CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NYINGMA DHARMASHALA AND LHAKHANG AT BODHGAYA

The extremely kind and generous gesture of HE Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in donating a plot of land to the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo International Foundation was initiation for the commencement of the Nyingma Dharmashala Project at Bodhgaya. This gave the required impetus to the organizers to start the Project at the earliest. Considering the requirements to cater to the needs of the growing participants, additional land in the vicinity was purchased and construction work began with the laying of the foundation stone in the late 90′ and the foundation was laid by HH The Dalai Lama. The Dharmashala intended to accommodate ten thousand Monlam Participants. The Dharmashala Complex has been designed to be comprised of three main blocks to accommodate the Khenpos and Tulkus in one, the Anis or Nuns in another, and the Monks in the third. At the beginning of the new millenium, with the construction already under way, Sangha members were able to be accommodated in the partially completed areas. The second and third blocks are now complete and the construction of the first block meant for the Khenpos and Tulkus is in advanced stage of completion.

The main Temple hall or Lhakhang was completed in 2008 and larger than life sized statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Buddha Shakya Muni were installed in it with the statue of Amitayu. The Lhakhang was inaugurated in the presence of HH Penor Rinpoche, HH Tsetul Rinpoche, HE Rabjam Rinpoche, HE Kathok Getse Rinpoche, HE Minling Khenchen and many other enlightened Tulkus, Khenpos and Sangha members who conducted the consecration ceremony in the most auspicious time.

For the past nineteen years the kitchen has been operating under temporary conditions in the Dharmashala Complex. A program is under way to construct a permanent kitchen (SOL-THAB) at a suitable location within the Dharmashala Complex.

Seating arrangements within the temple premises during the Puja sessions are as follows:

1.     Seating at the south and west of the Main Temple is reserved for the ordained monks
        i.e. Gelong and Getsul.

2.      Seating at the Northern side of the Temple is reserved for the Ngakpas and Gomchens.

3.     Seating at the eastern side of the Temple is reserved for the ordained nuns and jomos.

 Maintenance of proper spiritual and ethical discipline is encouraged and Disciplinarians (Geykos) are appointed to monitor their respective areas to ensure a environment tranquility conducive to prayer within the premises.

As devotees of the incomparable Guru Padmasambhava we owe our profound  gratitude with reverence to HH Penor Rinpoche for his sense of wisdom, compassionate leadership and support to the continual growth and success of the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. His continued presence and blessings at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo World Peace Ceremony inspires confidence and strength in us. Our profound reverence and gratitude also goes to Tarthang Tulku, our patron and principal founding father of the NMC for his untiring guidance and efforts in our endeavor to ensure continued preservation and propagation of the Nyingma tradition. We are also deeply grateful to Ladhakh Choje Tulku for his continued support in conducting the Monlam Chenmo ceremony.

The active participation and support of all Nyingma Tradition followers in all parts of the globe has made this vision of Nyingma Monlam Chenmo a reality today. All of them have felt and experienced that they are directed towards spiritual enlightenment in their own limited way, at the holy place of Bodhgaya, which we are sure will bring all happiness and prosperity to them and their families in the years to come. NMCIF recognizes their contributions in this noble cause.  

NMCIF appreciates and recognizes the untiring efforts of Bhu Tsering and Cho Dinsang who took the responsibility of the completion of construction of the Dharmashala Project in all these years.