Ganden Chang Chub Choling started from humble beginnings in the early 1970’s through the efforts of a great attained master and stalwart Dorje Shugden practitioner, Geshe Khenrab Gajam of Ganden Jangtse Monastery. During this era, an influx of Tibetan refugees had migrated to Canada. Thus, the Canadian government extended an invitation to Geshe Khenrab Gajam to establish a dharma center to fulfill the spiritual needs of their new citizens.
When Geshe Khenrab Gajam arrived in Montreal, he lived in a small apartment in Longueuil where the local Tibetan community soon made a close connection with him. Not long after his arrival, a small group of English and French students also started to gather for Dharma classes in Geshe Khenrab’s apartment.
Eventually, Geshe Khenrab converted his apartment into a Dharma centre known as the Atisha Dharma Centre. Although it was small, they were often visited by many great lamas, amongst them Venerable Pema Gyaltsen, Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, Venerable Kalu Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche.
Geshe Khenrab Gajam (right) and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche (left)
In 1980, just before the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Atisha Dharma Centre moved to a larger building in Longueuil and was renamed the Tibetan Buddhist Temple – Ganden Chang Chub Choling. The more spacious premises allowed the Dharma community to flourish, and many more newcomers began to participate in the temple’s activities.
Chang Chub Choling remained in this location for six years until they relocated yet again to an even bigger place on De l’Eglise Ave. in Côte St. Paul at the advice of H.H. the 98th Gaden Tripa, Jamphel Shenpen, who had visited the temple several times over the course of a few years. The new center had its official opening in May 1986, with a traditional ceremony performed by the monks of Gyuto Tantric College.
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama visited Ganden Chang Chub Choling in 1980
Chang Chub Choling continued to enjoy visits from great Lamas such as Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, and the students received many teachings and initiations from these enlightened masters under the auspices of Geshe Khenrab Gajam. After Geshela entered clear light on 4 October 1993, his students continued their practices and sought advice from both Kyabje Lati Rinpoche and Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche on the search for the reincarnation of their beloved teacher.
Through the kindness of Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche, the temple came under the guidance of Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, an exceptional Geshe and Dorje Shugden practitioner, also from Ganden Jangtse Monastery. Geshe-la arrived with Kyabje Dagom Rinpoche in the fall of 2001, and remained in Chang Chub Choling for 4 months during which he gave many teachings. Thereafter, Geshe Tsultrim was called away to Austria to be the tutor of H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.
Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin (right) with his close student Zawa Tulku Rinpoche (left)
Since then, Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Tashi, both close disciples of Geshe Tsultrim, have established a permanent monastic presence in Chang Chub Choling to guide the spiritual community of Montreal. Together, they work hand in hand to actualize the vision of Geshe Khenrab Gajam.
The Sangha of Ganden Chang Chub Choling
Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin
Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin is the Spiritual Director of Gaden Chang Chub Choling temple in Montreal since 2001. Born in Kham, Tibet, he became a monk at the age of twelve at Ganden Jangtse Monastery and was awarded the highest degree of Geshe Lharampa after completing the study of all divisions of Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy.
Geshe-la also received an Acharya (Masters) degree at the Varanasi Sanskrit University in India and completed his tantric education at the Gyumed Tantric College.
Today, Geshe-la teaches at many Buddhist temples and monasteries in India, Tibet, Europe and North America. He has been responsible for the education of many monks, guiding them from a young age to maturity, and in particular, he is the chosen teacher of the young Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche.
Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche
Born in India in 1978, Zawa Tulku Lobsang Dorje Chokyi Gyaltsen Rinpoche was recognized as the incarnation of the great Zawa Geshe Rinpoche. He was enthroned and ordained at Ganden Shartse monastery in 1982, where he studied Buddhist philosophy for the next 16 years.
Upon completing his education, Rinpoche then embarked upon an international tour, teaching at numerous Dharma centers around the world. Rinpoche is also a master of the ritual arts, particularly in healing and purification rituals, and the construction of sand mandalas.
When Zawa Rinpoche’s Guru, Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, was called away to Austria to assist Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche in his studies, Zawa Rinpoche was given the responsibility to carry on the work of his teacher. Renowned for his kindness and pure morality, Zawa Rinpoche is now the Abbot of Ganden Chang Chub Choling Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Montreal.
Gen Lobsang Tashi
Gen Lobsang Tashi was ordained at the age of 8 in Ganden Jangtse Monastery and is in the process of completing his traditional monastic education.
Gen-la is the assistant of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and is also the resident Tibetan translator and language teacher in Ganden Chang Chub Choling.
Carrying on the Lineage
It is widely known that Geshe Khenrab Gajam was an eminent Dorje Shugden practitioner who upheld his commitments and practices until he entered clear light in 1993. Determined to preserve the holy lineage of their Guru, the members of Chang Chug Choling have continued their protector practices after the passing of their teacher.
