Shechen Shedra

Shechen Monastery in Tibet was renown for the many great scholars that lived and taught there. In 1989, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche established The Shechen Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies (a Shedra or philosophical college) at Shechen Monastery, Nepal. There are now over 100 students from across the Himalayas enrolled in its nine-year curriculum. Under the supervision of Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, two Khenpos are in charge of the college. The students study sacred texts on philosophy, astrology, and history as well as engage in debates.

After nine-years, the graduates receive a Lopon degree. In order to become a Khenpo or doctor in Buddhist philosophy, students are required to do an additional three years of research or contemplative retreat. Graduates of the Shedra are presently teaching at centers in Asia and the West and at the Monastery itself.