Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Centre 涅顿巴巴林闭关中心

New Lama's Retreat Centre at Sarangkot, Pokhara, Nepal

Situated amidst the tranquil mountains of Nepal, the serenity of the environment which permeates throughout provides an ideal and conducive place of retreat for the Lamas. For some lamas, the aspiration to devote themselves whole-heartedly within the religious practices falls short of a well-facilitated learning environment. Shangpa Rinpoche had long foreseen the basic survival needs of the Lamas, which plays a critical role in ensuring that the Lamas can concentrate mindfully on their retreats without having to worry over unsuitable living conditions or the lack of basic amenities. Each retreat lasts for at least a minimum of 3 years and 3 months.

With this benevolent and magnanimous vision of aiding the Lamas in their religious retreat and Buddhist practices, this building project has been compassionately undertaken by Shangpa Rinpoche. The retreat centre is now completed with the generous contribution of donors and supporters and we would like to thank everyone for your support. We would like to appeal for your continual support towards the 3 years retreat that the retreat lamas are undertaking as the Lamas are dedicating their lives to abide by the Buddha's teachings to uphold supreme faith in excellent conduct, attain enlightened wisdom and Bodhicitta.

Many of us maybe unable to personally propagate the Buddha Dharma, but we can certainly generate mindful thoughts of compassion and donate in kind to assist the Lamas in their spiritual path of enlightenment. Let us appeal to the very instinctual, loving heartstrings within us and do whatever we can to support the devout Lamas in their noble and selfless mission.

Text from the PDF:

To preserve and propagate the unbroken lineage of Mahamudra practice in modern times, Ven Shangpa Rinpoche, has compassionately undertaken the project of building a new Lama's Retreat Centre at Sarangkot in Pokhara. This will provide more opportunities for the monks to undertake the traditional retreat, which will give them a solid grounding in their Buddhist knowledge and practice. Situated near the Annapurna mountain ranges, the serenity of the environment makes Sarangkot an ideal retreat location for the Lamas.

About the Retreats

Each retreat lasts a minimum of 3 years and 3 months and 3 days, in seclusion. The retreat covers the entire cycle of teachings, from the preliminary practices (Ngondro), through creation and completion meditations (Kyerim and Dzogrim), the Six Yoga's of Naropa and culminating in Mahamudra practices.

The retreat master, Venerable Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche will personally oversee the retreat and provide individual guidance for each student. All the practices lead one to understand the nature of mind and maximize one's benefit for all sentient beings. Retreatants would receive a thorough grounding in Buddhism and meditation and are the future teachers for the Sangha. The closed and protected environment is conducive for the retreatant to practice undistracted and with total focus towards the ultimate realization of the path.

Sponsoring a Monk on 3 years Retreat

Retreatants usually require financial sponsorship to cover the costs of food, electricity, gas, practice necessities such as tsog offering and offering to visiting high lamas who provide them instructions. Most monks who wish to join the retreat have limited, if any, financial support from their own families. Shangpa Rinpoche thus plays a critical role in helping them look for sponsors, so that they can concentrate on their retreats without having to worry over financial support.

It is said that,"Supporting a person in retreat is considered as meritorious as if you yourself are doing the retreat." Sponsoring a retreat lama is a meaningful way to practice generosity. It would help the retreatants in their practices, benefit the Sangha at large and ensures that the glorious and pure teachings of the Buddha and the unbroken lineage will continue to flourish in this degenerate time. Through it may all sentient beings be liberated. If you cannot go into retreat yourself, why not consider helping by:

• - Donating any amount towards supporting all the retreatants
• - Sponsoring the expenses of a particular monk in retreat for the period of 1 year or throughout the 3 years

Any donations, small or large, will be gratefully received and rejoiced in!

If you have been inspired to offer a donation towards this meaningful cause, please contact us at admin.kibs@gmail.com or Tel: +65 9815 0386

Opening ceremony of the new Retreat Centre for monks

The first batch of 16 monks including 2 Tulkus entered into their 3 years 3 months retreat on 26 May 2008.

In the 3 days from 22 May to 24 May 2008, both Ven Shangpa Rinpoche and the retreat master, Ven Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche led the monks who were entering into the retreat to conduct prayers for the purpose of dispelling obstacles for the retreat. On 26 May 2008 there was a ceremony which marked the beginning of the 3 years 3 months retreat for the 16 monks. This moment marked the start of a rare, meaningful and important event in their lives, which should be rejoiced by all.

To those who have supported towards the building of the retreat centre as well as providing financial support to the retreatant monks, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and rejoice.

With this merit, may the glorious and pure teachings of the Buddha and the unbroken lineage continue to flourish in these degenerate times. Through this, may all sentient beings be liberated and attain everlasting happiness.