Ganden Trupten Ngelek Ling Monastery

Firstly, Nangso Monastery is located near the sacred place called Pema Thondol where lots of great practitioners have came before and consecrated their blessings. They also recognised it as the sacred place of the tantric deity, Guryasamajah. The formation of this place has special features, different signs of virtuous actions (performed in the past) and beautiful structures.A great yogi of Brahmin descent built this monastery in 1301. With a change of religious tenets, the monastery was given different names such as Phunchok Rabten Ling and Ganden Thupten Ngelek Ling, etc. From the middle of the 17th century, the manner of study had completely degenerated in the monastery. In 1659, the 11th Rabchung Earth Pig year, the 16 members of the Ganden Drachang appealed to the Tibetan government, “Ganden Phodrang”. The great 5th Dalai Lama accepted and the government appointed the Tulku of the 32nd Ganden Throne Holder, Lobsang Yeshe Namgyal (6th incarnation) and his elder brother Ngawang Shenyen as the head of the monastery.After that, in the Fire Sheep year, the Tibetan government offered the token of authority consisting of a decree, an ivory seal, and gold ornament for horse among many other precious items to the monastery. This monastery was ranked third under the monastic ranking system of that time. After that, the name of the monastery was known as Thupten Ngelek Ling. The number of monks increased from 100 to 800.

However, the Tsuklakhang was destroyed and in ruins during the Cultural Revolution. It was only in 1985, during the religious liberal era that Rinpoche, lamas and lay people started the reconstruction of the monastery. Now, the main shrine, the Mahakala retreat centre for conducting the traditional 3 years and 3 months retreat, the Guru’s residential quarter, 2 gigantic prayer wheels, lamas’ residential quarters etc. were completed. Buddha statues, relic stupas, scriptures, thankas and many other structures and items symbolizing the body, speech and mind of the enlighten beings were restored. However due to limited resources, many outstanding items have yet to be restored
In general, Buddha Dharma can be condensed into 2 paths, that is discourse and practice. Discourse refers to the expounding of scriptures and discussing of Dharma, which incorporates listening and comprehending.

Before engaging in any Dharma practice, one needs to listen and comprehend the Dharma so that one’s practice will be free from errors and misconception.
Especially, due to education and the wide support of Buddha Dharma, one can have a deeper understanding of the essence of Buddha Dharma. Hence, it is of ultimate importance to have a systematic approach to the education of the Buddha Dharma, a conducive environment for study and practice as well as qualified Khenpos. These elements cannot be absent from a Buddhist School and are therefore very important. His Holiness, Ganden Rinpoche had already plans to restore the Buddhist School long ago, however due to limited resources, His wishes could not be fulfilled.
Hence, Ganden Rinpoche travelled from country to country, propagating the Buddha Dharma and at the same time raising funds for the reconstruction of the monastery and Buddha statues, with the wish to obtain sponsorship with those who have connections with Him.

The main proposals for the monastery are as follows:

1) The front wall of the main hall needs to be repair so as to prevent the elements such as wind and rain to further damaged the interior. After which, the interior will be tear down starting from the upper most floor to the lowest floor.

2) The 3 year 3 month retreat centre needs to be re-constructed, as the air ventilation is poor, especially during cooking of meals as it cause disturbance to the retreat practices.

3) As the Buddhist College is totally destroyed, reconstruction should commence as soon as possible so as to facilitate dharma activities such as education. This is also to curb the current severe shortage of monks.

4) As there is no electricity throughout the monastery, a power generator should be acquired.

5) As the river water froze during winter, there is severe shortage of drinking water. Therefore a reasonable quality water heater and pipes will have to be purchase and install.

No matter how much one contribute towards the monastery rebuilding funds; one can leave your name and photo. Ganden Rinpoche will bring these names and photo back to the monastery where He will dedicate the merits for one’s health and longevity, prosperity and one’s rebirth in Amithaba’s pure realm.