Founded in 1996 by two eminent Tibetan Buddhist teachers, His Eminence Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche and His Eminence Gonsar Rinpoche, Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling (DGTL) Buddhist Monastery is nestled in Bloomington in Indiana’s Lower Cascades Park amidst natural cliffs, creeks and a waterfall. The peaceful monastery grounds and buildings are decorated with traditional Tibetan colours and designs.
Established with the wish to preserve the Buddha’s teachings as transmitted by the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism for the benefit of all sentient beings, Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling not only functions as a traditional monastery for Gelugpa monks but also welcomes lay people of all nationalities and backgrounds to join in its many religious, cultural and educational activities and programmes. These activities include teachings by resident and visiting monks, construction of sand mandalas, daily prayer services, guest lectures at schools and community groups and the annual Taste of Tibet where monks cook authentic Tibetan delicacies for the communities of Bloomington and Cincinnati.
Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling
Interior of Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling
The altar of Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling
According to its official website, Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling was established with the following purposes:
- Preservation of all the authentic oral transmission lineages of the Gelug Tradition founded by the great masterJe Tsong Khapa, and transmitted through an unbroken line of masters of our time, such as the great Pabongka, His Holiness Trijang Dorje Chang and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Foreseeing the great danger of dilution and degeneration of this pure tradition at its source in the Tibetan community, giving it special attention is seen as indispensable for its preservation for the sake of all beings.
- Following the very intention of the Buddha, as well as the great founding masters of the past, all the activities of this institution will be centred around a monastic community based upon the solid foundation of the Vinaya tradition. All the studies and practices of Buddhism will be conducted on the basis of the most complete and clear teaching of Dharma given by the matchless great teacher Je Tsong Khapa and his lineage-holding great disciples up to the direct masters of the present. It will be open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race and origin, who are sincerely and seriously interested and eager to learn and to practice such teachings.
- To provide everyone interested in learning and practising the various aspects of such an authentic transmission with the possibility of study and guidance in the practice of meditation through organising permanent study programs, lectures, weekend seminars and occasional week-long courses.
- To give support and assistance to all the monastic communities, organisations or individuals adhering to the same authentic tradition, especially at its source in Tibet, India, China and Mongolia.
- In concordance with the aims and objectives of this organisation, Dorje Shugden, the Protector deity of this particular lineage of Dharma, will forever be the patron figure of this organisation as well as that of all affiliates.
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
Fong
Posted on July 6, 2016 #1 AuthorLooking at the photos, I can see that the traditional decorations and setting up of the altars have been maintained. The photos also show many local students at puja. That is very heartening to see.
The lineage can be passed on and propagated through he western world. Rejoice of those who are there to learn and to benefit others.
May Dorje Shugden as main Protector deity of this Dagom Gaden Tensung Ling, bless, protect and propagate the pure teachings of Dharma and Lama Tsongkhapa.
Sofi
Posted on July 13, 2016 #2 AuthorDagom Gaden Tensung is so beautifully set into its natural environment and traditional altars with wonderful Buddha statues. It’s stated purposes are simply to preserve the lineage teachings of Je Tsongkapa to anyone interested. I rejoice at seeing the lay people of the West performing pujas along side the authentic monks. How wonderful to see this peaceful setting. May the activities of this centre spread and may their objectives be fulfilled.
Stella Cheang
Posted on October 5, 2016 #3 AuthorThis is another example of how erudite Buddhist masters use skillful means to bring dharma to the people and engage in local cultures and preference to bring dharma closer to the people. I rejoice for the people in Bloomington, Indiana to have the great fortune being in the vicinity of such vibrant and lively monastery of pure lineage.
Alice Tay
Posted on May 16, 2017 #4 AuthorDagom Gaden Tensung Ling (DGTL) Buddhist Monastery in Bloomington, Indiana, USA was founded by the 2 great masters H.E. Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche and H.E. Gonsar Rinpoche. Very interesting that this established monastery is not only functions as a traditional monastery for Gelugpa monks but also for the benefits to the people from all over the world to join in its many religious, cultural and educational activities and programmes. People can join the dharma activities here such as attend the teachings by resident and visiting monks, construction of sand mandalas, daily prayer services and so forth.
Suzy
Posted on October 29, 2017 #5 AuthorA piece of the old tradition in a new land for a new beginning. The dharma spreading to the ten directions. Beautiful centre with lots of activities making keeping the old traditions and culture alive.