Dzogchen
Tibetan Buddhism·China·Active (reconstructed)·17th century
Dzogchen Monastery is a significant "Mother Monastery" of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, historically located in Kham and re-established in South India. Founded in 1684 by Pema Rigdzin, it became renowned for its Sri Singha Shedra and was once the largest Nyingma monastery, housing thousands of monks and numerous branches. Despite significant destruction in the 20th century, it has been rebuilt in both Tibet and India, continuing its role as a major center for Buddhist teachings and practice.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1684 by Pema Rigdzin, the 1st Dzogchen Rinpoche.
- ›One of the "six Mother Monasteries" of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
- ›Known for its Sri Singha Shedra, a prominent monastic college.
- ›Historically one of the largest Nyingma monasteries, with a peak of up to 500 resident monks and an estimated 280 branches.
- ›The monastery in Tibet has been undergoing reconstruction since the early 1980s.
- ›A new Dzogchen Monastery was re-established in South India in 1985.
- Sri Singha Shedra
- Repository of the Konchok Chidu Cycle of the Jangter
- Center For Sacred Ritual Dance
- Retreat Centre and Temple Complex At Pema Tang In Tibet
Rdzogs Chen Dgon
Pema Rigdzin, 1st Dzogchen Rinpoche, Gyelsé Zhenpen Tayé, Mingyur Namkhé Dorje, 4th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Khenpo Pema Vajra, Patrul Rinpoche, Jamgon Ju Mipham Gyatso, Khenpo Shenga, Thubten ChöKyi Dorje, 5th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Jatson Nyingpo, 14th Dalai Lama, Seventh Dzogchen Rinpoche
- Founded In 1684
- Almost Totally Destroyed By An Earthquake In 1842
- Main Temple Destroyed By Fire In 1936
- Whole Monastery Destroyed By the Chinese In 1959
- Re-Established In South India Starting In 1985
- Inaugurated In South India In January 1992
About Dzogchen
Dzogchen Monastery
Dzogchen Monastery is a historically significant monastic institution of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, recognized as one of its "Six Mother Monasteries." Its original foundation was in Kham, within modern-day Dêgê County, Sichuan, China, established in 1684 by Pema Rigdzin, the 1st Dzogchen Rinpoche.
History and Significance
The monastery quickly grew in prominence, becoming particularly renowned for its Sri Singha Shedra, an important monastic college. At its peak, particularly during the tenure of Thubten Chökyi Dorje, the 5th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Monastery was the largest Nyingma monastery of all time. It housed up to five hundred resident monks, thirteen retreat centers, and an estimated two hundred and eighty branches, capable of gathering tens of thousands of practitioners for extensive ritual ceremonies and teachings. The monastery also served as a principal repository for the Konchok Chidu cycle of the Jangter, or "Northern Treasure," a significant terma cycle. Dzogchen was further celebrated as a center for sacred ritual dance, commonly known as lama dancing.
Destruction and Re-establishment
The monastery's history is marked by significant destruction. It was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1842, later rebuilt, and its main temple was consumed by fire in 1936. The entire complex was destroyed by Chinese forces in 1959. Following this devastation, a new Dzogchen Monastery was re-established in South India, initiated in 1985 on land near the 14th Dalai Lama's residence in the Dhondenling Tibetan settlement, Kollegal. The new monastery was formally inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1992 and now serves as the official seat of the seventh Dzogchen Rinpoche.
Contemporary Status
In Tibet, reconstruction of the original Dzogchen Monastery site has been ongoing since the early 1980s. The site now houses 300 legally registered monks, a nunnery, and approximately 750 other temporary residents, along with a shedra and a school for traditional Tibetan medicine. A new retreat center and temple complex dedicated to Dzogchen teachings and practice has also been built in the Dzogchen valley at Pema Tang.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dzogchen Monastery founded?
Dzogchen Monastery was founded in 1684 by Pema Rigdzin, the 1st Dzogchen Rinpoche. It was established in Kham, within modern-day Dêgê County, Sichuan, China.
What is the religious tradition of Dzogchen Monastery?
Dzogchen Monastery belongs to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is recognized as one of the "Six Mother Monasteries" of this tradition.
What significant historical events have affected Dzogchen Monastery?
The monastery was almost totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1842, later rebuilt, and then completely destroyed by the Chinese in 1959. Its main temple was also destroyed by fire in 1936.
Where is Dzogchen Monastery located?
Historically, Dzogchen Monastery was located in Kham, within modern-day Dêgê County, Sichuan, China. Following its destruction, a new monastery was re-established in South India, in the Dhondenling Tibetan settlement in Kollegal.
What is the significance of the Sri Singha Shedra at Dzogchen Monastery?
The Sri Singha Shedra at Dzogchen Monastery became especially renowned. It was established shortly after the monastery was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1842 and served as an important educational institution.
Is there an active monastic community at Dzogchen Monastery today?
Yes, the monastery in Tibet has 300 legally registered monks in residence, along with a nunnery and others staying temporarily. The re-established monastery in South India also houses an active community and serves as the seat of the seventh Dzogchen Rinpoche.
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