This article is an in-depth study of the Pemayangtse (pad ma yang rtse) monastery in Sikkim. It explores the historical relationship between the monastery and the religious monarchy of Sikkim. The article also looks at the way of life of the monks and lamas of Pemayangtse, particularly in the context of the Nyingma (rnying ma) tradition. The relationship of the monastery with the local community and its administrative functions is also considered. (Ben Deitle 2006-02-16)