Did you know there is a Tibetan Monastry in Southern India?

Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery (or Thekchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargye Ling) is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa – a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism – in the world.

 My latest trip to Mysore and South Kodagu (Coorg) was an amazing trip for a number of reasons.  One of them was meeting my best friend's mother in Medikari (Mercara for the English-speaking World).  The second was the visit to a large Tibetan congregation in Bylakuppe.  The last was the meaning of exemplary and outstanding service.  More on this in a separate blog.

Before I start, below is the link to all the photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/kaverideepak/111104TripToBylakuppe?authkey=Gv1sRgCJLMwcymlvy45gE

Bylakuppe is a land leased by the Karnataka Government for the Tibetian refugees that relocated to India in 1959.  The place has a great weather. As you turn of the Mysore-Medikari Road, the whole landscape and people's complexion change.  The green meadows are fittered with the Buddhist prayer flags.  As you go further, you will be greeted by shops selling Tibetan clothing and other paraphernalia. 

The Monastery is very inviting and has a very open layout.  The students are cordial and are ever willing to answer your questions.  There are 6000 students and about 110 Lamas.  The students come from different parts of the Himalayan land including Sikkim, Nepal, and Arunachal Pradesh.  We even saw a 7 year-old from Oregon among the students. 

A visit to this relaxing place is an absolute must.  Send me any questions about this and I will be happy to answer them.