Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery

A Brief Overview

Some forty ago, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpey Dorje, gave a command and prophecy to one of his principal gurus, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Dharma Master of Lachab Gompa in Kham: "If you go to Nepal, it will further the Buddhist Doctrine and bring benefit to sentient beings."

In accordance with Karmapa's wish, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche left his monastery in eastern Tibet and crossed over the Himalayan Mountains into neighboring Nepal where he journeyed in its northern regions. Shortly thereafter, Karmapa placed Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche in charge of Nagi Gompa, a nunnery situated high on the northern slopes of Kathmandu Valley. After settling there, he quickly expanded the nunnery to include a main temple and simple dwellings for about 80 nuns.

Early in 1972, Tulku Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Chokling Rinpoche joined their parents, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and his consort, Kunsang Dechen, in Kathmandu. Until that time, the brothers had been studying since childhood at Rumtek Monastery, seat of His Holiness Karmapa, in Sikkim. Within a short time, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and his family began construction of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery on spacious farmland just north of the ancient legendary Jarung Khashor Stupa in the village of Boudha Nath.

Upon completion of the monastery in 1976, His Majesty King Birendra of Nepal performed the official inauguration, the first time he had performed such a ceremony for a Buddhist monastery. Immediately thereafter, His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa appointed 24-year old Tulku Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche abbot of the new monastery. Karmapa then carried out the elaborate consecration ceremonies for the monastery while several thousand monks, nuns, and lay people, both native and foreign, offered ceremonial white scarves as a symbol of auspicious connection. Later that same day, the local Nepalese celebrated the opening with a medley of colorful folk dances and songs.

During the following weeks, His Holiness Karmapa remained at the monastery and, seated on the highest throne in its large main shrine-hall, offered to the public the complete transmission of the Kagyu Ngak-dzo cycle of teachings and practices. Since that time, Tulku Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche has served as abbot of the monastery while Chokling Rinpoche has functioned as the dorje lobpon, or Vajra Master.

In keeping with its auspicious and promising beginnings, Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling swiftly blossomed in all directions. As the years passed, the ceremonial thrones of its serene main temple have been graced by the presence of a host of high Lamas of all four traditions. Each Losar (New Year) has ushered in a flourish of propitious activity. Under the capable, ever-present, ever-watchful direction of the distinguished family lineage of high Lamas, its unique mandala has evolved into a haven for Tibetan Buddhist clergy as well as an oasis for wayfarers seeking the heart of wisdom in the high Himalayas.