Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery is a registered non–profit organisation and monastic university for advanced Buddhist studies. The monastery was established on 25 April 2008 and is situated in the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement of Mysore, India. At present, the monastery has a population of over 500 monks and has produced innumerable scholars, Buddhist masters, yogis, reincarnated tulkus, philosophers, and scholars.
Serpom Monastery
The origins of Serpom Monastery can be traced to the original Sera Monastery in Tibet which was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choeje Shakya Yeshi. It was prophesied by Lama Tsongkhapa to be a great seat for scholars studying the Middle Way philosophy.
The monastery is comprised of two colleges, Sera Jey and Sera Mey, with the former being established first. It was named Sera because of the Sewa shrubs which surrounded the perimeter of the monastery like a fence or “Rawa” in Tibetan.
Serpom Monastery’s main prayer hall
In 1959, after the uprising in Tibet, many monks fled to India. Due to the generosity of the Indian government, Sera Monastery was firstly re-established in Buxa, India before it was relocated to its current location in Bylakuppe in 1970.
In addition to the land allocations, the Indian government further allotted approximately one acre per monk for their livelihood, and also provided oxen, cows and tractors to the monastery. In essence, the Indian government gave the Tibetans asylum, houses, land, liberty and a conducive environment for preserving their culture.
The main altar of Serpom Monastery has statues of Lama Tsongkhapa, Buddha Shakyamuni and Medicine Buddha
In 2008, a large group of monks from Sera Mey’s Pomra Khangtsen (fraternity house) separated from the rest of Sera Monastery and established Serpom Monastery to preserve the pure Gelug tradition and the practice of Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden.
The current Abbot of Serpom Monastery is His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche. He was born in Tibet in 1948 and recognised as the fourth incarnation of his line by H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang, the junior tutor to H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. At the age of six he was enthroned in Sera Mey Monastery. In 1959, he left Tibet and settled in India.
Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche in Serpom Monastery
Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche studied the five major texts for more than 20 years. After receiving his Geshe Lharampa degree in 1980, he then completed his Tantric studies at Gyume Tantric College. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche has received numerous Dharma transmissions and initiations from H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, H.H. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and many other great masters.
Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche taught extensively in Sera Monastery for about 14 years. He also gave teachings and empowerments in Tibet, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and many other countries to fulfil the spiritual wishes and aspirations of many.
Serpom Monastery is home to over 500 monks
Ever since its establishment, Serpom Monastery has made great strides towards preserving the lineage it upholds. The Serpom Buddhist Education Development division is responsible for monastic education. The monks of Serpom Monastery study the five main texts of the Mahayana Buddhist curriculum, which takes on average 18 years. After completing these studies, the monks participate in the Geshe programme and those who pass the final examinations with distinction are awarded the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest degree in Buddhist philosophy.
Classrooms in Serpom School
The Serpom Thoesam Norling School, established on 25 April 2009, provides the young monks with modern education. Over 100 young monks aged under 15 attend classes which includes topics such as Tibetan literature, Tibetan handwriting, English, mathematics, science and social studies.
The Serpom Library headed by Venerable Tripon Rinpoche not only provides the necessary Buddhist texts for the monastic curriculum but also compiles and prints rare Buddhist texts for further study and research. The Serpom Health Point provides basic medical treatment and first aid to the monks in need.
The official opening of Serpom Monastery took place on 18 December 2011 through the kind donations of sponsors and devotees. The event began with Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche leading thousands of monks into the main prayer hall for the very first time and conducting a puja to bless the premises. Next came the most highly anticipated event where the Venerable 7th Panglung Kuten took trance of four Protectors including Dorje Shugden, Setrap and Kache Marpo.
Thousands of guests attended the inauguration of Serpom Monastery
Serpom Monastery’s inauguration celebrations continued for four consecutive days with commentaries and teachings, debate sessions, food and prayers. Amongst the many high lamas, tulkus, geshes, abbots and monks who were in attendance were:
- His Holiness Yongyal Rinpoche
- His Eminence Achok Rinpoche
- His Eminence Venerable Zawa Rinpoche
- His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende of Shar Gaden Monastery
- Venerable Gameng Kuten
- Representatives from Rabten Choeling
- Representatives from Domo Geshe Ladrang
- Representatives from Gangchen Ladrang
- Representatives from Trijang Ladrang
- Representatives from Geshe Thubten Trinley Rinpoche
- Representatives from Phegyeling Monastery
Joining them were guests and sponsors from various countries including Taiwan, China, Tibet, America, France, Switzerland, Australia and Italy.
