New Lama's Retreat Centre at Sarangkot, Pokhara, Nepal
Situated amidst the tranquil mountains of Nepal, the serenity of the environment which permeates throughout provides an ideal and conducive place of retreat for the Lamas. For some lamas, the aspiration to devote themselves whole-heartedly within the religious practices falls short of a well-facilitated learning environment. Shangpa Rinpoche had long foreseen the basic survival needs of the Lamas, which plays a critical role in ensuring that the Lamas can concentrate mindfully on their retreats without having to worry over unsuitable living conditions or the lack of basic amenities. Each retreat lasts for at least a minimum of 3 years and 3 months. It would be unbefitting for the lamas to bear with such impoverished living conditions during this relatively long period of retreat.
With this benevolent and magnanimous vision of aiding the Lamas in their religious retreat and Buddhist practices, this building project has been compassionately undertaken by Shangpa Rinpoche.
However, due to the dire shortage of funds, the construction process of this much-looked-forward-to retreat centre has been slowed down and delayed considerably (as you may see in the accompanying photo left). It is truly saddening to even consider the thought that the Lamas may have to experience the lack of proper and well-provided living conditions even as they dedicate their lives to abide by the Buddha's teachings to uphold supreme faith in excellent conduct, attain enlightened wisdom and Bodhicitta.
In view of this, we would like to sincerely appeal to each and every compassionate person to support and help to contribute towards the fulfillment of this meaningful and enriching mission. Many of us maybe unable to personally propagate the BuddhaDharma, but we can certainly generate mindful thoughts of compassion and donate in kind to assist the Lamas in their spiritual path of enlightenment. Let us appeal to the very instinctual, loving heartstrings within us and do whatever we can to support the devout Lamas in their noble and selfless mission.
Fund Raising Fire Puja and Life Liberation Event
On August 25th till August 27th 2006, a Fire Puja and Life Liberation event will be held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in aid of raising some amount of building funds for this retreat centre. We look forward to your generous participation. It is with a joyful inspiration and perseverance that we uphold within us, that the retreat centre can come to life and house the lamas in the shortest possible period of time.
Latest Images of Construction work : Sept 2006
New Images of Construction work : December 2006
Request for Donations
If you have been inspired to offer a donation to this worthy project, please contact:
Address
Ms Vicky
Green Tara Shop
(Singapore)
Telephone
(Singapore) 67443376 - 10.30am to 10pm
E-mail
gtara@singnet.com.sg
Latest Images of Construction work : September 2007
PDF on Lama's Retreat Centre at Sarangkot, Pokhara
Text from the PDF:
To preserve and propagate the unbroken lineage of Mahamudra practice in modern times, Ven Shangpa Rinpoche, has compassionately undertaken the project of building a new Lama's Retreat Centre at Sarangkot in Pokhara. This will provide more opportunities for the monks to undertake the traditional retreat, which will give them a solid grounding in their Buddhist knowledge and practice.
Situated near the Annapurna mountain ranges, the serenity of the environment makes Sarangkot an ideal retreat location for the Lamas. Through the generous sponsorship of many, the retreat centre will be ready in October 2007 and the 1st batch of about 10- 15 monks will soon be entering into retreat.
About the Retreats
Each retreat lasts a minimum of 3 years and 3 months and 3 days, in seclusion. The retreat covers the entire cycle of teachings, from the preliminary practices (Ngondro), through creation and completion meditations (Kyerim and Dzogrim), the Six Yoga's of Naropa and culminating in Mahamudra practices.
The retreat master, Venerable Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche will personally oversee the retreat and provide individual guidance for each student. All the practices lead one to understand the nature of mind and maximize one's benefit for all sentient beings. Retreatants would receive a thorough grounding in Buddhism and meditation and are the future teachers for the Sangha. The closed and protected environment is conducive for the retreatant to practice undistracted and with total focus towards the ultimate realization of the path.
Sponsoring a Monk on 3 years Retreat
Retreatants usually require financial sponsorship to cover the costs of food, electricity, gas, practice necessities such as tsog offering and offering to visiting high lamas who provide them instructions. Most monks who wish to join the retreat have limited, if any, financial support from their own families. Shangpa Rinpoche thus plays a critical role in helping them look for sponsors, so that they can concentrate on their retreats without having to worry over financial support.
It is said that,"Supporting a person in retreat is considered as meritorious as if you yourself are doing the retreat." Sponsoring a retreat lama is a meaningful way to practice generosity. It would help the retreatants in their practices, benefit the Sangha at large and ensures that the glorious and pure teachings of the Buddha and the unbroken lineage will continue to flourish in this degenerate time. Through it may all sentient beings be liberated.
If you cannot go into retreat yourself, why not consider helping by:
- - Donating any amount towards supporting all the retreatants
- - Sponsoring the expenses of a particular monk in retreat for the period of 1 year or throughout the 3 years
Any donations, small or large, will be gratefully received and rejoiced in!
If you have been inspired to offer a donation towards this meaningful cause, please contact us at admin.kibs@gmail.com or Tel: 9815 0386
Opening ceremony of the new Retreat Centre for monks
Karma Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Centre
at Sarangkot, Pokhara, Nepal
Shangpa Rinpoche is happy to share the news that the new retreat centre 'Karma Ngedon Palbar Ling Retreat Centre' at Sarangkot, Pokhara is finally ready and the first batch of 16 monks including 2 Tulkus will be soon entering into their 3 years 3 months retreat on 26 May 2008.
Rinpoche will be travelling back on 20 May 2008 from Singapore to Pokhara to conduct the opening and inaugurating ceremony of the retreat centre which will be held on 21 May 2008.
For the 3 days from 22 May to 24 May 2008, both Ven Shangpa Rinpoche and the retreat master, Ven Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche will lead the monks who are entering into the retreat to conduct prayers for the purpose of dispelling obstacles for the retreat.
This will be followed by a ceremony on 26 May 2008 which marks the beginning of the 3 years 3 months retreat for the 16 monks. This moment marks the start of the rare, meaningful and important event in their lives, which should be rejoiced by all. Let us also make sincere wishes and dedications that everything will be auspicious for their successful completion of the retreat.
To those who have supported towards the building of the retreat centre as well as providing financial support to the retreatant monks, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and rejoice.
With this merit, may the glorious and pure teachings of the Buddha and the unbroken lineage continue to flourish in these degenerate times. Through this, may all sentient beings be liberated and attain everlasting happiness.
Email : Shangpa Rinpoche
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