Welcome to the Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Situated near the renowned Swayambhu Stupa in Kathmandu the monastery assembles the monastic school Benchen Phuntsok Dagyeling, the state-approved Primary School, the Benchen Free Clinic, the meditation centre Clear Light in Pharping and the new Benchen Shedra next to it.
The monastery is run by the two Buddhist scholars S.E. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and Ven. Tenga Rinpoche. “Rinpoche” meaning precious, is a title of great respect. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche and Tenga Rinpoche belong to the todays most acknowledged meditation masters in traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Both Rinpoches visit many European and Asian countries on their teaching tours.
In the 1970s Tenga Rinpoche bought a plot of land near the great Stupa of Swayambhu one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Kathmandu. Thus he followed the advice of his teacher Karmapa to build a monastery at this holy place.
In January 1987 the foundation stone for Benchen Phuntsok Dargyeling was laid. In 1995 the monastery was changed into a charitable trust founded by Tenga Rinpoche. The establishment of Benchen monastery created a basis on which the conservation and dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism can be achieved in the long term. For many people in Kathmandu the monastery is the basis of their livelihood. They find employment through the monastery, seek medical help and receive education as well as religious inspiration at Benchen.