Through Chang Chub Choling’s Spiritual Director, Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin, and his unique position as H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche’s tutor, the members of the temple are also closely connected to many great Dorje Shugden masters.
Today, under the guidance of Zawa Tulku Rinpoche, who is an active and vocal supporter of the Dorje Shugden movement, Ganden Chang Chub Choling offers a variety of Buddhist services for the public, among them Dorje Shugden prayer services .
We at DorjeShugden.com are proud of our Dharma brothers and sisters in Montreal for staying strong and unified during these difficult times, and for their unwavering devotion to Geshe Khenrab Gajam.
Tibetan Buddhist Temple – Gaden Chang Chub Choling
1870, De l’Eglise Ave.
Montreal H4E 1G8
Quebec, Canada
Tel.: +1-514-765-3515
Info: +1-514-219-4506
Fax : +1-514-765-9102
Email: [email protected]
Website:http://www.khenrab.org
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Dekyi Tara
October 18, 2014
I bow to Geshe Khenrab Gajam and Thank you for the hard work established Ganden Chang Chub Choling to spread Dorje Shugden practice to many. Thank you to Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin take up responsible for the education of many monks, guiding them from a young age to maturity, and in particular. Education and knowledge is very important to spread holy lineage.
May Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche, Venerable Trote Tulku Rinpoche, Gen Lungrik Tenzin, Gen Lobsang Tashi life long to continue to spread Dorje Shugden practice in this difficult periods.
Eli
October 18, 2014
It is through this website we can have glimpse of the Gelug tradition universe that we know how the Gelug tradiiton is moving in the 21t century. Inspired by the many stalwart lamas and masters of the Gelug tradition that follow their teacher’s advice and kept to doing what is best which is samaya with their gurus and Dorje Shudgen.
The readers of this site have the good fortune to digest a variety of information and also know about Gelug tradition and its teachings and practices in much greater details. I fold my hands to thank the website and its team for their work in bringing Tsongkhapa’s tradition to us with a few clicks how very easy and convenient for so many of us.
Khenrab-ma
October 19, 2014
This article does not mention that Chang Chub Choling no longer exists due to mismanagement ,there was a fire and the building burnt down withall Geshela hopes and wishes.
D. Bear
October 20, 2014
Khenrab-ma, I guess you would like that to be true but there is no joy for you here.
Ganden Chang Chub Choling is undergoing construction works at the moment and like other monasteries and centres around the world that hold true to the pure Gelugpa lineage, it will continue to grow from strength to strength. Look around, the centres and monasteries in India, Tibet and other countries that are flourishing are all Dorje Shugden monasteries.
Since the late 70′s the CTA/Dalai Lama has been trying to shut down Shugden practice and monasteries and instead the practice has grown. If the Dalai Lama could not destroy this holy practice when his popularity was at its zenith, what makes you think that he can now seeing that his world standing is waning fast? The only thing that is going up in smoke is the Dalai Lama reputation, and along with it the hopes of the Tibetan people regaining their independence as one nation.
Steve Lee
October 21, 2014
Ohh nooo… Its too bad that the old centre went up in flames but I hope the new centre would be even more resplendent than before. The reopening of Chang Chub Choling would be another important date in the DS world. I pray that many of these Dorje Shugden institutions would become big and beneficial in spreading the practice throughout the western world.
Ronykhan
October 21, 2014
Several DS monasteries and many DS practitioners have been suffering since the Ban was imposed. They are short of funds and resources. Other people discriminate against them. They are treated like lower caste. They have very little support. But they have great faith in their Guru and the Protector. Even when the monastery experience a fire and loss of funds etc, they never give up. They face major obstacles but they will rebuild the monastery. Isn’t that what Dharma stands for – the perfection of ethics, patience, generosity, effort, concentration and wisdom !
Looking forward to the newly refurbished Chang Chub Choling !
Trinity
October 22, 2014
Salute to Geshe Khenrab Gajam that planted a strong seed in Canada by converted his apartment into a Dharma centre known as the Atisha Dharma Centre.
Built and maintain a Dharma centre is not a easy task, thanks all the high Lamas and the devoted team that work harmoniously to make it happen and getting bigger and bigger. Rejoice!!!
Dorje Shugden really will help us eventually we want to benefit more, however DS practitioners and monasteries are really hard and suffer but still can grow!!!
Kim Hyun Jae
October 23, 2014
Rejoice to Ganden Chang Chub Choling Monastery and all the sangha for carrying on the Dorje Shugden lineage to preserve it for future generations to benefit them.
Without these DS masters, their hard work and commitment, there wouldn’t be such dharma centers to practice DS.
