(Gangteng Shedra - A Center for Profound Buddhist Studies)
Established in 1985, Gangteng Shedra was founded as a center for higher Buddhist studies at Gangteng Sangag Choling Monastery by Gangteng Rinpoche, with advice from the fourth King of Bhutan and Chabje Penor Rinpoche. At its inception, the Shedra had 46 student monks led by Principal Khenpo Lopzang Chophel and accompanied by other teachers. The esteemed Buddhist master Chabje Dilgo Khentshe Rinpoche blessed the land and prayed for its future prosperity. During a transmission of Jampel Tshonjod, Chabje Jadrel Sangay Dorji bestowed the name Dongag Thoesam Rabgayling upon the Shedra and encouraged its members to strive for fruitful outcomes in accordance with the name. Khenchen Pema Sharab provided teachings on a variety of Buddhist texts and administered the vows of gaytshul and gelong to the monks. As the number of monks at the Shedra grew, management issues arose, leading to a relocation to Kunzang Choling Dubdey in 1997, where the Shedra currently resides. Since then, it has become a place of refuge for those who wish to explore Buddhist philosophy, history, and culture in greater depth, with a particular focus on the philosophical treaties of sutra and tantra composed by the Six Ornaments (Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Asanga, Dignaga, Vasubhandu, and Dharmakirti) and the Two Supreme Ones (Shakyaprabha and Gunaprabha), who were great Indian saints of Buddhism. In addition, the Shedra also emphasizes the study of the philosophical treaties of the four Kuenkhen (Maha Rongzomapa, Gyelwa Longchenpa, Kuenkhen Jigme Lingpa, and Kuenkhen Mipham Rinpoche), who were great Tibetan Buddhist saints. Specifically, the students at the Shedra study the treasure texts, history, and culture of the King Treasure Revealer Terton Pema Lingpa, a prominent figure in Bhutanese Buddhism. Presently, the Shedra is home to a faculty of 16 instructors who are providing guidance to over 250 monks across a range of educational levels, from standards 1 through 9.
