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 in NYC 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, N. L. Drolma established the Khachod Dechenling Foundation, an educational not-for-profit 501(c3) organization; the tsamkhang is a friendly base from which the Foundation can implement its vision for boosting dharma activity in the city and beyond.

Khachod Dechen Ling’s informal environment and absence of bureaucracy allow for instruction tailored to the capacity of each student. This serene, intimate space is a hidden jewel for nurturing beginners and more experienced practitioners alike. Our “backyard,” Hudson River Park, 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.

N. L. Drolma, NYC 2025

Weekly Classes

Many of us in America do not have the opportunity to study and practice for any length of time in South Asia, and within close proximity to a lama. By hosting masters traveling to the States, Khachod Dechen Ling continues to plant seeds for the dharma to take root here and flourish.

KDL carries the blessings of eminent Tibetan Buddhist masters who have been guest residents: 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 UK’s Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, Khachod Dechen Ling, NYC 1993 (Photo: N. L. Drolma)

Now that a Covid vaccine is the norm, temporary housing at KDL for practitioners in transit within the U.S. and to/from overseas is possible too.

Khachod Dechen Ling is just a three-minute walk to Hudson River Park’s spectacular Greenway (spanning 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 Whitney Museum 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 West Village district of NYC.

“The dharma is no one’s property.
It belongs to whoever practices it.”

—Tibetan proverb

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A Refuge for Nurturing Sanity

“The dharma is no one’s property. It belongs to whoever practices it.”

“The dharma is no one’s property.
It belongs to whoever practices it.”