Rato Dratsang

Rato Dratsang is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery belonging to the Gelug, or "Yellow Hat," order. Historically, it served as a vital hub for Buddhist scholarship and rigorous debate in Central Tibet. Founded in the 14th century on the outskirts of Lhasa by Tak Pa Zang Bo, the monastery was celebrated for its learned monks and its dedication to the study of Buddhist philosophy and logic. Its reputation for scholarly excellence led the 5th Dalai Lama to refer to it as the "Tiger Nest," a testament to the intellectual prowess fostered within its walls.

History and Re-establishment

The monastery flourished for centuries, attracting monks from other institutions to engage in intensive study and debate. However, the tumultuous events of 1959 led to the displacement of many monks, and the original Rato Dratsang in Tibet was impacted. In response, Rato Dratsang was re-established in 1983 within a Tibetan refugee settlement in Mundgod, Karnataka State, southern India. Initially comprising modest facilities, it gradually expanded with the acquisition of more land and the construction of a new monastic campus, with the new temple inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in January 2011. As of 2020, the monastery hosts over 100 monks and continues its mission as a monastic university.

Leadership and Foundation

In a historic appointment, the 14th Dalai Lama named Nicholas Vreeland, a Western monk, as the Abbot of Rato Dratsang in May 2012, marking a significant moment for the monastery and Tibetan Buddhism in the West. The monastery is recognized as one of the important Tibetan Government monasteries under the patronage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. To support its growth and scholarly endeavors, the Rato Dratsang Foundation was established in 1986. This non-profit organization aims to generate financial support, foster scholarly affiliations with Western educational centers, and facilitate the translation and publication of important Buddhist texts.