About Dzongkar Choede
This page is the overview of the main institutional and communal layers of Dzongkar Choede. It is meant as a calm starting point from which visitors can read further about the monastery today, its history, its leadership, its community, and its practical structures.
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Dzongkar Choede monastery was razed to the ground and monks had to escape. Of the original 600 monks of the monastic community of Zongkar Choede before the destruction, less than 5% survived to tell the tale. A decade and a half elapsed in this historical twilight to alive in exile. Reconstruction began in the lush green forests and farmlands of coastal South India near the Arabian Sea in 1972 under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Government of India. Mud and bamboo thatches became living quarters, community kitchens and prayer halls for the new Zongkar Choede in exile.
A living monastery, read through its real layers. This overview is not meant to separate spiritual life from practical life. It is meant to help visitors understand how continuity, study, leadership, community, and care belong to one shared form of life.
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Our Heritage
Dzongkar Choede Monastery carries the royal and spiritual heritage of western Tibet, rooted in the sacred landscape of Mang-yul Upper Gung-thang and connected to the royal palace of Khunzong Karpo. Read the full account here.
Our Monastic Tradition
For centuries, the monastery has preserved Buddhist philosophy, meditation, tantric ritual practice, monastic chanting, debate, sacred dance, and ritual arts. These dimensions are set out in the Seven Pillars of monastic life.
Our Rebirth in Exile
After the destruction of the original monastery in Tibet, Dzongkar Choede was rebuilt in South India in 1972 under the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and with the support of the Government of India.
Abbots & Leadership
The lineage of abbots who have guided the monastery through exile and renewal.
Our Community Today
Today, Dzongkar Choede is a living monastic community of more than 300 monks, dedicated to education, spiritual practice, cultural preservation, and service. Meet the community, its Buddhist education, western school, and healthcare center.
Our Future
Dzongkar Choede continues to protect and share the wisdom, compassion, art, and spiritual culture of Tibet for generations to come. You can support that continuity.
Administration
The governing body responsible for the monastery's stewardship today.
Contact
Get in touch with Dzongkar Choede Monastery.
Support
Get in touch with Dzongkar Choede Monastery.