Laying the Foundation for the Future of Retreat Practice at Drupdey Pelchen Khang

We are delighted to share a major step forward in the journey of Drupdey Pelchen Khang, a retreat center founded in 2017 by Rinpoche with the heartfelt intention of nurturing life skills and deep spiritual growth. Nestled in a serene environment, the center has served as a refuge for monks and lay practitioners alike, offering space for retreat practice of any length—from days to years.

At the heart of our mission are the twin pillars of Shedra (study) and Drupda (practice). While Shedra fosters deep understanding of the Dharma, Drupda provides the space for transformative inner realization. The first cohort of three senior monks and lay female practitioners completed a full retreat cycle (2017–2024), including foundational ngöndro, the three roots, and advanced Dzogchen practices—marking a powerful milestone in the center’s unfolding vision.

As we look to 2025, we are excited to announce the groundwork for a new, more sustainable retreat complex. The current semi-permanent structure has raised concerns for the well-being of long-term residents, and with initial seed funding already secured, construction is now underway. The new facilities will include:

• Eight private retreat cabins (four buildings, two units each)
• A central temple hall for teachings, group practice, and community gatherings

Rooted in the Longchen Nyingthig lineage, this expansion will offer a healthier, more enduring space for retreatants.

Learn more about this project and how to support here.

Sacred Year-End Ceremonies and Happy Lunar New Year

As we bid farewell to the old year and prepare to welcome the new, we conclude our annual six-day spiritual ceremonies—the Kangso and Gutor—two powerful rituals for protection, purification, and renewal.

The first three days are dedicated to the Kangso, a sacred offering ritual to the guardian deities, or Dharmapalas. This ceremony expresses gratitude and devotion to these protective beings while seeking their continued blessings for the coming year. Through prayers, fire offerings, and ritual tormas, practitioners restore spiritual commitments, dispel obstacles, and invoke positive energy. It is a time of deep reverence, allowing individuals and communities to strengthen their connection with the divine forces that guide and protect them.

The final three days mark the Gutor ritual, held on the 29th day of the last lunar month. This powerful purification ceremony is performed to eliminate negative energies, cleanse karmic impurities, and remove obstacles before stepping into the new year. Monastic communities engage in ritual exorcisms and torma offerings, symbolically casting away misfortunes and negativities accumulated throughout the year. Sacred Cham dances, performed with elaborate masks, depict the triumph of wisdom over malevolent forces. Fire purification ceremonies take place to burn away spiritual defilements, and households participate in incense offerings and blessings to ensure a fresh and auspicious start.

As these sacred ceremonies conclude, may this transition bring peace, prosperity, and harmony to all. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Lunar New Year ahead.

Celebrating a Joyous Wood Snake Year 2025 with the Khedrup Foundation

The Khedrup Foundation extends its heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous Wood Snake Year 2025 to all our dear friends and supporters!

As we step into the new year, we are delighted to share our 2024 Annual Report, a reflection of the remarkable achievements made possible through your unwavering kindness and support.

This year holds special significance as we celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the Khedrup Foundation. It has been a humbling journey, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and encouragement you have shown us over the years.

The highlights from our 2024 report showcase the transformative impact of collective effort, compassion, and dedication. We hope this report not only brings you joy and satisfaction but also inspires a deeper sense of purpose and compassion in all who read it.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission to foster compassion, wisdom, and positive action in the world.

With warm regards and deep gratitude,
HE Khedrup Rinpoche
Founder and President
Khedrup Foundation

Siddhartha’s Wisdom Club — Winter Art Camp: A Creative and Mindful Beginning

The Winter Art Camp opened its doors from December 15-17, 2024 at the Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery, welcoming an enthusiastic group of young participants aged 7 to 15. Designed to be more than just an art retreat, the program promises a transformative three-day journey by weaving Buddhist values into creative expression.

Through stories, discussions, and guided reflections, participants are introduced to essential Buddhist principles like compassion, mindfulness, and self-awareness. These values not only enrich their creative processes but also equip them with tools for leading a meaningful, harmonious life. From self-discovery to inspiration, the camp highlights how art can connect us to deeper truths and encourage personal growth. Campers are learning that art is not just about creating—it’s about understanding oneself and the world through a different lens.

The Sacred Tsok Offering at Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery in Trongsa

The ancient walls of the Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery in Trongsa are alive with the resonant sounds of prayers and ritual instruments as the monastery hosts a three-day Tsok Offering, from December 8 to 10, 2024. This profound practice holds deep spiritual significance in Vajrayana Buddhism, bringing together monastics and lay practitioners in a ceremonial expression of offering, purification, and devotion. This sacred event is led by Khedrupchen Rinpoche, Head of Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag monastery and spiritual guide, who continues to uphold and enrich this ancient tradition.

The term Tsok (ཚོགས་) translates to “gathering" or “assembly" and encapsulates multiple layers of meaning. It refers not only to the gathering of practitioners but also to the collective offerings and the assembly of enlightened qualities. The ritual is a powerful method for accumulating merit and purifying defilements, serving as a bridge between the practitioner and the enlightened beings.

The Tsok Offering is typically performed on auspicious days of the lunar calendar, such as the 10th day (Dakini Day) and the 25th day (Guru Rinpoche Day), both of which are considered particularly potent for spiritual practice. By engaging in Tsok, practitioners connect with higher wisdom, embodying the spirit of generosity and devotion while dissolving egoistic attachments.

The Tsok Offering is much more than a ceremonial performance; it serves as a dynamic method of spiritual transformation. By making offerings with a pure intention, practitioners cultivate a spirit of generosity and renunciation. The ritual also provides an opportunity for purification — dissolving past negative karma and clearing the mind of defilements.

Additionally, the collective energy generated by the participants reinforces a sense of community and interdependence. Each individual’s devotion contributes to a greater spiritual force that benefits not only those present but also extends to all sentient beings. In this way, the Tsok Offering reflects the core Buddhist aspiration of universal compassion and liberation.

At Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery, the practice of Tsok Offering continues an unbroken lineage of devotion and ritual mastery. The monastery, a beacon of spiritual heritage in Trongsa, ensures that such ancient traditions remain relevant and vibrant. The ceremony also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual realms, inviting practitioners to transform their daily lives through acts of mindfulness, generosity, and compassion.