Dzogchen Osel Ling

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Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche was one of the most revered lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma and Dzogchen traditions. Shortly before his death in 1999, Nyoshul Khenpo instructed his dharma heir and lineage holder, Lama Surya Das, to secure a lineage seat as an essential step in the transmission of Dzogchen teachings to the West. Nyoshul Khenpo named this future hermitage and sanctuary as Dzogchen Osel Ling (the “Dzogchen Lighthouse”).

Dzogchen Osel Ling was created through a donation of land and buildings by one of Lama Surya Das’ students. It is located on nearly 40 acres of land west of Austin, Texas, on the banks of the Pedernales River.

To fulfill Nyoshul Khenpo’s wish that Lama Surya Das establish a lineage seat in the West, Dzogchen Osel Ling will provide the physical and emotional “home” to nurture the succeeding generations of lamas and lineage holders in the Dzogchen tradition. Dzogchen Osel Ling also serves the important role of hermitage and sanctuary for Lama Surya Das.

Traditionally, a Nyingmapa lama maintained a hermitage and sanctuary that served as residence for the lama, his family, and a few senior teachers, as well as a place for advanced teaching, Dharma transmission, and contemplative practice.

Lama Surya Das, a Western-born and Asian-trained lama, is continuing this tradition by using Dzogchen Osel Ling for a hermitage as well as to engage in research and writing, and to sustain the deepest possible relationship with his senior students. Dzogchen Osel Ling will give Lama Surya Das a convenient location from which to fulfill his extensive travel and teaching schedule in the winter months. altar

Dzogchen Osel Ling also houses Lama Surya Das’ spiritual library and extensive collection of religious art and artifacts, including many original documents and items that Lama Surya acquired from the great masters of the Tibetan tradition with whom he studied in Asia. Dzogchen Osel Ling provides space to preserve and conserve these precious materials so they remain accessible over time to Dzogchen Center teachers and the Sangha (community).

Because the extended retreat is an essential element of practice, the facilities of Dzogchen Osel Ling will be adapted to accommodate certain advanced forms of practice and retreat. Of major importance are the Annual 100 Day Dzogchen Highest Wisdom (Yeshe Lama) Retreats.

Other Dzogchen Osel Ling activities include private sessions supporting teachers of other paths and traditions in exploring Dzogchen with Lama Surya Das; ceremonies to bestow empowerments for limited groups; special practices; and meetings between Lama Surya Das and Western Dharma teachers, other lamas, and spiritual leaders of other traditions.

TENZO (Main House) Residence for Lama Surya Das Library and archives Small-scale guest, service and reception facilities Guest teacher housing
DROLMA LHA-KANG (Tara Shrine Hall) A larger structure with soaring ceilings that provides space for meditation, instruction and preliminary practices
DRUBKANG (Retreatant Practice Rooms) Private practice and sleeping space for up to twenty-four retreatants
DORJE (Caretaker's Residence)
FUTURE PLANS Guest residences and hermitages Zone of Peace Garden and nature sanctuary -- the Garden will extend into the dramatic riverfront canyon below the property and provide a wonderful overlook to the river A stupa (traditional Buddhist tower), housing relics of Lama Surya Das' principal teachers, to bring blessings to the land

CLICK THIS BUTTON TO MAKE A PAYPAL DONATION IN SUPPORT OF DZOGCHEN OSEL LING

For more information on the Dzogchen Osel Ling project and to find out how you can support this important effort toward establishing and nurturing Dzogchen teachings in the West, please contact us at:

Dzogchen Foundation
P.O. Box 340459
Austin, TX 78734
E-mail: information@dzogchen.org