The arrival of H.H. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche with his entourage
Preparations for the 7th Panglung Khuten to take trance of Dorje Shugden, Setrap, Jowo Chingkara and Kache Marpo to bless the new monastery
This auspicious occasion was more than a simple opening ceremony. It was an inspirational reminder that Dorje Shugden’s practice is very much alive and growing, and that the Dharma is spreading through the opening of new monasteries propagating the tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa.
Winter debate at Serpom Monastery
A new generation of scholars will be produced at Serpom Monastery
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Fong
Posted on June 25, 2016 #1 AuthorI always like reading about monasteries and the activities within its walls. The monasteries are like a little community all in itself and yet they bring hope to the people by offering prayers and Dharma teachings.
As the younger monks study and subsequently qualify to be teachers themselves, they bring tremendous benefits to a lot of lay people. We don’t have to collect only negative karma but be able to learn from these monks and maybe do a little to plants some seeds of positive karma for our next rebirth so that eventually we may have a chance of getting out of this Samsara prison.
It’s good to see the festivities show that Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery is thriving and continuing the tradition of the Gelug and practice of Dorje Shugden.
May Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery continue to flourish and bring the Dharma and much benefits to the lay people.
Sofi
Posted on July 15, 2016 #2 AuthorSerpom Thoesam Norling Monastery is beautifully steep in traditional Tibetan architecture and decorations. Its offers such grandeur befitting the Buddhas, as well as the eminent Gurus and scholars within. I rejoice at this monastic community lead by His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche in preserving the pure lineage of Je Tsongkapa and the propitiation of Protector Dorje Shugden, the protector of our time. The opening ceremony saw many attained Masters and representatives of monasteries around the world attending and the monastery also received the personal blessings of the Protectors through the Oracle, Venerable 7th Panglung Kuten. It is heartening to see the sangha members increasing and learning within the classrooms. May His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche continue to live long to lead his centres to great heights in dharma achievement and the preservation of the pure dharma.
Stella Cheang
Posted on September 14, 2016 #3 AuthorIt is inspiring to read about Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery as a registered non–profit organisation and monastic university for advanced Buddhist studies. Even though it was established less than a decade ago, Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery has her root in Sera Monastery in Tibet which was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choeje Shakya Yeshi. Serpom Thoesam Norling Monastery provide for monastic education; i.e. the five main texts of the Mahayana Buddhist curriculum. When monks completed this study (average 18 years), they can participate in the Geshe programme and those who pass the final examinations with distinction are awarded the Geshe Lharampa degree, the highest degree in Buddhist philosophy. On top of higher learnings, there is Serpom Thoesam Norling School, that provide young monks with modern education, as well as Serpom Library and Serpom Health Point to facilitate a conducive learning environment. Thank you for sharing this article with us.
Alice Tay
Posted on January 3, 2017 #4 AuthorHH Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is the current Abbot of Serpom Monastery and his 4th incarnation was recognised by H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorjechang, the junior tutor to H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama. Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche is erudite, able to obtain his Geshe Lharampa degree in 1980 and studied the five major texts for more than 20 years. He also completed his Tantric studies at Gyume Tantric College and received numerous Dharma transmissions and initiations from H.H. Kyabje Trijang Dorje Chang, H.H. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and many other great masters.
May the monastery flourished with the number of monks increasing from current 500 monks with the continuous efforts from Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche in giving the teachings and guidance.
yin ping
Posted on October 27, 2017 #5 AuthorSerpom Monastery was established in the year of 2008 by a large group of monks separated from Sera Monastery. At that time, the CTA reinforced policy of expelling monks who refuse to give up their vows of practicing Dorje Shugden. The monks who choose to preserve the pure Gelug lineage and the practice of Dorje Shugden work hard to keep things under control. What impressed me is Serpom Monastery emphasized very much on education and the welfare of every monk. They have established,
1) The Serpom Buddhist Education Development division whose responsibility is to provide monastic education with Geshe programme.
2) The Serpom Thoesam Norling School was established to educate the younger monks with modern educations.
3) The Serpom Library which provides Buddhist text for study and research.
4) The Serpom Health Point that provides basic medical treatment if the monks needs any.
During the official opening of Serpom Monastery, it was wonderful to have supports from others Dorje Shugden’s practitioners, who consisted of high lamas, tulku, geshe, and abbots from monastery worldwide. His Holiness Kyabje Yongyal Rinpoche was leading the opening ceremony and the Venerable 7th Panglung Kuten further giving blessing by took trance of 4 Protectors included Dorje Shugden, Setrap and Kache Marpo.
Despite of pressure from the ban, the practitioners in Serpom Monastery is working their way out to overcome difficulties. Their strong Guru devotion and faith towards Dorje Shugden is their source of strength in their spiritual path. May Serpom Monastery continue to grow up holding the pure lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa.