Background

Phajo Gonpa Gomde, a serene retreat center in Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar, serves as a sacred space for long-term spiritual practice. Nestled beside the 17th-century Sangchen Lhundrup Tsemo monastery, it is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River, known locally as the Jomo River. The retreat center and the monastery are located atop Phajo Gonpa village, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and devotion. Phajo Gonpa Gomde is deeply rooted in the Pema Lingpa lineage, serving as a hub for the preservation and practice of this sacred tradition. Originally established as a yogic center by the Third Khedrupchen in the 18th century, it continues to embody the spirit of spiritual discipline and devotion.

Renovation

However, the dormitory at Phajo Gonpa Gomde was severely damaged by an earthquake in 2009 and further rendered uninhabitable by storms in 2014. To preserve the Dharma and support the practices of Khedrup Rinpoche’s students, a new single-story dormitory with three units, kitchens, and washrooms was reconstructed in 2024. Beginning in January 2025, this facility will enable four dedicated practitioners to embark on lifetime retreats, continuing the rich tradition of spiritual cultivation at Phajo Gonpa Gomde.

To fully realize its potential as a retreat center, we plan to construct five additional retreat units, starting 2025. These units will collectively accommodate up to 10 practitioners, including couples, offering them an immersive environment to deepen their spiritual practice within the Pema Lingpa tradition. The expansion of Phajo Gonpa Gomde will ensure it remains a vital sanctuary for practitioners and a beacon of the Pema Lingpa lineage for generations to come.

Upholding the Pema Lingpa lineage

Pema Lingpa (1450–1521) is revered as one of the greatest masters of treasure teachings, known as the “Five Kings of the Treasure-Finders" in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His story begins with an extraordinary connection to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in the late eighth century, during a pivotal time when Buddhism was gaining prominence in Tibet under King Thrisong Detsen.

Legend recounts that Guru Rinpoche, invited by the king to establish Buddhism, demonstrated his compassion and power by reviving the king’s deceased daughter, Princess Pemasel, on her eighth birthday. Upon her revival, Guru Rinpoche entrusted her with secret teachings and prophesied her rebirth as one of the greatest treasure revealers, Pema Lingpa.

Fulfilling this prophecy, Pema Lingpa was born in 1450 in Tang Valley, Bumthang, to a humble blacksmith family. His early life was marked by craftsmanship, as he apprenticed under his grandfather, Yonten Jangchub, creating tools, ceremonial artifacts, and weapons still visible in Bhutan today. Despite his deep spiritual inclinations, it was not until the age of 27
that Pema Lingpa experienced a prophetic dream and began revealing treasures, unveiling profound teachings known as Peling Choekhor Chuksum, compiled in 21 volumes. These teachings encompass three significant cycles of practices: the Cycle of Guru, the Cycle of Compassion, and the Cycle of Great Perfection (Dzogchen).

Pema Lingpa's teachings gained widespread recognition and were deeply respected by spiritual and political leaders, including Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and the Fifth Dalai Lama, who venerated his treasures in the murals of Lhasa’s Lukhang Temple. His legacy continues through three primary lines of incarnations: the Peling Sungtruel (his direct reincarnation), Peling Thukse (lineage of his son), and Peling Gyalse (lineage of his grandson, the Gangteng Trulku).

Today, the Peling tradition thrives across Bhutan, from Paro to Trashigang and Zhemgang to Trashiyangtse, practiced through festivals (tshechus), rituals (lochoes), retreats, and educational initiatives at prominent seats such as Gangteng, Tamshing, and Drametse. These institutions provide comprehensive support for individuals seeking scholarly and spiritual education in the Peling tradition. Pema Lingpa’s influence extends to Bhutan’s royal lineage, as the Royal Family descends from his union with noble houses.