Sonam
Gyatso, the third Dalai Lama, founded Namgyal Monastery in the year
1575. During that time, it was situated at the Potala Palace in Tibet.
Its purpose was to assist the Dalai Lama in his spiritual duties and
public religious activities. It was from here that he used to perform
religious and ritual prayer ceremonies for the Tibetan Government and
for the welfare of Tibet. However, it was later shifted and presently,
it is situated in the Dharamsala town in Himachal Pradesh.It is also known as 'Namgyal Dratsang', which means 'Victorious Monastery'. The monastery is unique in itself, as Namgyal monks practice all types of prayers and rituals, including the diverse forms practiced by the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Namgyal monastery is situated next to the Central Cathedral and houses more than 180 monks at present. Young monks come here to study and master the major texts of Buddhist Sutra and Tantra.
Namgyal is a renowned center of learning and meditation on Buddhist treatises and teachings. It is a nonsectarian monastery and the rituals and teachings of four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism are followed as well as taught here. One can see young monks playing badminton on the way to the monastery and practicing debates in the courtyard of His Holiness's residence. You can also visit its cafe, bookshop and guesthouse, situated next to the Tsuglag Khang.