Amber Sonam
October 25, 2014
My heartfelt appreciation to Geshe Khenrab Gajam for fearlessly setup the Ganden Chang Chub Choling in Montreal allowing the lineage of the Dorje Shugden practice to continue flourish and to benefit others!
This kind of good deeds have to make known to others, to remind the Tibetans how these lamas have helped them when they are most in need. Without Geshe Khenrab Gajam, the Canadian government will not extend the invitation to Ganden Chang Chub Choling to cater for the spiritual needs of the influx of Tibetan refugees at that time.
Thank you so much!
C. Lobsang
October 27, 2014
Ganden Chang Chub Choling, wasn’t destroy by flame, two years a go after heavy summer rain fall, sewer overflow flooding the basement and with water infiltration from the roof. The center never reopen since. It’s pinch my heart when I hear that the building was sold recently, a active member , who share this information, don’t know where the center move. I begin my practice there and stop to go because frequent turmoil, I’m not really surprised but I still disappointed, decades of work and donation gone. I had a secret hope that turmoils would finish to grow in wisdom seem I’m wrong
valerie b
February 1, 2015
Hi,
Anybody know how we can contact Zawa Tulku or Lobsang ? I used to go there and appreciate their kindness their inspiration.
I remember that Lobsang was working in a tibetan restaurant but don’t know which one.
If you have any information about them please email me. I hope they will re-open a center somewhere in Quebec and we can follow their teaching and meditation.
Take care, valerie
A friend
April 6, 2015
Dear Valerie, the building was sold last spring , a lot of money cash in, no more center, no more web site. It’s not the center moved, it’s close. would you really follow teaching of one who put disharmony and dispel Gueshe Khenrab disciples, and group after group came to this center after and go, for the same kind turmoil! If you want found him just google his name you will found a lot of pictures of him all around the world. Whisper say new center would open, so secret that nobody know when and where! secrecy usually is there to hide things!, keep in mind that Gaden Jangcub Chöling had decades of activities, fruit of work and donations of many people, juste now took away! You can bet if any news center open it would be not Gueshe Khenrab center! behind nice appearance I think you should look the facts!
A friend
Marc
February 6, 2016
Hello,
Is there a dorje shugden in Montreal, Canada or someone I can contact in the area?
Thanks,
Marc
Lukas Leibowitz
June 4, 2016
@Marc – did a little Google for you. Not in Montreal that I could find but in Ste-Sophie, there’s Venerable Zawa Rinpoche who is extremely devoted to Dorje Shugden and to the lineage gurus. You can find more details here: http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/tsongkhapa-spreads-in-canada/ and here: http://www.meditationtsongkhapa.org/ Second link’s their website.
Lobsang Chodak
June 4, 2016
@A friend – don’t talk about things you don’t know. Yeah there was secrecy but you know what? Because if they talked then Dalai Lama Tibetans will create problems and go here and there and spread rumors just like you are doing. How about you stop badmouthing people from your own lineage and SUPPORT THEM INSTEAD? We are already facing problems from Dharamsala and with the ban, and here you go putting down our own teachers and spreading rumors and lies and things you don’t know about? Pathetic. The center has reopened in Ste-Sophie, Google it for yourself.
Sierra
July 8, 2016
Though Ganden Chang Chub Choling Monastery may look small and nondescript it has been doing a lot to propagate the dharma and the practice of Dorje Shugden. As a testament to its good works, it managed to move to a bigger premise in a few short years. Even the Dalai Lama recognized the great contribution of Atisha Dharma Center which was renamed Ganden Chang Chub Choling Monastery.
And now amidst the many obstacles faced due to the ban, it has to move quietly to another location. And, that too, there are not so nice people trying to create problems just because they do not agree with the original practice of the center.
But, do note that they were and are doing great works to spread the teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa and the practice of Dorje Shugden.
Thank you, admin for sharing and thabks to Lobsang Chodak for the further information. But, as Lobsang Chodak pointed out, once the location is common knowledge, there may be trouble from Tibetans.Sad, indeed.
May these unruly and sectarian Tibetans gain knowledge and have the opportunity to hear the real dharma.
SabrinaS
September 3, 2016
The first thing that struck me was how spiritually accepting the Canadian government was. They actually show their concern for their new citizen and care enough to invite Geshe Khenrab Gajam of Ganden Jangtse Monastery to guide and teach. Its is due this and Geshe Khenrab Gajam hardwork that the centre flourish to move twice to bigger and better places. This really show the growth of Dharma under his leadership. The people of Montreal are indeed blessed with so many erudite Masters visiting and teaching. Even after Geshe Khenrab Gajam’s passing, Ganden Chang Chub Choling monastery continues to flourish under the leadship of Geshe Tsultrim Tenzin and later under is student, Venerable Zawa Tulku Rinpoche and Gen Lobsang Tashi.
