Our History

1432 – The First Great Tantric Seat of the Gaden Lineage

The glorious Segyu Gaden Phodrang Monastery holds a unique place in Buddhist history as the first tantric monastery of the Gaden Lineage’s Great Secret Tantric Monasteries, established before the Upper and Lower Tantric Colleges of Central Tibet. According to ancient religious histories, the pure practice-tradition of the Segyu lineage has been widely spread and preserved throughout Tibet for centuries.

Founded in 1432 by Jetsun Sherab Sengge a direct disciple of  Je Tsongkhapa the Great and his student Dulnagpa Palden Zangpo, Segyu Monastery was established to uphold and transmit the profound tantric teachings of Je Tsongkhapa, including the sacred Guhyasamaja practice. Je Tsongkhapa personally empowered Jetsun Sherab Sengge to be the holder of the Great Secret Tantra, presenting him with treasured blessings: a skullcup filled with inner offerings, a golden statue of Guhyasamaja, the renowned Four-in-One Commentary of Guhyasamaja, rare tantric texts, the mask of Dharmaraja, ritual dance costumes, and sacred implements.

Fulfilling Je Tsongkhapa’s prophecy, Jetsun Sherab Sengge brought the teachings to Tsang province under the patronage of Situ Sonam Pel and Dagmo Shakya Pel, attracting many eminent scholars. He instituted tantric rituals, study programs, and the transmission of Je Tsongkhapa’s authentic generation and completion stage practices. Among his notable students was Je Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama.

Under his leadership, the Upper Tantric College known as Segyu Monastery was established as a magnificent seat of Vajrayana learning and practice. He entrusted its care to Dulnagpa Palden Zangpo, ensuring the continuity of the unbroken Segyu lineage through generations of great Vajra Masters.

For over six centuries, Segyu Gaden Phodrang Monastery has remained the lifeblood of the Riwo Gaden (Gelug) tradition, preserving the pure tantric teachings of  Guhyasamaja, Heruka, and Yamantaka, along with the rare Heart Jewel practice the union of the Guru Yoga of Je Tsongkhapa and the Dharma Protector  Dorje Shugden exactly as passed down from master to disciple without degeneration.

Today, the monastery continues to uphold this living heritage, serving as a center for deep study, pure practice, and the flourishing of the Segyu lineage for the benefit of all beings.