RIGZIN PHODRANG BUDDHIST MONASTERY

The monastery is located 10km. Northwest of Kathmandu city in Sheshnarayan municipality in Pharping village.  It is surrounded by several holy places of Hindu as well as Buddhist.  Such as on the right there is a figure of Tara Devi naturally emerged on a rock along with the Ganesh statue, and on the left there is a Vajra Yogini Temple and Asura Cave on the head and in front Dakshinkali (a holy place of Hindu).

Rigzin Phodrang Buddhist monastery is divided into two sections, the main monastery and the Retreat Centre.   Right now the monasteries and the Retreat Centre are administered by Ven. Ralo Rinpoche and his consort.  The Retreat center is under the name of Ven. Kongtrul Rinpoche, who is the son of Ven. Ralo Rinpoche and Tenzin Dolma, and is the reincarnation of late Ven. Kyapgon Kongtrul of Tibet.   Due to his age both monasteries are administered by the head Lama Ralo Rinpoche.

Ralo Rinpoche belongs to the Tantric linage from many generations.  He is one of the highest Tantric Lamas in the present Nyingma sect.  He has taken a 15 years Tantric meditation in several countries such as Tibet, Nepal and India. 

 There are 25 monks in the main monastery ranging from 9 to 25 years of age.  There is a magnificent image of Guru Rinpoche that is featured on both sides.  The prayer hall accommodates around 20 monks at a time.

The name of the Retreat Center is ‘Drubdhe Chemmo Thegchok Rabgyeling’.  This is three-storey building with long C-shaped Monastery style and colorful paint in front.  The ground floor of the building is meant for strict retreat and the first and second floors are assigned as rooms for high Lamas and guests.  At present there are ten monks who are in strict retreat for three years and three months.  They are kept away from outside disturbances.  Additionally, there are seven other monks and laymen who are practicing a less strict form of retreat.  The retreat center is off-ground for outsiders.

The main hall is open from 5.30 A.M.  To 12 Noon and 12.30 P.M.  To 6.30 P.M.

The monastery holds special prayer ceremony on the tenth day of the tenth month, according to the Tibetan calendar.   This is regarded as the birth-date of Guru Rinpoche.   There is another ceremony called ‘Drubchen’ which is held after three years.  

The monastery is administrated under Ven. Ralo Rinpoche by the support of his disciples and students abroad.  Above all, one gets extra energy and happiness upon reaching Asura because of its herbal medicinal forest.  We always appreciate all those who take interest in our magnificent monastery.

RIGZIN PHODRANG BUDDHIST MONASTERY

SARSWATTI-STHAN, GPO BOX 3501, PHARPING, KATHMANDU, NEPAL

TEL.- 290735

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