Shenphen Shedrubling Shedra
Reviving the Monastic Community
In 1997, Dungsey Shenphen Dawa Norbu Rinpoche visited Dundul Raptenling Monastery and recruited twenty-two new monks. Following the instructions of the late H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Dungsey Rinpoche aimed to revive the monastic community.
Between 1997 and 2007, under the guidance of His Eminence, the monastery focused on establishing a solid foundation for spiritual practice and monastic discipline, ensuring the continuity of the precious Dudjom Tersar lineage.
Renewed Growth and Leadership
In 2008, Lama Sonam Tashi was able to recruit fifteen new monks, further strengthening the monastic sangha. This period marked a significant turning point in the monastery's organizational and educational growth.
Under new leadership, the monastery expanded its vision, focusing not only on traditional rituals but also on a comprehensive educational curriculum that would prepare the monks for modern challenges while preserving ancient wisdom.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Visit
"In 2009, Dundul Raptenling Monastery hosted His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. During this auspicious visit, His Holiness emphasized the importance of rigorous study and the preservation of the Buddhist philosophical tradition, providing invaluable inspiration for the establishment of the Shedra."
The New Shedra Facilities
In March 2020, a new educational and residential complex was inaugurated: Rinzin Jamyang Gaypai Gatsal. This state-of-the-art facility provides a dedicated environment for deep study and contemplation.
The complex includes modern classrooms, an extensive library of sacred texts, and comfortable living quarters for the students and teachers, ensuring that the physical environment supports the spiritual and intellectual pursuits of the Shedra.
Curriculum
Shung
Rigorous study of primary Buddhist philosophical scriptures and root texts.
Dudjom Tersar Rituals
Training in the specific liturgical and ritual traditions of the lineage.
English & Tibetan
Comprehensive language studies to facilitate global communication and textual analysis.
Sand Mandala
The sacred art of creating complex geometric mandalas using colored sand.
Thread Weaving
Specialized training in the traditional weaving techniques used for ritual objects.
Computer Classes
Digital literacy and modern tools to support translation and documentation work.
Torma Making
The ritual art of sculpting traditional sacrificial cakes from barley flour.
Vajra Dancing
Training in Cham, the sacred masked dances performed during religious festivals.
Tibetan Astrology
Study of traditional celestial calculations and their spiritual significance.
Admission and Study
Dundul Raptenling Monastery welcomes all interested individuals who wish to dedicate themselves to the Buddhist path. Applicants are required to undergo a period of preliminary practice and submit necessary documentation for enrollment in the Shedra program.