read below for the genesis of the Konchogsum project in early 2007 and then check out our Updates section to see how much has been accomplished!
This is a new and exciting project that Sungtrul Rinpoche has conceived to relieve overcrowding at Tamshing and provide for the education and care of more monks.
Konchugsum is the site of an ancient monastery within a few hundred meters of Tamshing. The monks of Tamshing staff and maintain the site. At this time there is a small Lhakang on the historic property and little else.
The land directly belonging to Tamshing has been built to capacity. The one story courtyard buildings, (mostly living quarter for the monks), are as tall as permissible, since they may not be taller than the Lhakang itself—thus “building up” is not an option. However, more space and living quarters are urgently needed.
Thus, Sungtrul Rinpoche and the monks of Tamshing have decided to build a new Buddhist school (or shedra) at Konchugsum where there is more land, and where it will be permissible (according to Bhutanese traditions) to build a multistory building. In effect, Tamshing will be restoring the ancient monastery that stood here from the 8th century until about 1900. During his lifetime Pema Lingpa also maintained this monastery.
Rather than adding to the overcrowded conditions at Tamshing, it is Sungtrul Rinpoche’s plan to create this new school as a new and accelerated place of learning. All new monks will be assigned to Konchogsum for an intensive curriculum. Those who excel, and wish to continue their studies at a high level, will remain at the school until they earn the Khenpo degree. The other monks will be assigned to Tamshing where they will receive a less strenuous education.
Rinpoche’s plan will thus serve two main goals. One, it will relieve overcrowding at Tamshing and allow the organization overall to accept more monks (rather than turning them away for lack of space). Secondly, and very importantly, it will provide Tamshing, Dramitse and other temples and monasteries with highly trained Khenpos who are very much needed at present. They will, in turn, strengthen the religious and cultural traditions of the Peling School of Buddhism and Bhutanese culture itself.
The multi-talented Lopen Karma has designed a three phase project in traditional Bhutanese style and materials:
Phase 1: Living Quarters, see plans
Phase 2: Kitchen
Phase 3: Study Hall
The approximate cost of the project will be US$144,000. Although, as of this writing, only US$1,550 has been raised, the monks will break ground on the first phase in early 2007, (before the Bhutanese New Year), and work will proceed as money is raised with the monks performing most of the work themselves.
Please consider if you can make a donation to this worthy cause!
