Name of the Shedra/Drubdey/Goendey: Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa/Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Shedra
Year of the Establishment: Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa is said to have established around 1569 AD. Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Shedra was established on 12th October 2014 at Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa.
Brief background of the Goendhey/Drubdey/Shedra:
In the peaceful Himalayan Country of Bhutan, a small monastery known as Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa is located above the village of Khar under Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. It majestically overlooks four villages of Khar such as Bodung, Yajur, Bongman and Labar. Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa is highly revered by the people of this region.
Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa is believed to have been established about 450 years ago by the descendants of great treasure revealer Pema Lingpa and Lhase Tsangma. It is also said to have been visited by various important lamas like Yap Tenpai Nima.
Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa is located on a ridge measuring about 6800 feet high in a secluded place, it’s a day’s walk from the villages. However, recently, it has been connected by a farm road which can take around 2 hours to reach the Goenpa.
The Dungkhar Goenpa being located in a secluded area, many historical treasures and nangtens have already been lost and vandalized. There are no settlements nearby to take care of the lhakhang. Therefore, the remaining nangtens are at risk of being stolen, which if happens will be a great loss to the community and the country as a whole.
Therefore, to address above challenges and difficulties we have instituted Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Shedra under the guidance and patronage of Hon’ble Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, Ex Chief Jusctice of Bhutan on 12th October 2014. His Holiness Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche graced the opening of new Shedra and blessed by Rinpoche himself. Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Shedra has always been fortunate to receive highly realized Khenpo and Lopen from Gangtey Goenpa.
Dungkhar Ugyen Choeling Goenpa has branch Lhakhangs; Khar Choetara Kadam Lhakhang and Labar Lhakhang which had been continuously practicing Pedling Tradition since time immemorial.
Name of the head of the Goendhey/Drubthey/Shedra: Principal Khenpo Sonam Dorji and Lopen Phuntsho Gyeltshen
Total number of Teachers: One་
Total number of non-teaching staff including Lalop, Gomchen, Anem: Non-teaching staff- 1. Gomchen -17. Anem: Nil
Total number of classes with no. of students: One classroom with 15 students
Co-curricular activities like zorig chusum, debate, teaching etc:
Furnish the regular religious activities performed in the calendar year: Tshokbum
Performance of community development services: Teaching on the Namthar of Terton Pema Lingpa by Khenpo and Lopen, Actively involved in performing Lhaseol, Performing Rimdro for the sick and dead people, actively involved in local Tsechus.
Special initiatives, outstanding programs being implemented/to be implemented: Age old people who wish to come and practice Dharma are cordially welcomed by Dungkhar Shedra with proper food and accommodation. The Dungkhar Shedra and its committee are in the process of drafting guidelines for the children with special needs who are entering into monkhood and children born out of wedlock. We are also planning to take care of children who are left unattended by parents and guardians. The children doesn’t necessarily have to enter into monkhood, instead Shedra will open up new areas of interest and offer opportunities to pursue their interest. This aim is to make good human being. Dungkhar Shedra is in the process of constructing seven unit Tshamkhang.
Forward quality photographs of all the above structures and activities
Name and phone number of the contact person: 1. Khenpo Sonam Dorji, Mobile Number: 17646952. Lopen Phuntsho Gyeltshen, Mobile Number: 77796145
