11/27/2023
THUPTEN RINPOCHE'S NEW TEMPLE IS COMPLETED-- Thupsung Dhargye Ling In Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India
Opening ceremonies took place on April 5-7, 2017 presided over by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. Events included teachings from His Holiness, a Chenrezig (Buddha of Compassion) empowerment and The National Seminar on Buddhism and the People of the Himalayan Regions.
The name of the temple, Thupsung Dhargye Ling means, “Place of Flourishing of the Buddha’s Speech”. This temple is special because it is to be used by laypeople, not only for the ordained. Although there are monks to teach and provide religious services, the temple encourages locals to become literate in their own Tibetan language (not available in local schools), to engage in religious studies, and make personal spiritual progress through their own engagement with Buddhist principles and practices.
As Tibetan culture becomes ever more endangered in its places of origin, it becomes critical to preserve and protect all regions of indigenous Tibetan identity. The area where this temple is located, on the south side of the eastern Himalayas, is home to an ethnic group that is of culturally Tibetan origin, speaking a unique dialect of Tibetan language and having lived in the area for hundreds of years. Strengthening this legacy is one of the missions of this temple, as well as to provide a hub for Tibetan religion and culture along the southern section of the Himalayan range (now in India).
The temple brings opportunities for culture, literacy and health to local people of all ages. In addition it offers retreat space and learning situations for overseas students of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
