Pema Odsel Ling, the retreat center of Shechen Monastery in Nepal, is located a few miles from one of the oldest known pilgrimage places in the world, Namo Buddha.

It is a perfect location – a secluded and peaceful hilltop with spectacular views of the Himalayas.The houses are built in the Nepali architectural style. On one side of the land there is a cloister and temple for a small group of monks who are in the traditional three-year retreat. As one group of retreatants completes the three-years, another group begins.

In late February 2012, seven Shechen monks began the fourth traditional three-year retreat at the center. Teachings and ceremonies for the retreat had begun months before. The final ceremonies to “close the boundary” of the retreat was performed by Rabjam Rinpoche to officially seal the retreat. The monks take a vow not to leave the premises, and only those people who are authorized to enter the boundary – the support staff and teachers for the retreat – can do so.

Many of the monks in this group  grew up at the monastery, attended Shechen elementary school, and graduated from its monastic college (shedra). The resident Retreat Master (Dorje Lopon) previously completed six years of retreat. The monks in the retreat practice the treasure teachings (termas) discovered by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. They receive extensive teachings on these practices before the retreat from Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche, Rabjam Rinpoche, and other teachers, and will continue to receive teachings during the three years.

The retreat houses all have new roofs (thanks to donations from our sponsors) and each retreatant has a newly furnished kitchen. The roofs will also serve for rainwater harvesting to supply safe drinking water. New sets of practice ritual instruments and implements to be used throughout the three years of practice were offered by donors from Asia.

Offering the mandala to Rabjam Rinpoche

Dotted around the retreat land are small hermitages for elderly practitioners, and yogis and yoginis who are part of the Shechen community. The center provides an opportunity for the teachings of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to be practiced in-depth. Retreat facilities are not available for outside visitors. Previous retreatants are now teaching at monasteries, on further retreat, and teaching around the world.

Rabjam Rinpoche, teachers, and retreatants