Nalendra Project
The Nalendra Project started after Lama Choedak Rinpoche and a large group of his students returned from the first pilgrimage visit to Tibet in July 2007. Founded by Rongton Sheja Kunrik, Nalendra is the monastery of our spiritual father His late Eminence Chogye Trichen.
Since it's inception the project has raised a total of AUD$90,000 which has helped 230 nuns and monks. So far the Nalendra Project has managed to achieve the following:
1. Annual funding of traditional monastic training for 25 monks at Nalendra Shedra College (first batch of students will graduate in 2010).
2. General support of nuns and monks at five associated monasteries and nunneries in the Phenpo Valley including:
⁃ Annual Hevajra Drubcho prayer ritual at Nalendra Monastery
⁃ Annual Vajrayogini Drubcho prayer ritual at Chakri Nunnery
⁃ Annual Maha Vairocana Drubcho prayer ritual in Langthang monastery
⁃ Annual 1000-armed Avalokiteshvara Nyung-ne Drubcho prayer ritual at Daryul Gomkhang nunnery
⁃ Annual Vajrayogini Drubcho prayer ritual at Palden Tse Nunnery
3. Special Project funding of major renovation at the Nalendra Monastery (which has employed many locals) including:
⁃ main meditation hall timber and stone reflooring, structural repair of 40 columns, repair of roofing, repainting of murals and improved lighting.
⁃ Paving courtyard at Nalendra Shedra College
Our Commitment
The Nalendra Project is committed to assisting the nuns and monks at the five associated monasteries and nunneries in the Phenpo Valley in the following ways:
1. Funding for traditional monastic training of 25 monks at Nalendra Shedra College (25,000 yuan annually)
2. General support of nuns and monks (18,750 yuan annually)
3. Special Projects - building nun's and monks' living quarters including toilet facilities at Palden Tse Nunnery, Daryul Gomkhang Nunnery and Chakri Nunnery as well as Langthang Monastery.
We have successfully in the past been able to raise funds towards Special Projects i.e. Nalendra Monastery renovation. During his most recent visit in July 2009, Rinpoche was able to give funds specifically for the Palden Tse and Daryul Gomkhang Nunneries who have initiated building projects to renovate the nun's living quarters. We have received additional requests for the funding of improved living quarters at Chakri Nunneries as well as Langthang Monastery.
How can you help?
The annual funding commitments amount to a total of approximately AUD$11,000 per year. Lama Choedak Rinpoche has personally made two visits back to Nalendra to distribute the funds in December 2007 and July 2009. Building monks' and nun's living quarters and toilet facilities will cost many times more than the money we have been able to donate annually in the past so any donation towards this as well as the sponsorship project will be greatly appreciated.
You can list the names of those who would like included in the annual traditional prayer rituals.
Lama Choedak Rinpoche recently visited China and Tibet making special visits to Nalendra Monastery and Palden Tse Nunnery (more>>)
