November 2026
On November 1, 2026, Ngagyur Higher Institute Shenphen Shedrub Ling closed its academic year. The institute belongs to Ngagyur Dundul Raptenling Monastery in Odisha, India. The day fell on Lhabab Duchen, the 22nd day of the 9th month of the Tibetan Royal Year 2153. Both the shedra and the general school classes ended their year on this auspicious day.
A sacred day to end the year
Lhabab Duchen is one of the four great Buddhist festivals. It remembers the day our teacher, the Buddha, came down from the heaven of Indra (the Heaven of the Thirty-Three) to the human world. Merit made on this day is said to be greatly multiplied. For the students, it was a fitting day to close a year of study.
Prayers to the Sixteen Arhats
To mark the occasion, the prayers and ritual of homage to the Sixteen Arhats (Neten Chakchö) were recited. The Sixteen Arhats are great disciples of the Buddha. They promised to protect and keep alive his teachings in this world.
Prizes for the annual competitions
Prizes and awards were also given to the first-place winners of the annual drawing competition and the annual calligraphy competition. Calligraphy is an important skill for young monks, who learn to write the Tibetan scriptures with care.
A year of study
The shedra (the higher institute of Buddhist philosophy and debate) and the general school both completed their full year of classes. Earlier this autumn, the same students showed what they had learned through exposition, debate and composition on the anniversary of Kunkhyen Jigme Lingpa.
We respectfully share a few photographs of the day below.
These young monks study and live here thanks to sponsors near and far. If you would like to be part of their journey, you can support a young monk’s education.
