Kopan Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery on Kopan Hill, Kathmandu, Nepal
Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture with ornately decorated buildings and religious symbols. The main structures include several temples, meditation halls, and residential buildings arranged around central courtyards.
The monastery was founded in 1969 by Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, who purchased land from Nepal's royal astrologer. Since its establishment, it has become a major center for Tibetan Buddhist teachings and practices in the region.
The monastery follows the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, with daily teachings grounded in Lama Tsong Khapa's philosophical lineage. You can observe monks engaged in meditation and prayer throughout the day, as the rhythm of monastic life centers on these spiritual practices.
The monastery is accessible to visitors on specific days, with regular courses offered in English that allow newcomers to learn about Buddhist teachings. It is advisable to check visiting times and ongoing programs beforehand to make the most of your visit.
The adjacent Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery has grown from a small group to several hundred nuns over recent decades. This rapid expansion shows how Buddhist communities in the region have developed and expanded their reach significantly.
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