Sonam Rinchen Gampopa, whose sect is known as Dagpo Kagyu, branched off into four major and eight minor sects. One of the four major sub sects is the Barom Kagyu, founded by Barom Darma Wanchug.

Eighteen retreat centres called the "Rikhag of the Barom School" came into being at different lands in the upper, middle and the lower parts of this Nangchen region in Kham. The Ripa Bharma Monastery is one of these and also one of the biggest monastery in Kham;
The retreat center is well known because many profound retreaters graduated from there.

With the inspiration of the Venerable 8th Bakyoe Rinpoche and the Venerable 3rd Tenpe Nyima Rinpoche, the long process of rebuilding has begun. Please contribute generously to the Rebuilding of the Ripa Bharma Monastery project – let's turn the Dharma Wheel together!