Khachod Dechen Ling
A Refuge for Nurturing Sanity
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In 2009, Seymo Saraswati Rinpoche blessed N. L. Drolma’s tsamkhang (retreat residence) with the name Khachod Dechen Ling (“All-Encompassing Space of Great Bliss”). Since the 90s, Khachod Dechen Ling has served as a sanctuary for dharma practitioners and guest lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Shown in the banner above are Mani stones by Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche and portrait of HH Dudjom Rinpoche that lords over KDL’s wood burning fireplace.
In February 2024, Year of the Wood Dragon, N. L. Drolma established the Khachod Dechenling Foundation, an educational not-for-profit 501(c3) organization, which will insure and expand the dharma activity of the tsamkhang.
N. L. Drolma, NYC 2022
Khachod Dechen Ling’s informal environment and absence of bureaucracy allow for instruction tailored to the capacity of each student. This serene, intimate space for nurturing students is a vital supplement to public assembly teachings. Our “backyard” is Hudson River Park, which beautifully augments N. L. Drolma’s effort to bring Nepal’s carefree breeze of dharma magic to New York. The expansive lawns, landscaped piers and open sky views are ideal for meditation. All sessions allow time for Q & A.
Most practitioners in the U.S. lack circumstances conducive to practice in close proximity with lamas overseas. By hosting masters traveling to the States, Khachod Dechen Ling continues to plant seeds for the dharma to take root here and flourish.
Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Khachod Dechen Ling, NYC 1992 (Photo: N. L. Drolma)
KDL carries the blessings of eminent masters who have been guest residents including Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Pema Kalzang Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, Tulku Teglo Rinpoche, and the 10th Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche. Khachod Dechen Ling has also been graced with visits by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche, Dudjom Sangye Pema Shepa Rinpoche, Lodi Gyari Rinpoche, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Lama Kunga Tharste Rinpoche, Tsawa Rinam Rangdrol Rinpoche and other revered teachers, young American tulkus, and esteemed dakinis Sangyum Kamala, Dondrup Drolma, Bhutan’s Damcho Zangmo, and the U.K.’s Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.
When the threat of Covid subsides, KDL will once again host visiting lamas. Temporary housing for practitioners in transit within the U.S. and from overseas will be possible too.
Khachod Dechen Ling is just a three-minute walk to Hudson River Park’s Greenway (spanning eight miles from the tip of Manhattan to W. 59th Street). KDL is also within easy walking distance to Tibet House, New York University, The New School, the Rubin Museum of (Himalayan) Art, the Whitney, and the High Line, an innovative green space fashioned out of a former 30ft elevated railway that offers city and river views, art installations, and unique seating for quiet introspection and watching the world go by.
19th c. Abingdon Square Park, steps from Khachod Dechen Ling in the landmark W. Village district of NYC.
“The dharma is no one’s property.
It belongs to whoever practices it.”
— Tibetan Proverb