Lerab Ling
Founded in 1991 by Sogyal Rinpoche and located near Montpellier in southern France, Lerab Ling is home to the Rigpa Shedra West, and includes the newly constructed temple Palri Pema Ösel Dargyé Ling, also known as The Institute of Wisdom and Compassion.
History
- The site was chosen on the advice of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
- 1991 - 3rd and 4th August, Dodrupchen Rinpoche visited the site and blessed the land. He gave the name 'Ratna Ganga' to the stream.
- 1992 - The first three month retreat (108 days) retreat was held, led by Sogyal Rinpoche. Dzogchen Rinpoche, Garje Khamtrul Rinpoche and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche also gave teachings.
- 1993 - The second three month retreat led by Sogyal Rinpoche saw visits from Khenpo Jikmé Puntsok and Thich Nhat Hanh.
- 1994 - Three retreats are held during the summer, with visits from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Rinpoche and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche.
- 1995 - Three retreats are held again, led by Sogyal Rinpoche, with the Dzogchen retreat in August featuring a visit from Kyabjé Penor Rinpoche who gave the empowerments of the Nyingtik Yabshyi. Dzogchen Rinpoche, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche and Khenpo Namdrol also attended.
- 1996 - The summer saw visits from Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Khandro Tsering Chödrön, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, who gave an elaborate empowerment of Chimé Phakmé Nyingtik, Neten Chokling Rinpoche and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche.
- 1997 - The three months of the summer began with a visit from Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, and saw visits from Khenpo Petse, who taught Mipham Rinpoche's commentary on the Guhyagarbha Tantra, Dzogchen Rinpoche, who gave an empowerment of Nyenpo Lha Sum, Chokling Rinpoche and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche who led a Vajrakilaya drupchö, Tulku Pegyal Rinpoche who taught on phowa and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche who began his series of teachings on the Bodhicharyavatara.