Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery
About
Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is one of the most significant Kagyu Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, located at the sacred pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. Established through the tireless efforts of Khyabje Thrangu Rinpoche, the monastery serves as a complete center for Buddhist study, meditation practice, and compassionate activity.
The Inspiration Behind the Monastery
Understanding the extraordinary sanctity of Namo Buddha—the site where the Buddha, in a former life as Prince Great Being, offered his body to a starving tigress—Khyabje Thrangu Rinpoche resolved to establish a monastery that would fully embody the Buddha’s teachings.
Disregarding immense hardship, including the absence of roads, electricity, and even personal living quarters, Thrangu Rinpoche walked repeatedly from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha, covering twelve kilometers each time. Guided by the teachings of the Buddha and the Karma Kagyu lineage, he envisioned a monastery structured around three essential pillars of Dharma activity:
- A monastic college dedicated to the study of Buddhist philosophy
- A practice assembly focused on meditation and retreat
- An activity contingent supporting practical and compassionate service
The aspiration behind these efforts was vast—to benefit all beings by pacifying suffering such as sickness, famine, conflict, and discord, while guiding people toward peace, nonviolence, higher rebirth, and ultimate liberation.
As expressed in a traditional verse reflecting this aspiration:
Noble individuals do not announce what they plan to do.
Since they do not make a promise easily,
As if it were inscribed in stone,
Their promise will not change even if they pass away.
Description of the Monastic Complex
The Main Temple (Six-Story Structure)
At the heart of the monastery stands the main temple building, rising six stories high and crowned by a curved golden roof in the Indian style. The principal shrine hall is located on the fourth floor and is supported by thirty-six pillars, each enshrining a gilded bronze Buddha.
At the front are statues of the Seven Buddhas of the Past, with Shakyamuni Buddha at the center. Behind them, alcoves are filled with a thousand Buddhas of the Fortunate Era, while the ceiling is adorned with fifteen mandalas from the great tantras. A hidden sanctuary lies behind the main shrine, and a broad veranda opens toward the sacred landscape—fulfilling the classical Vinaya description of a great temple hall.
The Hidden Sanctuary
The three-story sanctuary enshrines:
- The Buddha of the present
- The Buddha of the past
- The Buddha of the future
Turquoise dragons spiral around pillars, symbolizing awakened energy and protection. Rows of a thousand Buddhas further reinforce the theme of timeless enlightenment.
Exterior Sacred Architecture
The exterior is richly ornamented with:
- Symbols of the Five Buddha Families
- Gilded finials, victory banners, and makaras (mythical water beings)
- Lotus petals, jeweled garlands, and auspicious medallions
At the veranda stands the Wheel of Dharma flanked by two deer, symbolizing the Buddha’s first teaching.
As described poetically:
If one creates in earnest the armor of bodhicitta,
It is like the treasury of space offering unlimited generosity.
Supporting Buildings and Institutions
Monastic Facilities
- Dining halls, kitchens, steward offices, and storage buildings
- Guesthouse for pilgrims and benefactors
- Medical clinic providing modern healthcare
Shree Mangal Dvip Branch School
Educating over a hundred young monks, the school offers:
- Traditional sciences (grammar, logic, ritual arts)
- Buddhist texts such as The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva
- Mathematics, computers, English, and Nepali
- Education up to ninth grade
Retreat Centers and Spiritual Practice
To the north lies the original retreat center, where five traditional three-year, three-month retreats were completed between 1978 and 2000. Retreat practice includes:
- Six Yogas of Naropa (Path of Means)
- Mahamudra (Path of Liberation)
- Chakrasamvara and other deity practices
- Guru yoga of Marpa
Later, the Thrangu Sekar Retreat Center was established near Bhaktapur, close to a site where Milarepa practiced.
Monastic College (Shedra)
To the northeast are the monastic college buildings, surrounded by gardens. Over a seven-year curriculum, monks study:
- Logic and dialectics
- Madhyamaka philosophy
- Vinaya (monastic discipline)
- Abhidharma
- Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom)
Graduates receive certification from Thrangu Rinpoche and may become teachers, retreatants, or future khenpos.
Dewachen – The Pure Land of Buddha Amitabha Temple
The Dewachen Temple represents the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, believed to be the most accessible pure realm for rebirth. Built by Khyabje Thrangu Rinpoche, the temple holds:
- A central statue of Amitabha
- Sacred images and memorials for the living and deceased
Because Dewachen stands at Namo Buddha—where the Buddha once offered his body—placing photos or remains here is believed to bring exceptional blessings. Amitabha aspiration prayers are performed twice monthly and on auspicious days to aid rebirth in the Pure Land.
Who founded Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery?
Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery was founded by Khyabje Thrangu Rinpoche, a great master of the Karma Kagyu tradition.
Where is Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery located?
It is located at Namo Buddha in Kavre District, southeast of Kathmandu, Nepal.
What is the purpose of the monastery?
The monastery integrates Buddhist study, meditation practice, and compassionate activity to benefit all beings.