"Choeding Rinpoche is the eighth emanation of Geshe Ben Kunkyen at the Shang Ganden Choekor monastery which was founded in the year 1604 by the great Fifth Dalai Lama. He was recognized as a Tulku by Phurchok Jamgon Rinpoche, one of the tutors of the 13th Dalai Lama. Born in 1936, Choeding Rinpoche entered the Ganden Choekor Monastery at the age of seven. After several years spent in study, memorizing texts and passing Buddhist examinations he entered Sera Je Monastery at the age of 14 to study Buddhist Dialectics. In 1958 he escaped the Chinese invasion of Tibet and fled to exile in India. He founded the new Ganden Choekar monastery in Pokhara, Nepal. In 1991 he received a Geshe degree at Sera Je in south India."

Shang Gadhen Choekorling Monastery

The Shang Gadhen Choekorling Monastery is an exact replica of one of the most famous monasteries in Tibet. The monastery was funded by ex-guerrillas who had given up their monkhood to fight for freedom in Tibet in the 1950's. Today there are about 50 monks living and working here under the guidance of head monk Choeding Rinpoche (who escaped from Tibet in 1959). The younger monks are now learning English and computer technology so they can continue to contribute to contemporary society. The modern education will provide the monks with the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Buddhism in a formal, academic environment. Our monks follow the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Photo of original monastery in Tibet (before Chinese invasion).

      

Present day photos of monastery, Paljorling Tibetan Settlement (Pokhara, Nepal)

Sacred Buddhist Stupa and Prayer Chortens.