Nalanda Buddhist College
Nalanda Buddhist College, also known as Dalida or Daley is a Buddhist Drukpa Kagyu School situated in the western region of the Punakha Valley. In the native language, the word "Nalanda" stands for the everlasting gift of knowledge. This institute was founded in 1957 by the 9th Je KhenpoShakyaRinchen. He was considered to be the reincarnation of Rechungpa one of the two disciples of Milarapa of Kagyu Buddhist Lineage.
Sited beside Talo Monastery Nalanda Buddhist Institute is acknowledged as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Nalanda Buddhist Institute with its religious and historic influence has become one of the must-visit places in Punakha Valley.
History of Nalanda Buddhist College
According to the Bhutanese legend, the 9th Je KhenpoShakyaRinchen chose the site of the Nalanda Buddhist College after seeing many auspicious signs. He saw those signs while he was traveling to Punakha Dzong during the winter season from Thimphu.
As per the legend Je KhenpoShakyaRinchen saw 8 vultures who he thought were the revered saints flying at the spot where Nalanda Buddhist Institute is erected. Later his doubts were cleared when the eight saints appeared in his dream to give him text-justify text-content teaching. Hence this is how the 9th Je Khenpo laid the foundation of this College.
Originally, Nalanda Buddhist Institute was only a one storey building. The second storey of Nalanda Buddhist Institute was later added by the Jambayshinyen.
Teaching In Nalanda Buddhist College
During GyalwangShakyaRinchen's lifetime, the Nalanda Monastery in Bhutan was a thriving as a Buddhist teaching institution with a renowned reputation. After GyalwangShakyaRinchen's final thugham or Maha Samadhi, slowly the teachings stopped and the Nalanda Buddhist Institute lay dormant for many upcoming years.
The teachings in Nalanda Buddhist College were started several times but most of the time teachers either departed or deceased again leading the closure of the college.
But in 1991 Nalanda Buddhist College was permanently opened after the 4th Dragon King Jigme Singe Wangchuck ordered to start the teaching with 2 lopens and 20 monks. Since then till now Nalanda Buddhist Institute has flourished and spread its spiritual knowledge to the people who have chosen the path of monk's life.
At the present time, there are more than 100 monks in this Buddhist College and run under the instruction of NgawangTenpiNincheyRimpoche. The college is mostly visited by the people who want to get an insight into the Buddhist Philosophy.
Nalanda Buddhist Institute Timings
Travelers can visit Nalanda Buddhist College anytime between 9 am to 5 pm. If the visitors are lucky they may witness the monks practicing the skill of philosophical debate.
Getting There
The most convenient way to reach the Nalanda Buddhist Collge is by hiring a car. From Punakha Valley, it is an overall 1½hrs drive to reach the Institute. The distance between Punakha to Nalanda Buddhist College is 46 km.
Exclusive Holiday Packages to Visit this Institution
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