ordained and lay students study, practice, and realize the full potential of the precious human life.

Unlike most traditional Tibetan Buddhist dharma centers, Manjushri KMC has a modern outlook that appeals to the masses that patron the temple.

Yet, despite its modern appearance, NKT are famed for the Dharma books produced by their publishing arm, Tharpa Publications. These highly-regarded books comprise mainly teachings from Geshe-la, which are in accordance with Buddhist scriptures that form part of the traditional Tibetan monastic curriculum.

The Kadampa Temple for World Peace in Manjushri KMC, England

One of the most important structures in Manjushri KMC is the Kadampa Temple for World Peace. Conceptualized by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, who even personally oversaw its construction, this beautiful world peace temple was built to safeguard the Dharma for future generations. Upon completion of this blessed project in 1997, the International Temples Project (ITP), a worldwide fund dedicated to bring Dharma to the public, was founded by Geshe-la. To date, over 20 temples located in 20 major cities around the world have been funded by this project.

An aerial view of the Kadampa Temple for World Peace. The Temple was conceptualized and designed by Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Having had its inception in the mind of an enlightened master, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, it is no wonder that every detail of the temple is pregnant with meaning and symbolism. Just like a Buddha statue, Geshe-la blended ancient Tibetan iconography with modern architecture as a method to subdue our samsaric minds and remind us of the profound teachings of the Buddha.

The lowest level of the temple is square, with a door on each side, indicating the four ways to enter the path of liberation. It is also a reminder that permanent liberation from suffering can only be achieved by living a spiritual life. Above each doorway is a Dharma wheel with a male and female deer on each side, symbolizing the final stages of the spiritual path to enlightenment.

The next level above features an octagonal structure with a lantern tower topped by a golden five-pronged vajra, which symbolizes the five wisdoms of an enlightened being. Other vajras placed on the corners of the building symbolize the indestructible qualities of an enlightened mind.

Precious materials are employed throughout the temple structure, for instance the gold-leafed roof of the lantern tower, and the gold-impregnated glass windows. The use of such precious metals reflects the preciousness of the Buddha’s teachings, especially when put into practice.

Inside the Kadampa Temple for World Peace during a Dorje Shugden initiation in 2012

The interior of the temple is designed to bring peace of mind and cure the sufferings of all who enter. Many auspicious symbols adorn the temple walls, mimicking the Pure Lands of Enlightened Beings. It is in this very temple that countless initiations and dharma teachings have taken place.

One of Geshe-la’s Dharma teachings. Notice the grand Dorje Shugden altar at the far right

The temple’s main shrine features the largest bronze Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the West. To the left sits Maitreya (embodying the enlightened mind) while on the right is Manjushri (embodying enlightened wisdom), both manifesting as Buddha’s disciples. Further left is a magnificent Lama Tsongkapa statue and his two heart disciples.

The Dorje Shugden shrine in the Kadampa Temple for World Peace

Moving further right, one will see a magnificent protector shrine hosting the five different forms of Dorje Shugden. The largest statue is Duldzin, the main emanation of Dorje Shugden, surrounded by his other four emanations.

The NKT are known for their strong faith in the protector, and have never given up his practice despite the negative press and countless threats they have received from the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community over time. Instead of succumbing to the ban on Dorje Shugden, the students of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso were one of the first to take an active stance against the ban by forming the Shugden Supporters Community and the Western Shugden Society, to reveal the truth and educate the public on Dorje Shugden’s true enlightened nature.

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong, the Spiritual Director & Resident Teacher in Manjushri KMC

Like many of NKT’s Dharma centres, Manjushri KMC has their very own home grown resident teachers. This is significant because not only is it an auspicious sign that the Dharma is flourishing in their center, but it is also, in a practical sense, easier for the public to relate to the Dharma when taught by a teacher that comes from similar roots.

Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong is the Spiritual Director and Resident Teacher of Manjushri KMC. A student of Geshe-la for more than 30 years, Gen-la’s deep trust in her spiritual guide and her vast experience of teaching thousands of people across the globe in many of NKT’s branch centres has shaped her into the leader that Manjushri KMC needed. Highly respected amongst the ordained and lay people of the centre, Gen-la continues to manage the centre on behalf of her teacher, guiding people along a spiritual path that will ultimately bring them to liberation.

Manjushri KMC also offers a variety of Dharma programs that cater for Buddhists of all levels – day courses or weekend retreats for casual practitioners to extensive retreats, empowerments and teacher training programs for the serious practitioner. Due to the extreme kindness of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and his close disciples who have worked tirelessly to translate essential Tibetan scriptures into the English language, Western Buddhists now have this precious chance to be learned Buddhist scholars.

All ready for an event in Manjushri KMC

The vibrant spiritual community in Manjushri KMC

Manjushri KMC is also a full fledged retreat centre that conducts meditation and retreat courses, and is equipped with all the necessary facilities including accommodation, a dining area, communal spaces, and even a gift shop, where Buddhist art, statues and supplies can be purchased.

Manjushri KMC even have their own art department where Buddha statues and Buddhist art are produced. The temples built under the auspices of the International Temples Project receive their statues directly from this art studio. And for those who are not inclined towards study or meditation, Manjushri KMC’s structured volunteer program offers a choice of other activities including cleaning, cooking, gardening, and more.

We at dorjeshugden.com are extremely delighted to see the teachings of Losang Drakpa and Atisha flourishing in the west; and the practice of our great protector Dorje Shugden touching the lives of many. May Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre turn the wheel of Dharma and continue to expand their reach to many more countries around the world.

Contact Manjushri KMC

Address: Conishead Priory
Priory Road (A5087 Coast Road)
Ulverston
Cumbria LA12 9QQ
United Kingdom
Email: info@manjushri.org
Website: http://nkt-kmc-manjushri.org
Tel: +44 (0)1229 584029
Fax: +44 (0)1229 580080

A great place for spiritual communities to gather

A conducive environment for your spiritual needs

Taking a peaceful stroll to the Kadampa Temple for World Peace

Peace and tranquility

The gift shop in Manjushri KMC

Twice a year, Manjushri KMC hosts the Kadampa Festival, an international celebration of modern Buddhism attended by thousands

Zetho Monastery in Chamdo

H.E. the 13th Daknak Rinpoche is an eminent Dorje Shugden lama of our time. At present, Daknak Rinpoche’s activities mainly revolve around his new monastery in Taiwan. However, the practice of the pure Gelug tradition is still strong in Daknak Rinpoche’s personal monastery, Zetho Monastery.

Located in Lhorong within the Chamdo Prefecture in Tibet, Zetho Monastery houses over 300 monks and is a thriving monastic community of Dorje Shugden practitioners.

Below are some pictures of Zetho Monastery, which is the traditional seat of Daknak Rinpoche’s line of incarnations.

H.E the 13th Daknak Rinpoche

Zetho Monastery’s main building

Unveiling a massive thangka of Lama Tsongkapa at Zetho Monastery

A close up of the thangka – the bottom right features an image of the great Dharma protector Dorje Shugden

Tagtshang Lhamo Setri Monastery

One of the earliest Gelug Monasteries that enshrined Dharmapala Dorje Shugden

Lhamo Setri Monastery in Tibet was formerly known as Tagtshang Lhamo Monastery, which means “fairy maiden in the tiger’s den”. The full name of the monastery is Gaden She Dru Pe Kar Drol Wai Ling which translates to Gaden White Lotus Monastery, inspired by a stalactite which looks like a graceful human figure, found inside the cave where the monastery was first established.

Tagtshang Lhamo Setri Monastery was founded by the 53rd Gaden Setri Gyal Tshen Seng Ge of Gaden Monastery in the Thirteenth Wooden Dragon Year of the Tibetan Calendar (AD 1748). The monastery is located on the border of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces where the source of Bailong River is, and the strategic location offers the visitors and residents of the monastery a lush and scenic view.

Over the years, five different colleges were established in the monastery focusing in the areas of debate, tantra, Kalachakra Tantra, Tibetan medicine and sutra woodblock printing; eventually the Sangha population in the monastery grew to almost a thousand monks. Unfortunately, many of the monastery’s original structures that held great historical significance, such as the prayer hall, stupa and countless sacred sites along with the blessed items preserved within were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Reconstruction of the monastery was later carried out in the Sixteenth Monkey Year of the Tibetan Calendar (AD 1980).

Lhamo Setri Monastery is one of the earliest monasteries that enshrined Dharmapala Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector. A massive statue of Dorje Shugden astride a black horse stands in the main prayer hall of Lhamo Setri Monastery. Commissioned by the 2nd reincarnation of Gyalthang Rinpoche, Setri Monastery’s traditional throneholder, the statue represents over 200 years of rich historical significance on the establishment of Dorje Shugden’s practice in great monasteries such as Setri Monastery.

