03/03/2024
BRIFE EXPLANATION ABOUT PERLI PEMA CHOLING MONASTERY
Perli Pema Choling Monastery
Pelri Pema Choling monastery was founded by Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen as a new home for his disciples. It is located between two important holy places Kinzang Ling and Samten Ling (residence of Longchen Rabjam). Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen was advised by his root Guru His Eminence Dudjom Rinpoche to build monastery at this particular site to flourish Pema Lingpa’s culture and heritage.
In 2000 Lama Yeshi Rinchen began to build Pelri Pema Choling monastery in Paro. It took almost five years for master craftsmen, stonemasons, sculptors, painters and master tailors to make the monastery an exquisite replica of Bhutanese art and architecture.
The inner walls of the monastery are covered with the moral painting of the Pema Lingpa’s Linage and his way of life.
The present Principal of Pelri Pema Choling monastery is Jamyang Dorji, the eldest son of the Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen. Currently there are forty five young monks in the age group of 10-25 from different parts of Bhutan. They receive teachings on Buddhist philosophy and mask dance with a modern approach and outlook.
Tshogbhum (ceremonies lasting three consecutive days) are conducted annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche and also for the welfare of all sentient beings. The third day Tshogbhum concludes with the performance of sacred dance by monks. Jamyang Dorji the principal of the monastery presides over all the major ceremonies.
Throughout the year, Pelri Pema Choling monks organize events for the public and serve the spiritual needs of the local community.
The monastery provides a complete education programme for the monks besides meeting the expenses of their food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
You can support the monastery by joining the Pelri Pema Choling’s sponsorship programs. This is a heartwarming and unique opportunity to enable a young person to receive an education and become a vital link for future generation.
History of the Founder:
The founder of the Pelri Pema Choling Monastery was late Lama Yeshi Rinchen (1936-2008). He was from Drametse, eastern Bhutan. Drameste is a holy place whereby Terton Pema Lingpa’s granddaughter Ani Chorten Zangmo who was believed to be Khandom and blessed the place.
Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen was a son to Lama Tenzin Zangpo and Ani Dawa Zangmo. He received his religious education from his father Lama Tenzin Zangpo, who was a devout follower of famous Guru Thokden Shacha Sheri.
At the age of ten Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen joined Drametse Namdrul Ugyen Choling monastery as a lay-monk. He served in the same monastery for more than thirty years pursuing different fields of studies. He excelled in the sacred mask dance. He received Wangs and Lungs from various Eminences. His root Guru Dudjom Rinpoche had advised Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen to continue practicing the Peling Lineage.
After completing his study from Drameste Monastery, he had served as the head Lama of Gongthung monastery and established religious practice there. During pilgrimage in Paro, he met with Mr.kurchung, Mr. Sonam and Mrs. Choden who generously offered their private land for construction of the present monastery in the year 2001 for the spread of Peling tradition. Then he had established the Pema Lingpa’s tradition to perform mask dance and conduct religious practices.
Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen passed away at the age of 72 in the year 2009 after establishing the abbot.
Present Principal of the monastery
The current Principal of the monastery is Khempo Jamyang Dorji (1978). At the very early age he studied with his father Late Lama Yeshi Rinchen (founder of the monastery).
Later at the age of 9, he joined H.H. Dhodrupchen Monastery (Sikkim, India). At the age of 21 he was admitted at Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in 1999 and successfully completed nine years course which is equivalent to the Degree of Acharya (Ph.D.) in Nyingmapa Buddhist Philosophy in Kathmandu, Nepal, founded by H.H. Late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He had received empowerment and oral transmission from H.H. Rabjam Rinpoche, H.H. Penor Rinpoche, H.H. Trulshik Rinpoche, H.H. Namkha Nyingpo Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters. He had also stayed in retreat and practiced meditation.
He served as a Discipliner Master and work as a teacher for two years in the same college. He also worked as a Chant Master during Drupchens in Bhutan which is annually organized in Paro and Bumthang by Shenchen monks followed by H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Yangsey Rinpoche.
Location of the monastery
The monastery is located on a hill top at an altitude of 2900 meters. It is 5 kms from the National Museum and is 20 minutes drive. The place is blessed by one of the most brilliant teachers of the Nyingma Lineage, Longchen Rabjam. From the monastery one could see the spectacular view of Paro.
New monastery construction project
The devastating earthquake of September 2011 has caused considerable structural damage on the existing monastery. In addition to that, the ground stability of the present structure is observed as unstable. Moreover, it is difficult to accommodate monks and devotees during ritual programs in the present monastery. There are 47 monks in the monastery. So, the new construction has started and we welcome all the devotees to support the project. Your small contribution will immensely benefit the project. Let’s together flourish the Buddha Dharma in the world.
