H.H. The Third Degyal Rinpoche Makes First Visit to Dharma Drum Mountain, Discusses Monastic Education and International Dharma Propagation

On June 25, His Holiness the Third Degyal Rinpoche, head of the Nangkha Chungdzong lineage of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, visited the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education with a delegation of more than twenty monastic and lay disciples, including Urgyen Chöwang Rinpoche. During the visit, the delegation met with Venerable Guo Huei (果暉法師), Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain, to exchange views on Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist Traditions, monastic education, and related topics. They also toured several landmarks of the campus, including the Grand Buddha Hall, the Wishing-Fulfilling Guanyin Hall, and the Lotus Bell Tower. Throughout the visit, the guests demonstrated deep reverence for the Three Jewels, leaving a lasting impression on those present.

In the morning, the delegation first watched an introductory video about Dharma Drum Mountain in the Briefing Room, after which Venerable Guo Huei delivered a welcoming address in English. Venerable Guo Huei noted that although Buddhism has developed into different traditions throughout history, they all share the same origin in the teachings of the Buddha. Using the shared devotion to Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) in both the Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions as an example, Venerable Guo Huei explained that Dharma Drum Mountain is a Guanyin bodhimanda and expressed his hope that exchanges and mutual learning between the two traditions would continue to deepen.

As the visit took place during Dharma Drum Mountain Sangha's annual Summer Retreat (Vassa), H.H. Degyal Rinpoche expressed his sincere appreciation to the Abbot President for arranging the visit despite his busy schedule. He remarked that this was his first visit to Taiwan and that he felt especially fortunate to have the opportunity to visit one of the most important Chinese Buddhist monasteries. He also expressed heartfelt admiration for Dharma Drum Mountain's longstanding efforts to promote dialogue, cooperation, and harmony among Buddhist traditions worldwide.



Following the welcoming session, the Abbot President accompanied the delegation to the Grand Buddha Hall to pay homage to the Buddha, after which both parties gathered for tea and conversation. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, they exchanged ideas on monastic education and the international propagation of the Dharma.
In the afternoon, the delegation continued their tour of the Library and Information Center, the Founding History Memorial Hall, the Wishing-Fulfilling Guanyin Hall, and the Lotus Bell Tower. Whenever they encountered Buddha images, Buddhist scriptures, or sacred ritual objects, everyone respectfully joined their palms, chanted prayers and hymns in praise of the Three Jewels, and paid homage with deep sincerity. At the Founding History Memorial Hall, members of the delegation wrote their aspirations on paper Bodhi leaves. They then circumambulated the Lotus bell at the Lotus Bell Tower while offering prayers for peace and blessings, and later drew "Spiritual Prescriptions" at the Wishing-Fulfilling Guanyin Hall. A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when they used their mobile phones to translate Master Sheng Yen's Dharma sayings on the Spiritual Prescriptions into Tibetan. Upon understanding the meaning of the teachings, many smiled with joy and appreciation, creating an atmosphere of warmth and delight.

The Nangkha Chungdzong lineage belongs to the Nyingma, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and has been transmitted for more than 150 years. As most of its monasteries are located in the remote mountain regions of Nepal, the tradition has been able to preserve its authentic monastic education and practice within a simple and secluded environment. Centered on compassion and education, the lineage currently maintains monks' monastery in Nepal, a nunnery in India, and practice centers in Nepal, India, Singapore, and Taiwan.




Text and Photos: Dharma Drum Mountain Cultural Center
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown