Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery: A Legacy of Spiritual Practice

The Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery, originally founded in the 8th century, was established by the great female practitioner Khandro Tashi Khidren of Chhagkhar, the only consort of Guru Rinpoche from Bhutan. Renowned for her profound spiritual accomplishments, Khandro Tashi Khidren meditated in sacred sites such as Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) and Singye Dzong, among others. Among these holy places, Rephel Mindrol Lhakhang became her chosen retreat, where she left behind remarkable spiritual imprints.

Visitors to the monastery can still witness the holy water revealed by Guru Rinpoche and Khandro Tashi Khidren, located 15 meters from the monastery, and the footprint of her riding horse behind the main temple. Over time, the monastery became the seat of several revered figures, including Rephel Lama Gyeltsen, Yabje Tenpai Nima (father of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel), and the 10th Lhalung Thuksey Thekchog Tenpei Gyeltsen.

Custodian of Sacred Treasures

Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery preserves some of Bhutan’s most cherished religious artifacts, including:

• A wall painting of Zhitro Lhatsog (a mandala of wrathful and peaceful deities) from the 8th century.
• A spoken Buddha statue.
• A treasure bell of Terton Sherab Mebar.

These treasures, along with its rich history, make the monastery a spiritual and cultural landmark for the region.

A New Chapter

In 2009, the communities of Samcholing and Rephel requested Khedrup Rinpoche to take over the monastery, which was subsequently offered to him by the Royal Government of Bhutan. Rinpoche renamed it Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag, ushering in a new era of growth and spiritual revival.

Today, the monastery is home to 40 monks, 4 teachers, and a Khenpo. It serves as a center for transmitting the teachings of the Longchen Nyingthik lineage, the heart-essence teachings of Maha Sandhi (Dzogpa Chenpo), an unbroken lineage passed down from Padmasambhava to present-day masters.

A Community Landmark

The monastery is a cornerstone of the local community, hosting numerous religious events annually. It is a hub for prayers and rituals conducted on auspicious days of the Bhutanese calendar, fostering spiritual growth and community connection.

Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery continues to stand as a beacon of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage, preserving its sacred traditions while inspiring devotion and practice for generations to come.