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Founded by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche in 2004 and mostly volunteer-run by Nalandabodhi, Nalanda West offers programs and events inspired by the Five Fields of Knowledge originally taught at Nalanda University, India. Programs and presenters come from various wisdom traditions which equally speak to our shared aspiration for global awakening, the wish to live a meaningful life and building kinder communities in today’s world.
Nalanda West has been host to numerous auspicious teachings by lineage masters such as Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, who helped select and inaugurate Nalanda West. It is the headquarters of Nalandabodhi International and is the seat in the Americas for Nalandabodhi’s primary teacher, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
A lot of Seattle history occurred within the halls of Nalanda West. Beginning as a church that hosted revival meetings, even housing small businesses for some time, the building was a Korean church when Nalandabodhi purchased it in 2004. While things changed inside, the structure remained a unique fixture in the ever-changing local Fremont neighborhood.
Nalanda West has been a beacon for those seeking refuge in times of crisis and has not discriminated against belief or purpose. Nalandabodhi International hosts its annual Sangha Retreat and Tara Drupchen at Nalanda West. Mindfulness activities, yoga classes, retreats, contemplative events, concerts, and art installations have all found a place within its walls.
