Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery Palampur

Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery is situated about 15kms from Palampur. The monastery is located in Tashi Jong village, which is a small rural area situated between Paprola and Taragarh. Home to the Drugpa Kagyu tradition of Buddhism, this monastery is one of the schools of Kagyu tradition established by 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dongyu Nyima. The monastery complex houses the main temple, the stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche, and the Yamantak Retreat Center which is restricted to the general public.

Designed by Khamtrul Rinpoche, the entire building is adorned with woodcarving, gilding and painting. Several manifestation of Buddha has also been placed in the monastery including the Buddha Shakyamuni. Apart from being a monastery, Tashi Jong is an excellent craft emporium, where Tibetan artifacts are available.

History The community at Tashi Jong was established by 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dongyu Nyima. Following the Drugpa Kagyu tradition, the community practices ascetic yoga. This school of Kagyu tradition is inspired by Indian tantric yogi – Tilopa, who is reckoned to have developed a meditation technique called Mahamudra. Tibetans later developed another technique called the 'Kadampa' and the mixture of the two resulted in the formation of Drugpa Kagyu School, of which the Khampagar Monastery is a follower.