SHRI GADEN THARGYELING MONASTERY

Shri Gaden Dhargyeling Monastery is in the West of Tibet. It was established by Drogon Kundup Sherab an emanation of Avalokiteswara. A Kagyupa master by lineage, Drogon Kundup Sherab was born at Lhagtsang Menchu in Western Tibet. His father’s name was Chagthang Lha Gonpo. Since his biographical works were left behind in Tibet, much cannot be said here. He once said "Call a boy not by his mother’s name, but by his own name. Trace a lineage not from the beginning but from the middle." Let us be contend with the fact that this Monastery was once a great center for Tibetan Buddhist learning, specially the Gelugpa tradition, from the time of the 7th Dalai Lama, Kalsang Gyatso.

The main object of worship in the monastery includes a 10-inch high statue of Lord Buddha and scroll of Vajra Bhairva done with the blood from the nose of the Dalai Lama himself. The monastery was accordingly named Gaden Dhargyeling.

The maintenance of the monastic institute and the welfare of the monks were looked after by the following places, Ngari gar, Sago Shelkar, Nyangnag, Dzonga, Kyidrong, Lowo and Langashelsum of Western Tibet. Since its inception until the invasion of Tibet, this monastery maintained a very high order of religious service to the region under the supervision and abbotship of highly erudite masters from the famous Gyutoe Tantric College with special emphasis on the practice of Guhasamaja Tantra of Trantrayana.

King Gaden Tsewang entrusted this monastery with the formidable task of maintaining spiritual surveillance over Mongolians. But in the wake of Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet, the inmates of the monastery also had to leave their home and hearth and fled to Nepal, where, within two years, the inmate started chartering to find a living which was hard in exile conditions. At that time, to our profound satisfaction, we could present his Holiness the Dalai Lama forty-one painted Thangkas of Buddhas past lives painted during the life of King Gade Tsewang, a jade washing basin and a self emanated image of Mani Mantra.

In 1973 the Council for the Religions Affairs of the H.H. the Dalai Lama sent the remaining monks of the monastery for land settlement at Pokhara. Because of transportation problems the objects of the monastery were left behind in Mustang. In the establishment there were to deliver the objects later at Pokhara. However, the disarmament of the establishment in 1974 robed the monastery of its valuable objects of worship.

In 1983 Ven. Tulku Rinpoche, the head lama coming from Norgyeling settlement in India consulted with the senior monks, camp leaders to plan for the construction of a small Gompa where they could follow and practice the principles of Dharma with the noble wishes of His Majesty’s great proposal "Nepal a zone of peace" for world peace.

As to the great need of our tradition and culture to preserve while in fugitive, donations were raid from individuals in and outside and the settlers were generous in donating funds for the construction of the monastery at Tashiling.

In July 1984, the location and plan sketch proposed and foundation work started with great voluntary labor by the settlers. Our thanks are to the local friendly people who were kind and generous in donating for the construction where all the construction work were managed and supervised by the monks themselves.

The final work completed in mid Nov. 1984, and it was inaugurated by the Zonal Commissioner of Gandaki Anchal Shri, Khadga Bahadur G.C. where representative from religious council, Dharamsala and local dignitaries graced the occasion. It now stands as the traditional source of inspiration and peace. Just in front to the east few living rooms are built where it accommodates common kitchen, a small classroom and three small rooms for living. There are now seven (7) young monks admitted and all together there are 13 monks in the monastery.

SOURCE OF LIVING: - The monks under the guidance and head of Tulku Lobsang Jamyang lead a simple self-support living. There are no sources of income except from small co-operative shop a minimum profit and offerings made by sincere individuals on occasions. Mostly the senior monks go out to perform prayers and religious activities in individual families and the host families in turn offer a sum of RS. 20 - 25 per head after the performance but not compulsory.

THE SANGHA: - The head Lama, Tulku Rinpoche guided and led the monks in maintaining the daily activities. All the monks eat in one kitchen and all are equal except seniority in performance of routine practice. All the monks live in the compound strict to the rules of the Gompa.

Daily they gather at 6:00 A.M. in the Gompa and perform prayers and on special occasions perform together the whole day.

The Young monks are taught reading; writing and English teaching are arranged according to availability of voluntary teachers. In the afternoon they practice script writing, learning and practicing Tantric lessons. Individuals or outsiders could make their prayers and offerings any time and donations are mainly used for the maintenance of the Gompa for the glory of Dharma, the source of compassion and peace.

We are most grateful to all the generous people who helped to construct this small beautiful Gompa a place to worship and gain inspirations and peace.

Further we shall be most grateful to receive any financial contributions for general purposes, as the monastery has many educational and spiritual related activities through out the year and lack of adequate funding is the main constraint.

If Dargay Ling Monastery is continue to strive in serving the Tibetan refugees and help preserve Tibetan Buddhist Culture for the benefit all sentient beings. Sympathetic donors and sponsors are needed to support and help us. Therefore we earnestly request every one to kindly help us in whatever way, to enable us in carrying out this noble task. With your support we shall continue to work for the betterment and peace in this every tormenting world. We assure you that any assistance received will be very properly utilized and official receipts will be issued for your contributions.

Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling

Tashi-ling Tibetan Camp

Post Box: - 221 Pokhara, Nepal.