Shenphen Shedrubling Shedra

In 1997, Dungsey Shenphen Dawa Norbu Rinpoche visited Dundul Raptenling Monastery and recruited twenty-two new monks, as the older practitioners from Tibet had gradually passed away. Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche built a one-story classroom and dormitory building for the monks being educated there. Namdrolling Monastery sent a khenpo to teach at Dundul Raptenling, which they have continued to do since that time. Dungsey Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche helped with the continuation of the monastic traditions, supporting many of the monastery expenses himself. This continued until 2003-2004, when, due to the deterioration of His Holiness Shenphen Dawa’s health, he was no longer able to support the monastery. By 2005, most of the monks at Dundul Raptenling had left the monastery, and the monastery continued to decline until 2007. Facing those difficult circumstances—which included the possibility of losing the monastery—Tulku Tsephel conveyed his heartfelt wishes to Lama Sonam Tashi (one of the few remaining monks, who had been there since his childhood) that he would revitalize Dundul Raptenling. Lama Sonam Tashi was able to recruit fifteen new monks in 2008, and the monastery restored contact with Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche, who was able to provide funds for expenses. Under the supervision of Tulku Tsephel, Lama Sonam Tashi looked after the administrative affairs of the monastery, including working with Buddhist and other associations, fundraising, etc. Then, when everything had started to improve, Tulku Tsephel passed away in 2010. During those sad times, Lama Sonam Tashi took all the responsibility for the monastery, while consulting with His Holiness Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche and Sangyum Khandro Kusho Rinpoche about nominating a new president for the monastery.

In 2009, Dundul Raptenling hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama during His Holiness’ visit to the Odisha settlement. His Holiness emphasized the importance of preserving the Dudjom Lingpa tradition, as well as the importance of monastic education. On that very day, Lama Sonam Tashi asked Tulku Pema Rigsal for a teacher (lopön). Tulku immediately agreed.
In March of 2020, a new library, teaching hall, classrooms, dormitory, conference and computer building, the Rinzin Jamyang Gaypai Gatsal, was inaugurated. By that time, there were seventy monks, and they have reached their 8th, or penultimate year of studies. The monks are taught:

1) Shung (Fundamentals of text and scripture)

2) Dudjom Tersar lineage rituals and pujas

3) English language reading and writing

4) Tibetan language reading and writing

5) Dudjom Tersar sand mandala making

6) Colored thread weaving

7) Computer classes

8) Dudjom Tersar torma and adornment making

9) Dudjom Tersar Vajra dancing

10) Tibetan astrology

Dundul Raptenling Monastery welcomes all interested individuals who are willing and aspiring to learn our curriculum. One year of preliminary practice (Sa ter Tersar) is the prerequisite to attend the shedra. There is no charge to attend, and foreign students are requested to prepare their necessary documentation.