Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling Monastery has an important place in Tibetan history as the seat of the State Oracle of Tibet. The oracle is the medium through whom Dorje Drakden (Nechung), the principal protector of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government, communicates with His Holiness and the Kashag (cabinet).
In 1999, Ven. Thupten Ngodup, the Nechung Kuten founded the Bay Area Nechung Buddhist Center. Kuten La envisioned the Dharma Center as a place where local Tibetans and Westerners could study and practice Tibetan Buddhism without regard to sect.
(Ven. Ngawang Khenrab, Nechung Buddhist Center's Resident Monk)
Ven. Ngawang Khenrab received his novice monk's vows from the Drepung Monatsery in Tibet from the renowned Master Geshe Lamrimpa. Later in India he received the full ordination of a Bikkshu from His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence on March 2nd, 1996. He finished his Bachelor's Degree in Prajanaparamita, a total duration of nine years of philosophical studies: six years of prajnaparamita studies and three years of logic and reasoning studies. Though Ngawang Khenrab-la has finished his traditional studies in India, he began his studies while still in Tibet.
- To rebuild the original Nechung Monastery when there is a true religious freedom in Tibet.
- To help the Nechung Monastery in exile in India through finding sponsors and donors for the young monks to aid in their education, health and living facilities.
- To help individuals, families and organizations in the US, especially the Bay area through prayer and ritual services and educating them about spiritual values and Buddhism.
- To keep the rich spiritual and cultural tradition of Tibet alive. Today, Tibetans regularly flock to the teachings and prayer gatherings organized by the Nechung Buddhist Center, San Francisco Bay Area,