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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The lineage of abbots who have guided the monastery through exile and renewal.
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.
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.
The governing body responsible for the monastery's stewardship today.
Get in touch with Dzongkar Choede Monastery.
Get in touch with Dzongkar Choede Monastery.