History and Lineage

01History

A Sacred Vision Taking Form

Zangdok Palri, the Glorious Copper-Colored Mountain, is the pure realm of Guru Padmasambhava. Its sacred form embodies the enlightened body, speech and mind of Guru Rinpoche and represents his timeless activity for the benefit of all beings.

The construction of Zangdok Palri Temple at Dundul Raptenling Monastery began in the Fire Monkey Year of 2016. Over the following twelve years, the monastery has worked to complete the temple, sacred images, murals, ritual objects and other precious contents according to the lineage tradition.

This sacred project will reach its fulfillment in the Male Earth Monkey Year of 2028 — another auspicious year associated with Guru Padmasambhava. The inauguration will mark not only the completion of a temple, but the continuation of the enlightened aspirations of the lineage masters and the preservation of the Dudjom Tersar tradition for future generations.

03President

Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche

Carrying Forward the Vision

Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche is the current President of Dundul Raptenling Monastery in Odisha, India, and one of the founding directors of the Vajra Lotus Foundation. A devoted holder of the Dudjom Tersar lineage, he has dedicated his life to preserving the sacred teachings, ritual arts and living wisdom passed down from Guru Rinpoche and the great lineage masters.

Since assuming responsibility for the monastery in 2010, Rinpoche has guided Dundul Raptenling through a profound renewal, transforming it into a flourishing sanctuary of learning, practice and Dharma activity. Under his leadership, more than one hundred young monks have received shelter, education, spiritual training and the opportunity to dedicate their lives to the Dharma.

With deep devotion and tireless vision, he initiated the construction of Zangdok Palri, Guru Rinpoche’s Glorious Copper-Colored Mountain. Now more than 80% complete, this sacred temple stands as an offering to the lineage masters, a refuge for practitioners and a beacon of blessings for future generations.

Looking ahead to the consecration ceremony in 2028, Rinpoche continues to guide this sacred project toward completion, inviting devotees and supporters around the world to take part in this historic offering for the flourishing of the Dharma.