Located in Keori, close to Bir, the Palpung Sherabling Monastery is a religious center in eastern Tibet that provides periodic classes in Buddhist meditation and philosophy in addition to Buddhist studies and other living art and cultural forms.
There are two parts to the monastery: the ancient and the new. Because the two are so far apart, this causes a lot of confusion among travelers. It is a branch of Eastern Tibet’s Palpung Monastery. “Glorious union of study and practice” is what palpung signifies. To study about the past, present, and future of Buddha, the monastery complex includes a school, college, and university. The institute has more than 1200 monks. In addition to studying Buddhism, visitors can learn about crafts, music, dancing, and the study of Tibetan and Ayurvedic remedies. The buildings have a contemporary appearance, but every square inch still features Tibetan art and culture.
An gigantic stupa of Maitri Budh, the future Buddha, is housed in the monastery. Visitors to the monastery are required to sit through the prayers, which are conducted in the most opulent manner imaginable with gongs and chants. On some days, the Lamas dance the Mahakal Lama. There are 250 monks’ quarters, three shrine halls, six shrine rooms, four monks’ and nuns’ retreat centers, individual practitioner cabins, a museum, a dispensary, a cafe, a canteen serving traditional dishes, parking, and small shops selling a variety of goods, including flags and miniatures. The complex is encircled by pine trees and situated in the center of the forest at the base of the Himalayas. Though isolated, owing to its location, the area is well connected to roads.
Talking walks about this vibrant town with Tibetan influences are a great way to appreciate its natural beauty. Visitors are taken on nature hikes through picturesque forests and tea gardens from the Bir Tibetan Colony to Baijnath via Palpung Sherabling Monastery. A vibrant collection of temples and other monasteries, such as Tsering Jong Monastery and Drukpa Kagyu Monastery, may also be found there.
After his students, who had relocated to Bir, Himachal Pradesh, donated a plot of land at the base of the Himalayas in 1975, the current 12th Kenting Tai Situpa founded the Palpung Sherabling Monastery. Over time, it became into his country seat. The ancient science of geomancy informs the monastery’s architectural concept.