Since the very first visit of His Holiness Kyabje Drungzin Garab Rinpoche to Phakchok Samdrup Choling Monastery in 1999, Rinpoche, with profound insight and compassion, carefully observed the circumstances, as well as the capacity and potential, of the Phakchok Lama’s family. At that time, he prophesied and encouraged the Lama and his younger brother to establish a new Shedra within the monastery, envisioning that it would greatly benefit both the monastery and the surrounding communities. Although such an undertaking was not easy at that time, Rinpoche continuously reminded and inspired the Lama brothers over the years, guiding them on when and how this sacred vision could be realized.
Keeping this special instruction from their revered master in mind, Khen Rinpoche Tshewang Mijur, in 2008, while receiving the entire collected works of Dudjom Lingpa from Trulku Theklo Rinpoche in Siliguri, had the opportunity to have an audience with Kyabje Jadrel Sangye Dorjee Rinpoche. During this audience, he respectfully requested a name for the new Shedra. Rinpoche graciously bestowed the name “Ngagyur Thoesam Nyinjedling”, meaning “The Radiant Island of Study and Contemplation.”
Eventually, in 2014, the late Lama Rinpoche, together with the dedicated support of his younger brother serving as Khenpo, successfully established the Shedra. It was formally inaugurated by Kyabje Drungzin Rinpoche during his third visit to the monastery. In its early days, the Shedra began with only twelve young ordained monks. Through steadfast dedication and the blessings of the lineage, it has now grown to accommodate ninety young monks, guided by four Khenpos and three teachers—all graduates of the renowned Nadarung Nyingma College, Mindrolling, India.
Since its establishment, the Shedra has steadily developed into a center of authentic Nyingma learning and disciplined monastic training. The curriculum follows the traditional system of study, including Buddhist philosophy, logic, Madhyamaka, Abhidharma, Vinaya, and tantric teachings, combined with ritual training and daily spiritual practice. All curricula are faithfully adopted from the Ogyen Mindrolling Tradition. Through this integrated approach, the young monks are not only educated intellectually but are also nurtured spiritually in conduct, devotion, and compassion.
This sacred institution stands today as a living fulfillment of the enlightened vision and prophecy of His Holiness Kyabje Dungdzin Garab Rinpoche. What once seemed a distant aspiration has now become a flourishing seat of learning, benefiting both the Sangha and the wider community. The establishment of the Shedra was not merely the construction of buildings and classrooms; it was the planting of a lineage seed of Dharma—a seed that continues to grow through the dedication of the Lama brothers, the unwavering support of benefactors, and the blessings of the Guru and lineage masters.
As the number of monks increases and responsibilities expand, the Shedra remains firmly committed to preserving the precious Nyingma teachings in their pure and unbroken form. With faith, perseverance, and the guidance of realized masters, it aspires to produce qualified scholars and practitioners who will serve the Dharma and sentient beings for generations to come.
Today, Phagchok Samdrupcholing Shedra Ngagyur Thoesam Nyinjedling stands as a testament to visionary guidance, devoted effort, and the power of blessings. It has grown into a prominent Buddhist institute in the region. In addition to providing systematic monastic education, it serves as a vital center of spiritual practice and guidance for the local community, offering teachings, rituals, and religious services throughout the year.
The institution functions under the supreme general guidance of Khen Rinpoche Tshewang Mijur. The administrative and academic responsibilities are led by Chairperson Sey Rinpoche Ogyen Choedra, General Manager Khenpo Wangchuk, supported by Deputy Chair Khenpo Pema Tenkyong, Secretary Khenpo Choeku Dorji, and Disciplinary Master Khenpo Sonam Wangdi. These Khenpos are further supported by dedicated senior monks, whose collective efforts ensure the smooth functioning, discipline, and continued growth of the Shedra.