From the comments read, it is really sad that due to the ban on Dorje Shugden, the Dalai Lama/CTA could close down this monastery after so much hardwork had been invested into it. Now the students are left floundering without a Guru nor Dharma centre. May the Dalai Lama lift the Shugden ban which had damaged the Dharma so terribly when he is suppose to protect and propitiate.
Dalai Lama should set things right
August 13, 2018
Dear Dalai Lama,
Since you started the cruel ban against the 350 year Dorje Shugden practice, how has it benefit your Tibetan society and Buddhism in the world? Things have become worse and most educated Tibetans can see this. They don’t speak out not because they don’t see your ban as wrong, but you instill fear in them and not respect. It is like fear of a dictator. I am sorry to say so. Everyone is divided. There is no harmony. Before your ban there was more harmony and unity.
By enacting the ban, you split the monasteries, split so many families, split regions in Tibet apart, split your disciples from you, split your own gurus from you, split Tibetan Buddhism apart. You have created so much disharmony.
It is not democratic what you have done to ban a religion within your community. You always talk of tolerance and acceptance and democracy and yet you do not accept and tolerate something different from your beliefs. When people practice Dorje Shugden you ostracize them, ban them from seeing you, ban them from using Tibetan facilities. You know you have done that. There are videos that capture your speech and prove this point. You even had people expelled from monasteries just because they practice Dorje Shugden. Some of the monks you expelled have been in the monastery for over 40 years. Many older monks shed tears because of this.
Many young educated Tibetans lost confidence in you as they saw the damage the Dorje Shugden ban created and they lose hope. Many have become free thinkers. They reject what you have done. So many people in the west left Buddhism because of the confusion you created with this ban against Dorje Shugden which is immoral.
You could of had millions of people who practice Dorje Shugden to support, love and follow you, but you scared them away. They are hurt and very disappointed. They loved you and respected you deeply before the ban. It has been 60 years and you have failed to get Tibet back. Your biggest failure is not getting Tibet back after 57 years in exile. Now you are begging China to allow you to return to Tibet to the disappointment of thousands of people who fought for a free Tibet believing in you. So many self-immolated for a free Tibet and now you want Tibet to be a part of China with no referendum from Tibetans. Just like a dictator, you decide on your own. It was your government and you that lost Tibet in the first place. Your policies and style of doing things do not benefit Tibet and Buddhism. You have been the sole ruler of Tibet your whole life and you still have not gotten our country of Tibet back for us. Our families and us are separated. Yet you create more pain by creating a ban to further divide people. Please have compassion.
No other Buddhist leader has banned or condemned any religion except for you. It looks very bad. You are a Nobel laureate and this is not fitting of a laureate. You should unite people and not separate them by religious differences.
You said Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi did not do right to the Rohingya people in Myanmar due to religious differences, but you are doing the same thing to the Shugden Buddhists within your own society. There is a parallel in this. You separate the Shugden Buddhists from the others in Tibetan society.
You have lost so many people who would have loved and supported you. You have lost so much support around the world. The Shugden Buddhists who love you number in the millions. When you are fast losing support from governments and private people, it will not do you well to lose more.
After you are passed away in the future, the rift you created between the Dorje Shugden and non-Dorje Shugden people will remain for a while and that will be your legacy. Disharmony. You will be remembered for this. Not as a hero but a disharmony creator.
Dorje Shugden will spread and further grow, but you will be no more as you are a human. No one wishes you bad and in fact we hope you have a long and healthy life, but we have lost so much hope and have so much despair because of you. All the hundreds of Dorje Shugden lamas, tulkus and geshes are maturing and there are hundreds of Dorje Shugden monasteries in Tibet who will not give up Dorje Shugden. You have made a mistake. These hundreds of teachers and teachers to be will spread Dorje Shugden further in the future.
The gurus that gave us Dorje Shugden as a spiritual practice and you have called these holy gurus wrong and they are mistaken in giving us Dorje Shugden. How can you insult our gurus whom we respect so much? If they can be wrong, then you can be wrong. Then all gurus can be wrong. So no one needs to listen to any guru? You have created this trend. It is not healthy. Your own gurus practiced Dorje Shugden their whole lives. Your own gurus were exemplary and highly learned.
Dalai Lama you have created so much pain with this ban against so many people due to religion. You are ageing fast. Are you going to do anything about it or stay stubborn, hard and un-moving. You show a smile and preach peace and harmony wherever you go. But will you do the same to your own people? Please rectify the wrong you have done. Please before it is too late. You can create harmony again or you can pass away in the future with this legacy of peace. May you live long and think carefully and admit what was a mistake in having this unethical ban against Dorje Shugden religion.