Shukjung

Shukjung is associated with Dzogchen Monastery, a major Nyingma foundation on the northern frontier of Derge. The monastery stands in a pastoral region of eastern Tibet, where the kings of Derge and Lingtsang sought to extend their influence among the highland communities. In 1685 Pema Rigdzin founded the monastery with the support of both kings and in accordance with the wishes of the Fifth Dalai Lama. His reincarnations became important religious advisers at the Derge court. Dzogchen grew into a leading centre of Nyingma teaching, tying the royal patronage of Derge to a wider world of religious learning and practice.