His Holiness Inaugurates Buddhist Learning Centre Near Dharamsala[Monday, 13 September 2010, 4:06 p.m.]

His Holiness the Dalai Lama greets a congregation during the consecration of Dorzong Monastic Institute near Gopalpur, some 20 km from Dharamsala, on 12 September 2010/Photos by Jigme Tsering/Tibetonline TV

Dharamshala: Dorzong Monastic Institute – a Buddhist learning centre nestled in a picturesque area covered with cedar forests near Gopalpur village, some 20 km from Dharamsala, was inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday.The institute was established by the Eighth Kyabje Dorzong Rinpoche, Ngawang Choekyi Nyima, to preserve Buddhism in general and the tradition of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage in particular.

Dorzong Monastic Institute/Photo courtesy: Dorzong Monastic Institute

The institute helps interested students of the Himalayan regions such as Zanskar, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, as well as Tibetans residing in India, to study and practice Buddhism.It will act as an important centre for holding seminars and lectures on Buddhist teachings, translation and publications of teachings on Buddhism, ethics, arts and Tibetan language. On behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche commended the efforts of Kyabje Dorzong Rinpoche. “The objective of this institute is markedly different and noteworthy from other monasteries as it aims to provide opportunity to young Tibetans and people of Himalayan regions to study their traditional Buddhist religion,” Kalon Tripa said during the ceremony.In his address, His Holiness the Dalai Lama praised Dorzong Rinpoche for his great learning and experience, and his service to Buddhism through education.His Holiness emphasised the need to study Buddha’s teachings on cultivating love, compassion and ethical behaviour based on reasoning and their relevance in our day to day life.His Holiness underlined that awareness among the general public in understanding Buddhism through study and logic will help its preservation and promotion.The ceremony was attended by His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration.The foundation stone of the institute was laid by former chief minister Raja Virbhadra Singh on 5 December 2003.The Dorzong Monastery was established by one of eminent masters of Drukpa Kagyu lineage, the First Kyabje Dorzong Rinpoche, Konchok Gyalpo, at Dorje Dzong (the Vajra Fort) in Rongmi district in Tibet’s Kham Province. Since then, many accomplished masters of the lineage have appeared in Rongmi and Gon Jo regions of Kham.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (R) during the inauguration of Dorzong Monastic Institute

His Holiness (c) lights butter lamp during the inauguration of Dorzong Monastic Institute. Also seen in the picture is Gyalwang Karmapa (R).

His Holiness presides over a ceremony during the inauguration of Dorzong Monastic Institute.