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Year-End 2007

2007 YEAR-END REPORT

Surmang shedra    Fall  2007

Surmang Dutsi Til.   Khenpo Tsering Gyurme, who has recently returned to North America from Surmang, informs us that major progress was made on the shedra (school)  construction in 2007.    Among the accomplishments this year were the construction of the clerestory roof of the lhakang and the front gate of the complex, insulation and plastering of all residential areas, subflooring and floor heating pipes in all residential areas, window installation in the student housing areas and in the residential corridors, granite floor tiling of the residential corridors, and finish stucco coating of the majority of exterior walls.

Clerestory roof nears completion     Fall 2007

Painting begins.  One of the most exciting developments in 2007 is that the painting of the shedra complex got underway.  The paint work is extremely detailed, as can be seen in the photos, and will require a prodigious amount of labor to complete.

Patrons make shedra construction possible.  Donations from more than five hundred individuals paid for the 2007 work on the shedra, and for Konchok Foundation’s other activities this year.  Of particular note was the fall campaign centered on Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s Chicago Marathon run, which the Sakyong completed despite terrible weather conditions.  Especially helpful were the generous individuals who offered substantial matching grants during the campaign, including one such grant for $12,000.  Thank you as well to the many people whose donations allowed the successful fulfillment of all matching grants.

Shedra painting detail           October 2007

Wayen.   David Bolduc and Lindy and Bob King traveled to Wayen monastery in Golok this past summer with Lama Chonam.  The purpose of that visit was for planning related to a shedra.  This location is closely identified with Mipham Rinpoche.

Support for Trungpa Rinpoche and monks.  Donations to Konchok Foundation also made possible provision of living support for Trungpa XII Rinpoche and for support to monks or nuns at Dorje Khyung Dzong, Kyere, and Wenchen retreat centers.  More sponsors are needed for monks and nuns on retreat—please let us know if you can help.

Forthcoming plans.  The spring 2008 Konchok Foundation newsletter will describe the time line to the anticipated summer 2009 consecration of the shedra and the planned start up of educational programs.

If you can help financially, please go to Donate Now.

Painting begins at shedra while yaks graze in the background    October 2007