Field trip to Self-arisen Tara, Asura and Yanglesho Caves, Vajrayogini Temple in Pharping, GuruRinpoche statue in Dollu, and Tsoknyi Gechak Ling Nunnery in Chobar.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, some of our students, staff, and faculty went on a field trip as part of the spring semester to various sites in Pharping, Dollu, and Chobar.
The first stop was the Self Arisen Tara (Rangjung Dolma). Following that, the group visited Asura Cave, located about 500 meters above Pharping in the jungle. The cave lies within the compound of a monastery that belongs to the Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery and houses a three-year retreat center. In this cave, Padmasambhava meditated and practiced deities such as Viśuddhaheruka and Vajrakīlaya, ultimately achieving Mahāmudrā Vidyādhara. At the Asura Cave Monastery, Lopon Drubgyu Tenzin gave a brief talk about the significance and history of the site. He kindly held a question-and-answer session to address any inquiries from the participants.
The next site was the Vajrayogini Temple, one of four Yogini temples that define the cardinal directions of the valley. After lunch, the group went to Yanglesho Cave and circumambulated the black stone-colored stupa built by Chatral Rinpoche at the monastery adjacent to the cave. This stupa contains relics of Terton Jigme Lingpa (1729–1798) and the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa (1110–1193).
The group then visited Ogyen Mahaguru Samten Osel Dechen Phodrang Ling retreat centre in Dollu, which is affiliated with Penor Rinpoche’s Mysore Monastery. A striking 40-meter statue of Guru Rinpoche, constructed in 2012, overlooks the area.
The last stop of the field trip was Tsoknyi Gechak Ling Nunnery in Chobar, where the group relaxed and explored the surroundings.
“The recent field trip to the sacred sites of Pharping once again revealed the living, tangible dimension of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Meditating in Asura Cave and Vajrayogini’s temple left a profound impression, while being in the presence of the self-arisen Tara statue filled me with a sense of deep connection. These places transcend their historical significance – they continue to pulse with the energy of countless practitioners who have sought realization there over centuries. Though I’ve been fortunate to visit other holy places across Nepal and India, each return to Pharping unveils new layers of meaning and strengthens my appreciation for the direct, experiential aspect of the tradition. I’m grateful to RYI and Student Services for making this meaningful pilgrimage possible.”
–Damcho Gyaltsen
