Overview • History • Land • Main Temple • Stupa • Vajra Temple

History
For twelve centuries, Tibet followed the Buddha’s teachings, known as the Dharma,
developing the positive transforming power of compassion, wisdom and enlightened
action. Today, Tibet’s temples have been largely destroyed, artistic treasures and
precious texts have been plundered and dispersed.

To prevent the further loss of valuable teachings, many people have dedicated their
energy to the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture. For over 30 years, Odiyan’s founder
Tarthang Tulku has been working in the United States to preserve ancient
knowledge and help Buddhist teachings take strong root in the West.

Odiyan was established in 1975 after many years of searching for suitable property
for a country retreat center. For 30 years, the all-volunteer community has worked
to transform the former ranch into a vibrant, natural sanctuary. Extensive landscaping
and reforestation have revitalized the land and restored wildlife populations.

Several large-scale architectural masterpieces all built by volunteers, form the heart
of the Odiyan mandala. These include the Enlightenment Stupa completed in 1980, the
Main Temple completed in 1983, Vajra Temple completed in 1992 and Cintamani Temple,
currently under construction.

Sunset over reflecting lake

Prayer wheels line inner walkway

Founder
Odiyan was founded by Tarthang Tulku, originally from Eastern Tibet. Tarthang Tulku, |
also known as Rinpoche, meaning ‘precious teacher’, received traditional training from
the great masters of his time in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tarthang Tulku left Tibet in 1959 after the disruption of his culture. From 1959 to 1967,
he taught Buddhism at Sanskrit University in India. In 1968, Rinpoche came to the United
States where he has lived and worked continuously. To support Tibetan refugees, preserve
Tibetan culture and make the teaching of Buddhism accessible to Western students, Rinpoche
initiated many projects and established over 20 organizations including the Nyingma Institute,
Tibetan Aid Project, Dharma Publishing, the Yeshe De text preservation project, and the
international Nyingma Centers. Visit our links page for more information.”

Tarthang Rinpoche is a visionary thinker who has authored over a dozen books that expand
understanding of the human heart and mind.
 
     

@ 2005 Odiyan Buddhist Retreat Center