“Penor Rinpoche Khenno”
In an
ever materialistic world every day the basic essence of humanity is
receding. A world crippled by extremist and their propaganda, we wage
war amongst ourselves, destitute and penury looming ever closer. Yet, we still wander aimlessly, driven by our greed and desires into an
abyss of sufferings and darkness.
To halt the decline of
moral and spiritual values, and to further herald and promote Buddha
Dharma; ‘Dongag Wosel Dargayling’ was founded in August 2003 under the
ever graceful summon and ordination of His Holiness Drupwang Pedma Norbu
Rinpoche.However, the foundation for Dongag Wosel Dargayling Monastery
was only laid in 2004.
The Monastery is located at
Shawagar, overlooking Khomshar village in Zhemgang Dzongkhag. As
accounted in Pema Kathang- the life history of Guru Rinpoche, it is
believed, Guru Rinpoche mediated one month at Shawagar.
People
of Bardo Geog, Zhemgang Dzongkhag live in remote villages, two to three
days walk from the nearest accessible road point.With the changing
times and people moving away seeking for greener pasture, an acute
shortage of monks and lay monks (gomchen) was felt. It’s becoming ever
difficult for the local people to perform the last rites for their loved
ones, let alone perform annual offerings and rituals.
When Khenpo Thubtan Dorji started recruiting monks for his Dratsang, the
first monk was a small boy of tender age a little more than 6 years old.
Now famously known as 'Kalay' (nick) used to live in 'Shesir'
(resettlement) Gelephu (southern foothills) with his mother and step
father. Kalay was notorious and still is, but equally his step father
was cruel. He recount events when he used to escape from his step
father's atrocities and spend the night in trees hiding.
Almost
all the monks that are residing in the monastery come from a poor and
broken families. At the monastery, the monks are taught Buddhist literature, philosophy and rituals. At present, the
monastery has over 50 monks; age ranging from as young as 6 years to
early 20s. The whole monastery is run solely by Lopen Thubtan Dorji and
his devotees.
During the inception of the monastery, Lopen
Thubtan Dorji used to receive generous donation from abroad (mexico).
Later, his families, friends and devotees started to make a monthly
contribution Nu 100 and more, depending upon ones financial status. To
this day, Lopen Thubtan Dorji goes about places seeking donation for his
monastery. One of the biggest supporter till date for his monastery is a
monk, a disciple of Lopen Thubtan Dorji who resides in Mexico, 'Yeshi
Peljor' and his faithful Mexican friends.
Buddhism not
only preaches kindness and compassion, however it helps us in the
after-life, and like it’s said, “every human being is a Buddha, however
for the while are in the Samsara obscured and inundated with ignorance
and sufferings.” Every Buddhist Institute strives for the benefit of all
sentient beings. Similarly, we hope and pray that we’re able to
contribute in whatever ways possible to uplift the Buddha dharma.
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