Website of the friends of the Thagchokling Dharma & Retreat Center
The
Thagchokling Dharma & Retreat Center nestles at 3.700m in the idyllic valley
of Ney, some
40 km west of Leh, the capital of Ladakh with a national airport. The monastery-like
building was opened in 2002. It was built by a German who – together
with Lochos Rinpoche – had the idea of an intercultural and interreligious
meeting place for East and West. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, explicitly welcomed
this idea and gave his blessing for the foundation-stone in August 2002.
The traditional building was constructed on the ruins of an old village temple,
now it is surrounded by an abundant flower and vegetable garden.
Thagchokling is a very special place.
You will find a friendly welcome and caring service by Dorje
Namgyal, the manager,
and his team – villagers who found some extra income here. The 7 sunny
rooms (single, double and a dorm with 6 beds – all together 16 guests
can be accommodated) are simply furnished, western-style bathrooms with hot
water from gas boilers have to be shared. The refectory-like dining room 
also
serves as a meeting room and for group activities. A roof-top prayer
room is
always open for those looking for a place to meditate or wishing to join the
puja (prayer ceremony) with the resident lama.
The kitchen serves a great variety of wholesome food, prepared with a lot of
mindfulness and fantasy. Many of the fresh ingredients come from the own organic
garden. Famous momos are just one dish our guests appreciate. A variety of
complementary teas is always available.
A small library with English and German books on Buddhism and Ladakh invites
guests to enjoy reading in the sunshine.
For the summer-months Lochos Rinpoche from the main-monastery Likir appoints
an English speaking Lama (Geshe Lobsang) to live in the retreat. Upon request
he will give guided meditations, accompany you for visits to the monasteries,
answer questions about religion and everyday life in Ladakh and guide you spiritually.
The
retreat is a peaceful place for groups, who are invited to hold their own programs
here and for individuals who have the time to satisfy a deeper interest in
Ladakh, its religion, art, country and people. There is no standardized program
neither are courses offered, however, there is a lot of space for your personal
interests and wishes. Families with children are welcome too and will appreciate
the rural environs. Occasional child-care/baby-sitting can be organized if
requested. Dorje and his team are always there to give suggestions and to help
you organize your program
There are plenty of options to spend the time at Thagchokling: relax, slow
down, regain your energy, meditate, do yoga or Qi Gong, take a walk, sit next
to the river and enjoy the murmur of the water, gaze to the sparkling stars
or watch the farmers at their daily chores. In the kitchen you can see with
how much heed and little haste meals are prepare or you can even learn to cook
Ladakhi meals. Spend a day on a farm or join a shepherd and his cattle when
they go for the pasture, watch how roasted barley is ground in the age-old
watermills, sing children’s songs with the toddlers in the kindergarden
or teach them new games, visit the school and talk with the pupils who are
eager to use their English and learn something about other countries. 
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