Statue of Dorje Shugden Tanag (Dorje Shugden on a Black Horse) in Lhamo Setri Gompa (Lhamo Setri Monastery)

We at DorjeShugden.com make an auspicious prayer for the essential teachings of Lama Tsongkapa and the precious lineage of Dharmapala Dorje Shugden to spread from Tagtshang Lhamo Setri Monastery in the ten direction. May the Sangha of Setri Monastery continue to turn the wheel of Dharma, bringing Buddha’s teaching to all corners of the earth, reaching new heights of peace and harmony amongst all nations.

More photos of Lhamo Setri Monastery

Golden roofs – a unique feature of Setri Monastery

The main prayer hall

Performing religious rituals in the prayer hall

White stupa right in front of you when entering Setri Monastery

Turning prayer wheels in the White Stupa

Monks of Lhamo Setri Monastery

Preserving the purity of Tsongkapa’s teachings

With a rich history, Setri Monastery is also a major tourist attraction

An aerial view

Lhamo Setri Monastery by night

Segyu Monastery in Tibet

Segyu (or Segyued) Monastery is one of the most important historical Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Gelug tradition. It was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Jetsun Sherab Sengge, a direct and principle disciple of Lama Tsongkapa, founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is in Segyu Monastery that the foundation of Lama Tsongkapa’s tantric teachings such as Guhyasamaja, Heruka and Yamantaka was developed and preserved according to tradition until today.

Jetsun Sherab Sengge

Jetsun Sherab Sengge was known for his perfect moral conduct from childhood. After becoming a monk at a young age, he studied under various great masters, the foremost of which was Lama Tsongkapa himself. Known for his mental and spiritual brilliance, this eminent master was a great tantric scholar and one of Lama Tsongkapa’s eight closest disciples.

In the year 1419, when Lama Tsongkapa was near the end of his life, Tsongkapa asked a mass gathering of his spiritual sons who among them would be able to preserve and promote his tantric teachings. Such a huge task and responsibility was overwhelming even for the many great masters present except for one. Lama Tsongkapa asked the question again for the second time but still none of his spiritual sons were able to respond with confidence. Then Jetsun Sherab Sengge stood up from the crowd, made three prostrations to Lama Tsongkapa and said that he would preserve and promote Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings in accordance with Lama Tsongkapa’s wishes. It was at this moment that Jetsun Sherab Sengge was blessed and empowered by Lama Tsongkapa as the holder of the unsurpassed Secret Tantra.

Lama Tsongkapa presented Jetsun Sherab Sengge auspicious gifts of a skull cup filled with inner offering, a holy golden statue of Guhyasamaja, the four-in-one commentary of Guhyasamaja – two tantric commentaries and texts of the Generation and the Completion Stages, a Dharmaraja mask, ritual dance costumes, and a club. Jetsun Sherab Sengge was then instructed to institute the study and teaching of Tantra in the Tsang province of Tibet, where Lama Tsongkapa predicted Jetsun Sherab Sengge would have many bright disciples.

Dulnaga Palden Zangpo

With Lama Tsongkapa’s blessings and a firm determination to spread the teachings of Tantra, Jetsun Sherab Sengge and his spiritual son, Dulnagpa Palden Zangpo, left for the Tsang province, where he gave great commentaries and instructions to many eminent scholars at Se Gaden Phodrang. It was here that the Tantric monastery known as the Upper Tantric College, also known as Segyu, was founded by Jetsun Sherab Sengge.

Since then, Segyu Monastery’s fame spread far and wide, and it became the centre of Tantric practice and education. Jetsun Sherab Sengge and his disciples had successfully established the foundation for Vajrayana practices such as Guhyasamaja, Heruka, and Yamantaka in accordance with Lama Tsongkapa’s tradition.

Layout of the original Segyu Monastery

Present day Segyu Monastery in Tibet

Previous Segyu Monastery in Tibet that was completely destroyed in 1959

During the events of 1959, only 40 monks from the original Segyu monastery successfully fled Tibet to India. During this time, many of the Segyu monks faced great hardship and financial difficulties. Some of the monks were sent to do construction work while others performed religious rites for the local populace.

In 1979, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang visited Kalimpong twice, during which he advised the monks that it was extremely important to ordain new monks and preserve the special tradition of Segyu monastery as it was, and still is, the source of the Tantric lineage in the Gelug tradition. With Trijang Rinpoche’s advice in mind, the Segyu monks determined to find a way to rebuild the destroyed Segyu Monastery despite the challenges they would face.

In 1986, some sponsors came forward to offer a small piece of land near the famous Boudha Stupa in Nepal, on which a simple prayer hall and shelter was constructed. The new Segyu monastery was thus established in Kathmandu, where the Segyu monastic community continues the practice that was entrusted to them by Lama Tsongkapa to this day.

