Pundarika UK

Ongoing Projects

Crestone, Colorado, USA

Yeshe Rangsal (self-cognizant wakefulness) is Pundarika Foundation's* 55 acres of secluded retreat land in Crestone, Colorado. The Enlightenment Stupa (Jangchub Chorten) was recently built at the heart of the land and a shrine to Dorje Yudronma (protectress of the land and Dzogchen practice lineages Rinpoche holds) is already a work-in-progress.This will be followed by the construction of a shrine hall. Rinpoche has a small residence - The Zimchung - near the retreat land which serves as his Dharma Seat in the West. For some years now Rinpoche has led two retreats in Crestone in August and in 2008 for the first time he led a monthlong practice retreat there. Around 40 of Rinpoche's students have already moved to Crestone permanently forming a growing sangha.

*N.B. Pundarika Foundation is Rinpoche's American organization. See their website www.pundarika.org for more information.

Tsoknyi Rinpoche Nuns and Monks in Tibet

In Eastern Tibet there are 2,600 nuns and 400 monks in around 50 practice centers and hermitages for which Rinpoche provides material support and spiritual direction. Most of these are in a poor condition and many not weatherproof, so need rebuilding. The traditional means of support for the monastics was their families but nowadays people move away and are not able to provide food and help as previously. It is possible for us Westerners to help Rinpoche support these practitioners through sponsorship or donations. (See below)

Rinpoche has a commitment in Tibet to support the monks and help fund building work at Tsechu Gonpa, the monastery of his late teacher Adeu Rinpoche. He has also recently commenced reconstruction of the historic 1st and 2nd Tsoknyi Temples at his teacher's request.

Nepal Monks and Nuns

All Rinpoche's 210 monks and nuns in Nepal (see Monastic Community) need to be supported. Due to increasing numbers his monastery in Kathmandu is being expanded and his Pharping Nuns are having a new premises built.

Sponsorship

In order to help support Rinpoche's monastic community you can become a sponsor, making regular monthly payments into the Pundarika UK bank account, which will be passed on to Rinpoche.

Alternatively you can make a one off-donation. It can be directed to a specific project if requested.

Past Projects

Drukpa Kagyu Heritage Trust

Inspired by Khamtrul Rinpoche VIII (Dongyu Nyima) and under the guidance of Adeu Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche gathered in one collection for the first time the major texts of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage masters. Many of these texts were on the verge of being lost or had been badly damaged. This painstaking effort, begun in 1993, has produced 108 definitive editions so far, of which 500 sets were printed and distributed to Drukpa Kagyu practice centres and monasteries worldwide. Thanks to Tony Duff for his effort in designing special Tibetan fonts and transcribing much of the material.

Tsoknyi Lineage Teachings

In 2004 Tsoknyi Rinpoche organized and sponsored a two-month transmission of the Tsoknyi Lineage of Terton Ratna Lingpa by Adeu Rinpoche, who was the greatest living master of these teachings. This event was held in the Nangchen Region of Tibet and was attended by 900 monks and nuns. In 2005 Rinpoche organized a six-month-long special teaching by Adeu Rinpoche on the Six Yogas of Naropa for about 80 yogis from 30 practice centres and hermitages. All of these practitioners are now in three-year retreat, in training to become the future teachers of the lineage.

India - Tashi Jong

From 1997 to 2000 Rinpoche served as president of Tashi Jong, the Dharma seat of Khamtrul Rinpoche. Some of his contributions to the community were to fund the construction of 43 new rooms for about 130 monks, and three wells providing a much needed water supply system for the surrounding lay community, serving about 500 people.

Malaysia

Rinpoche recently established three Dharma centres in Malaysia where he can give teachings and guide retreats.