Higher Study of Rituals
Specialisation in Buddhist rituals involves further study, memorisation and training in all aspects of the ritual texts of the Karma Kagyu Lineage. The monks who graduate will qualify as Chanting Masters (Tib. Umze). They may then choose to enter the traditional 3-year retreat at the hermitages in Pullahari or Lava monasteries to train in the practice tradition of the Lineage Masters. Alternatively, they may continue to serve in the monasteries as chanting masters, shrine masters, and as teachers of the younger monks.
   In the seclusion of the hermitages, the monks undergo intensive and profound meditative practices for a period of 3 years. The training to become an accomplished and realised Lama may take a whole lifetime, and some monks spend more than 3 years, or even their whole life in retreat. Traditionally, the most learned and skilled among the Lamas is appointed the Vajramaster (Dorje Lobpon), who is responsible for all ritual practices and training. The senior Chanting Masters are also appointed among those who have completed the 3-year retreat.

Tulku Karma Ngawang Chodrak was appointed Vajramaster of the monasteries of H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche in 2001 upon his completion of the 3-years retreat. Trained under the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche from the age of 10 years old, he completed his basic education and training at Lava Monastery before entering the traditional 3-year retreat at Pullahari Monastery. In 2002, he was formally recognised as the reincarnation of Chag-Tsal Lama, a great Tibetan Lama in Bhutan, by His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwa Karmapa.

Vajramaster Ngawang Chodrak Tulku

Higher Studies in Buddhist Philosophy and Logic
The curriculum for higher studies in Buddhist philosophy and logic at Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's monasteries is a 10-year program. The first 3 years of the curriculum focuses on Tibetan grammar and Buddhist history, and the monks are introduced to Buddhist philosophy and logic. In the next seven years, the monks are taught the five major treatises on Buddhist philosophy and logic according to the Sutrayana tradition, based on the commentaries of the Karma Kagyu masters.
   A monk who successfully completes the 8-year program qualifies as a Buddhist teacher and will hold the title of Acharya (Tib. Lobpon). Some top students may be appointed to the position of Khenpo, who are responsible for the training, education, and discipline of the monastic sangha.

 
Monks in the end of their retreat

   The Acharya monks may then choose to enter the 3-year retreat for studies and practices according to the Mantrayana tradition. Upon completion of the retreat, the monks are qualified to teach both the Sutrayana and Mantrayana traditions, and to guide students at all stages of the levels of the Buddhist path.

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