The Six Major Nyingma Universities

Kathok Monastery was founded in Kham, eastern Tibet, by Ka Dampa Desheg (1112-92) in 1159 CE. From the 15th century onwards, the other great Nyingma monastic universities were built: Mindroling, in central Tibet, founded in 1676 by Rigzin Terdag Lingpa, also known as Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje (1646-1714); Dorje Drag, central Tibet, founded in 1659 by Rigzin Ngagi Wangpo; Palyul, in eastern Tibet, established by Rigzin Kunsang Sherab in 1665; Dzogchen Monastery, eastern Tibet, built by Dzogchen Pema Rigzin in 1685; and Zhechen, eastern Tibet, established by Zhechen Rabjampa in 1735.

Thus the land of Snow became a great treasury of enlightened teachings. In the 1950s, as Tibetans fled their homeland, they carried with them the most precious texts and art they could rescue. Today the major monastic institutions have been re-established in exile in India, and numerous temples and centers have been built throughout the world.

May the lotus feet of the Guru who glorifies the Teachings be firm.
May the Noble Ones who hold the Teachings encompass the earth.
May the prosperity and dominion of the patrons of the Teachings increase, (and)
may the Teachings auspiciously remain for a long time.

History & Background