Summary

The reconstruction of Sangchen Ugyen Tsulag Monaster commonly known as Raphel Midren Lhakang located at Samcholing village under Trongsa County is to upheld the traditional Buddhist architecture equipped with modern facilities. It is approximately one and a half hours from the main Trongsa town. The temple is a further 10 minute walk from Samchoeling Middle Secondary School and temple is of two-story building with notably magnificent wall paintings.

Old temple and hostel of monk living at monastery have become too old to withstand any further weathering from harsh wind and rain. With this new project it will facilitate for proper accommodation of increasing number of monks studying at monastery. It will be much beneficial at organizing community exchange programs with local resident on different auspicious period like annual Tsechus (Three day Mask dance to commemorate birth of Guru Rimpoche) and Drupchens (Week long religious programs for the welfare of all sentient beings).

Monla Khedrup Rinpoche was offered the Sangchen Ogen Tsukla Monastery by local community as its facilities were on the verge of collapsing. Since then, he has been taking full responsibility of looking after the monastery and working tirelessly to uphold this historical site founded upon the consort of Guru Rimpoche.

History of the Monastery

The Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery, originally founded in the 8th century by the great female practitioner Khandro Tashi Khidren of Chhagkhar, is one of the most revered spiritual sites in Bhutan. Tashi Khidren, the only consort of Guru Rinpoche from Bhutan, meditated at numerous sacred sites, including Paro Taktsang and Singye Dzong. Among these, Rephel Mindrol Lhakhang served as her retreat, marked by sacred features such as a holy water source revealed by Guru Rinpoche and Tashi Khidren and the footprint of a riding horse behind the main temple.

Initially known as “Mi Bran Lhakhang" (translated as “Don’t Know Where Lhakhang"), the monastery’s name was coined by the Second Jamgon Trulku after performing a consecration ceremony without knowing the exact location of the site. Over centuries, the monastery became an important sacred site for many masters, including Yabje Tenpai Nima, the father of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and the 10th Lhalung Thuksey Thekchog Tenpei Gyeltsen.

In the 19th century, the temple underwent renovations and was upgraded to a two-story structure by Jakar Dzongpon Chimi Dorji, Ashi Lemo, and Ashi Pema Dechen. The monastery houses significant religious treasures, including an 8th-century wall painting of Zhitro Lhatsog (a mandala of wrathful and calm deities), a spoken Buddha statue, and a treasure bell of Terton Sherab Mebar.

In 2009, the community of Samcholing and Rephel requested Khedrup Rinpoche to take over the monastery. Under his guidance, it was renamed Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag and became a center for transmitting the Longchen Nyingthig lineage, the heart essence teachings of Maha Sandhi (Dzogpa Chenpo). Currently, the monastery accommodates 20 monks, two teachers, and a Khenpo, hosting religious events and performing prayers and rituals on auspicious days of the Bhutanese calendar.

Vision and Renovation

Rinpoche envisions transforming the monastery into a unique Buddhist University capable of accommodating 1,500 practitioners, including elderly residents. This expansion aims to preserve the Longchen Nyingthig lineage while serving as a center for learning, spiritual growth, and community support.

In 2015, under Rinpoche’s guidance, reconstruction efforts began to address the deteriorating condition of the monastery. The challenges included rebuilding aged structures with weathered foundations while preserving the monastery’s traditional architectural integrity.

2024 Update: Renovation Milestone

In 2024, the monastery received much-needed funding to advance its renovation efforts. Key developments include:

• Structural reinforcement of the main temple and surrounding facilities.
• Construction of improved dormitories for monks and students.
• Infrastructure upgrades to ensure the monastery can support the increasing number of residents and practitioners.

This funding marks a turning point, addressing decades of neglect and ensuring the monastery’s sustainability as a center for Dharma practice and preservation. Despite logistical challenges due to its remote location, reconstruction efforts are progressing steadily, with a master plan targeting completion by 2026.

The monastery continues to stand as a vital religious landmark, symbolizing Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage while embracing a future that fosters learning, compassion, and the spread of Buddha Dharma.