Leafing through historical scripts
Founded in 1440 AD, the monastery is the oldest in the Mon region. The name “Khinmey” comes from the Monpa word “Khi-Ket-Nyan-Mey”, literally meaning “a place for listening to the sound of barking dogs”. Legendary tales narrated that land before the establishment of the monastery, the area was a thick forest filled with wild animals where hunters set their dogs free into the forest and found their paths by following the barks.
Once, a hunter named Sonam Rinchin, belonging to the Yubu village, came across Rev. Kundun Sangye Yeshe, founder of the monastery meditating in the forest. Inspired by his devotion, Sonam Rinchin gave up hunting and became his disciple. The forest area belonged to Sonam, who gave it up to allow the establishment of Khinmey Monastery in 1440 by Rev. Kundun Sangye Yeshe, the first Thegtse Rinpoche. A disciple of Great Guru Terton Pema Lingpa, He moved to Khinmey to comprehend the teaching of Buddha he had received.
Since then the reincarnations of the Thegtse Rinpoche have been carrying on and preserving the tradition of mind rolling. The authority of the monastery has been passed on from generations of Thegtse Rinpoche, currently under the control of the 14th Thegtse Rinpoche, who has ensured passing on the Buddhist system knowledge and Tantric Traditions. Followers from Monpas, Bhutanese and Indian Nepalese communities have enrolled themselves in this spiritual abode to seek knowledge about the ancient Buddhist classics and modern subjects under the guidance of the Rinpoche. For centuries, the traditional cultures and beliefs have been preserved and taught among devotees and followers, ensuring the establishment and significance of Buddhist heritage. This monastery is a symbol of Devotion and Determination for attaining spiritual awakening.
The stories and celebrations
The Khinmey Monastery has successfully represented the Nyingma Lineage, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There is an emphasis on personal liberation through meditative and tantric techniques. Nyingma Lineage is also known for its unique set of scriptures “Terma” or “Treasure teachings”. The scripture is believed to be hidden by Padmasambhava and unearthed by visionary masters (Terma revealers). Khinmey Monastery follows this traditional process to maintain ancient knowledge.
The annual Tsechu Festival is a significant cultural event in the Khinmey Monastery. This spectacular celebration during summer involves masked dances (Cham dances) depicting Buddha deities and tales. Festivities followed by traditional entertaining performances and activities, educate visitors and followers about the teaching and history of Buddhism. These celebrations attract tourists, devotees and followers all across the world, broadening the teachings, beliefs, and following of Buddhism. Khinmey Monastery serves the purpose of providing religious insight and knowledge, encouraging individuals to practice peace and compassion.
The cultural and traditional heritage of the Monpa tribe, inhabiting the Tawang region, is also preserved and promoted by Khinmey Monastery. You will find monks well versed in Monpa traditions, language and practice keeping alive the heritage and history of Monpa. The monastery is home to Monpa artefacts and symbolic representation.
By witnessing Buddhist values, Individuals learn compassion, tolerance and communal harmony, ensuring the principles and belief of peace are being followed.
Khinmey Nyingma Monastery is more than a tourist and religious place, it is the monastery ensuring the preservation of Nyingma Lineage and Monpa heritage. A symbol of communal harmony and peace, individuals visit her to attain the core principles of Buddhism.
