Aryapala Monastery/ Meditation center
Mongolians have a long history of practicing Buddhism and Dharma paths to find enlightenment. Therefore, Aryapala International Meditation Center (AIMC), located in Gorkhi Terelj, Mongolia has opened its door to fellow Mongolian meditators and international visitors who wants to learn about Buddhism and practice meditation. AIMC was founded in 1998 by Venerable Geshe Bayantsagaan Sandag, head lama of Lamrim Monastery in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia. It started its operation in 2004, has become the second largest meditation center after Duvhan Monastery which was founded by Mongolian First Bogd Zanabazar. The temple is auspiciously located with a forest in front of it and steep, sharp peaks which host fierce protector-deities behind it. AIMC lies on a southern slope of a mountain known as Maanit which is part of the Khan Khentii Mountain Range. This area is also a part of the Terelj-Gorkhi Special Protected area by the government of Mongolia. AIMC is one of the few centers around the world that still keeps the ancient meditation practices of Mahayana Buddhism tradition.