Ngagyur Tsogyal Shedrupling Nunnery

In 1993, His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche established a nunnery which is about a kilometre from Namdroling Monastery. His Holiness the Dalai Lama named it Tsogyal Shedrub Ling. It includes a three-story temple surrounded by dormitories. The number of nuns has increased gradually to 1200 and more than 600 are resident nuns. The nunnery has four divisions: Dratsang, Jr. School, Institute and Retreat Center. It has academic departments of Editorial Committee, Computer Room and Library. Over 300 younger nuns receive a basic monastic education in the Jr. High School; older nuns receive instructions on Ngondro (Preliminary Practice), Tsalung (Channels and Wind) and Dzogchen (Great Perfection). His Holiness having a view in mind the need of an institute in nunnery established it in 1995, and named, "Tsogyal Shedrub Thosam Gawai Tsel". The syllabus is almost the same as in the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, and is also a nine year course. The rules and administration of the nun’s institute are the same as in the monk's institute. To promote peace and harmony in the world, they conduct Tara ritual every morning with dedication prayers and make Dharmapala petition offerings every evening. During other significant days they perform Rigzin Duepa (the assemblage of knowledge-holders) and feast offering as per Dakini view point. In 2002, they started sending teachers to other nunneries and there is a great hope they will render service in future through teaching in other nunneries.