Namdroling
is counted among the best Buddhist monasteries in the country. It is located
in Byalakuppe, which is the part of the Mysore district of the state of
Karnataka. The monastery houses thousands of lamas, monks ad nuns, making it
the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa - a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in
the world. The monastery was established by His Holiness, Pema Norbu
Rinpoche from Tibet. Among those who have studied or studding in the
monastery include all the major lineage holding tulkus or lamas of the
Palyul tradition, including the fifth Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, the third
Choktrul Rinpoche and the third Rago Choktrul Rinpoche. They are spiritually
trained and directed by Rinpoche himself. Tulkus belonging to the other
traditions have also studied in the monastery including the Sakyong (Mipham
Rinpoche), Minling Dungsey, and Minling Khenchen Rinpoche. Rinpoche has worked very hard to bring up the Monastery, he never leaves anyone disappointed, who is qualified to join the monastic sangha. All the expenses which are required to live including the housing, food, medical care, clothing and even studding is borne by the Rinpoche himself.
Apart from being the biggest Nyingmapa center, it also has a retreat center, started in 1985, where thirty monks undergo an intsive 30 day retreat. Rinpoche personally instucts them in Dzogchen Longchen Nyingtik cycle. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is a must visit for the tourists coming to bask in he glory of incredible India.
