Palpung Thigsum Chokyi Ghatsal is a Tibetan Buddhist Institute of the
Karma Kagyu tradition in Tasmania, Australia.
Guru Vajradhara HH 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa
His Holiness the 12th Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa, Pema Donyo Nyingche Wangpo, was born in the male wood-horse year, 1954. He was found and recognised by HH the 16th Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje. His Holiness is a renowned Buddhist master. He is the main Guru of HH the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, in the Mahamudra and is also responsible for training the next generation of Buddhist masters.
The Monastic Seat of Palpung Sherabling was established as the current HH Tai Situpa’s seat in exile, in the foothills of the Himalaya, in India. Palpung Sherabling preserves and cultivates the lineage of the Palpung tradition. Our Institute of Palpung Thigsum Chokyi Ghatsal is a branch of this ancient Lineage tree.
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The Institute’s founder and Abbot was Venerable Choje Lama Shedrup. Choje Lama established the Palpung Buddhist community in Tasmania and now enjoys retirement, living in retreat and pilgrimage.
The Institute’s resident teacher is Venerable Lama Tsewang Lhakpa. His guidance and teachings are available for Buddhist students as well as anyone interested in exploring Buddhism.
Under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness Chamgon Kenting 12th Tai Situpa, the Insitute preserves and makes available to western students, an authentic precious living tradition of Tibetan Buddhist practice, study and ritual.
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Palpung Thigsum Chokyi Ghatsal is located in the heart of
Launceston, Tasmania, on kanamaluka country.
FOR OPENING HOURS: LOOK TO OUR REGULAR AND SPECIAL EVENT TIMETABLES
OFFICE CONTACT HOURS:
TUESDAY – FRIDAY 9 AM – 3PM
WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2026
Celebrations involve reciting long life prayers, followed by a rice and tea ceremony. Everyone will have the opportunity to offer the traditional white silk khatas (scarves) to the throne of
His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and Guru Vajradhara His Holiness Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa. Making offerings is an opportunity to practice generosity and generates merit and positive karma.
PRAYER FLAG HANGING and SANG PUJA
FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2026
The hanging of prayer flags followed by a Sang Puja (Fire Puja) for the removal of obstacles and the increasing of prosperity. Birthday Celebrations for GURU VAJRADHARA HH CHAMGON KENTING TAI SITU SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2026
Long life prayers and celebrations marking the 73rd Birthday of HH Tai Situpa.
Kagyu Lineage thangka – Artwork by Robert Beer
The 8th Kenting Tai Situpa Chokyi Jugne founded the great Palpung monastery of Tibet in 1727 which then became the seat of the Tai Situpas and the Karma Kagyu mother monastery in Kham, Tibet. The current seat in exile of the 12th Kenting Tai Situpa is Palpung Sherabling in Himachel Pradesh, India. Palung is renowned for its rich tradition in practice, study and ritual as well as a centre for living art, philosophy and culture.
Sherabling India, 2008. From top left to right: Gyalton Rinpoche, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Bo Gangkar Rinpoche, Tersay Thutop Rinpoche. From bottom left to right: H.E. Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, H.E. Tai Situ Rinpoche, H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, H.E. Kalu Rinpoche.
