Friday, April 22, 2011

Retreat Houses

Retreat houses - on the way to Nangchen



Today Minam Rinpoche updated on the status of the Retreat House Project (click to read more). This project hit a slight snag. The former piece of retreat land was too large and security and upkeep of the place may be a challenge.

Rinpoche understands the mindsets and creature comforts of many an Asian. You may be surprise that the Westerners are more able to adapt to sanitary and cleanliness issues much better than the yellow skinned. Therefore Rinpoche is looking for a piece of land around Xining region that already has electricity and water supplies. Rinpoche has an existing piece of land in Nangchen but he thinks it may not be suitable as one has to battle with the altitude, not to mention the long and treacherous journey.

It has been very inspiring as we started this fund. Many people expressed their kind support for Rinpoche's project. Thanks to the many of you who have contacted us to commit in helping to get this Retreat Project going. Its been amazing.

We have been amazed at the creative ideas that some of you have been inspired with to help with offerings .... quite a few people pooled offerings from family and friends and the final offering became quite substantial. One requested for her birthday gifts to be converted to offerings to Rinpoche, while another made the effort to sell off ‘junk’ collected from friends. Some even toyed with ideas of making cookies and goodies (dumplings, fruit tarts) to sell. Coin boxes (someone sponsored 500 coin boxes) were distributed out across the country and with each day, they are getting heavier.


Every single contribution, no matter how small is very much appreciated. This will give everyone a chance to contribute to a most worthwhile need. So without any judgement, and with a lot humility in the pocket – we are requesting if you can also help in whatever way you can ..... in the next few months, we will just ask people we meet if they will part with RM50-100 each...or even less to put towards this request.

With thanks!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Wamlung Monastery stands tall once again


In September 2009 the main shrine hall of Wamlung Monastery collapsed. Thanks to all the generous sponsors who answered the urgent call to build a temporary shelter for the monks for that coming winter.




This is an artist impression of what Wamlung Monastery will be. Plans were put into action and by the time I visited Wamlung in 2010, work was in progress





Received the latest update of Wamlung Monastery from Rinpoche on 25 March 2011. Externally the Monastery is completed. Furnishings and internal decor may have to take a back seat due to insufficient funds but more importantly the monks will have a place to call home.



Rinpoche conveys his Tashi Deleks and many thanks to all