Dzongsar Monastery

Dzongsar and village. Photo by Matthew Pistono

Dzongsar Monastery. Photo courtesy of Stefan Eckel

Dzongsar Monastery (rdzong gsar dgon pa) - A Sakya monastery in Derge which was the main seat of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö. The other main incarnations at Dzongsar were the Gongna and Ngari tulkus.

History

Dzongsar Tibetan Buddhist Monastery was founded by Chögyal Pakpa on his return from China in 1275. Before this it had been a Nyingmapa and a Kadampa temple, and originally was the site of a Bönpo shrine.Before 1958, Dzongsar had between 300 and 500 monks, but the whole surrounding area would be filled with tents whenever Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo or Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö were in residence, with people camping for days or even weeks in the hope of gaining an audience with these great masters.All the temples were destroyed in 1958, but rebuilding began in 1983 under the guidance of Dr. Lodrö Puntsok.

In order to preserve and develop Tibetan traditional culture; to protect natural environment; and to promote local education, culture, economy and medical care in a sustainable way, Dzongsar Tibetan Hospital (under the wise direction of Dr Lodrö Puntsok) set up Yothok Yonden Medical Association. This is the first non-government organization (NGO) in Dege County. Also, the second NGO in Ganze Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China. Even though the name of the organization is "Medical Association", it serves local people in many different aspects.

A free promotional DVD "Yothok Yonden Gonpo Medical Association 2007" has been produced and published by the Association (Secretary: Karpu yyma@163.com); and narrated i) in Chinese by Wang Yong Gang & Lee Xiao Qing, and ii) in English by Warren Rodwell. Acknowledgements to : The People's Government of Dege County, Germen Misereor Foundation, Oga Thingo, Sechen Rabjam Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Foundation, Ven. Matthiew Ricard, and Tsadra Foundation. More people are needed to participate in Dzongsar community projects & work. You are always welcome to become volunteers in the organization. If you are willing to help without salary, accommodation can be offered in Tibetan areas as well as the opportunity to develop your skills to the fullest.

Contact Details:

Dzongsar Tibetan Hospital Meshay Area, Dege County, Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province, China 627255 Phone: 86 + 836 + 8221666 or:

7#, 4th Floor, 3rd Building, 35#, Section 2 Baihe Road,Dongsheng Town, Shuangliu County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China 610200 Phone: 86 + 28 + 85803187 Fax: 86 + 28 + 85803735

Email: yyma@163.com