From its perch on a hilltop facing the city of Gangtok, the capital of
Sikkim, the monastery complex at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre embodies
the vision and aspiration of the Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje,
to establish his seat-in-exile to help spread the teachings of the
Buddha throughout the world.The monastery, the largest in Sikkim, is
home to the monks community, the place where they perform the sacred
rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
Many sacred objects are housed within the complex, and one of the
most magnificent is the Golden Stupa, which contains the precious relics
of His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa. Opposite that building is the
shedra, or college, Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist
Studies Members of the lay sangha practice in the community lhakhang
just outside the walls of the monastery complex.
Surrounding Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the stupa walkway, where
monks, pilgrims, and visitors alike perform kora.