The construction of Segyu Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal in 1988

H.E. Jampa Tsundu oversaw the construction of the Gompa

At present, Segyu Monastery in Nepal has not changed since it was built in 1986. Although it is one of the most important Tantric monasteries in the Gelug tradition, Segyu monastery faces tremendous financial difficulties, which are obstacles to the monastery’s growth and expansion. The monastery’s main prayer hall can only seat a maximum of 50 monks at any given time, and the constant lack of funding means insufficient housing for the monks.

It is obvious that the ban on Dorje Shugden is the major contributing factor to the monastery’s hardship. Ever since the ban was enforced in 1997, the Segyu monks in Kathmandu decided to break off from the rest of the Gelugpa community, even separating themselves from Segyu Monastery’s branch in Kalimpong, which abides by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama’s dictates. Segyu monastery in Nepal thus became an independent monastery despite knowing the many challenges they would face both politically and socially.

In spite of this separation, the Segyu monks continue to uphold the promise that the monastery’s founder, Jetsun Sherab Sengge made to Lama Tsongkapa so many centuries ago. Their guru devotion and integrity in continuing the lineage that was once practiced in Segyu Monastery Tibet has lost them the support of the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration. The violence instigated by the ban on Dorje Shugden has also stuck terror in many of their lay supporters, causing them to stop their sponsorship in fear of being associated with Dorje Shugden practitioners. It is not difficult to conclude that Segyu monastery in Nepal is falling apart due to the discrimination caused by the Dorje Shugden ban, while Segyu monastery in Kalimpong continues to prosper.

Segyu Monastery’s grand prayer hall in Kalimpong, India. This branch of Segyu Monastery is under the patronage of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, having broken with tradition for political expedience.

Segyu Monastery’s small main prayer hall in Kathmandu, Nepal. This branch of Segyu Monastery upholds the tradition of Jetsun Sherab Sengge

Segyu Monastery’s prayer hall in Kathmandu is too small for their ceremonies

Oftentimes, visitors and even sangha are forced to sit outside the prayer hall due to a severe lack of space

The poor condition of Segyu monastery’s prayer hall

Up till today, Segyu Monastery continues their practices, upholds the three principal pratimoksha precepts, and keeps their unique lineage alive and authentic. The traditional rituals of Segyu Monastery are still performed during the summer retreats in the same manner as the original Segyu Monastery in Tibet. Every year during the rains retreat, the monks of Segyu Monastery also perform a variety of higher tantric retreats such as Yamantaka and Guhyasamaja, and a special Dorje Shugden Kangsol offering puja.

Segyu Monastery’s yearly rains retreat includes a special Dorje Shugden Kangsol on August 27th

Tormas in Segyu monastery with Dorje Shugden’s image

Offering Balingta (Torma) to the great protector Dorje Shugden

Outwardly, Segyu Monastery today no longer has the grandeur it once had in Tibet, but the monks’ determination has ensured the continuity and growth of Lama Tsongkapa’s pure lineage and tantric teachings for future generations. It is for this very reason that Segyu Monastery is well known as a stronghold for Dorje Shugden practitioners and many acclaimed Dorje Shugden masters have visited Segyu Monastery in Nepal such as Kyabje Daknak Dorje Chang.

Dorje Shugden thangka in Segyu Monastery

Today, Segyu Monastery continues to be independent of the monastery in Kalimpong and propitiates our great Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden. The great Abbot of Segyu Monastery in Nepal, H.E. Jampa Tsundu is raising funds to build a new prayer hall for the monks, replacing their current prayer hall. Financial assistance to build this new prayer hall is urgently needed to create a more conducive environment for the monks to teach and learn Lama Tsongkapa’s secret whispered lineage, ensuring the tradition that was once practiced in Tibet continues to live on in Segyu Monastery in Nepal.

Plans for Segyu Monastery’s new prayer hall in Nepal

We at dorjeshugden.com rejoice at the determination and integrity of the monks in Segyu monastery for their continuous effort in transmitting the pure lineage of Lama Tsongkapa’s teachings. May their new prayer hall be funded quickly for the continuation of the BuddhaDharma.

To contribute and support the monks of Segyu Monastery, Nepal, please contact the following persons:

Sonam Tsering Kansakar (Secretary)
Mobile no.: +977 9801021941
Email: sonam@rantacarpets.com

Palden Gurung (Vice Secretary)
Mobile no.: +977 9808062366
Email: sedgyued@gmail.com