Lotus Light Dharma Institute
Chapagaon, Nepal
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Cultivating the heart of Dharma
Unveiling Wisdom. Nurturing Compassion. Empowering with True Dignity.
“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
Buddha
The sangha provides the solid foundation needed for the preservation and propagation of the Buddhadharma. As our Lord Buddha taught, without the sangha the Buddhadharma cannot survive. Knowing this, Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche has made the education and growth of the ordained sangha one of the principal touchstones in his vision. His mission is to provide a suitable environment for the sangha to flourish and become authentic Dharma teachers and practitioners.
Starting from six monks in 2006, Chapagaon Monastery has grown to house fifty young monks with an ever-growing waiting list. In order to successfully nurture Dharma teachers for the growing lay community, the current community of fifty young monks are insufficient. A community of a hundred and fifty monks is required to provide an optimal foundation to grow Dharma teachers quickly enough to meet the needs of local and overseas Buddhist practitioners. To house this larger community, a new Dharma Institute is needed.
About Phakchok Rinpoche
Phakchok Rinpoche is one of the heads of the Taklung Kagyu Lineage and a lineage holder of the Profound Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa from the Nyingma School, one of the four major schools in Vajrayana Buddhism. A learned scholar, Rinpoche was awarded the Khenpo title (similar to a PhD) after completing within seven years the traditional nine-year curriculum of Buddhist philosophy at Dzongsar Institute of Advanced Buddhist Studies in India. An accomplished meditator and avid preserver of Dharma, Rinpoche is abbot of several monasteries in Nepal, assists monasteries and practice centres in Tibet, heads dharma centers in North America and Asia, and actively promotes the translations and publications of rare texts. A compassionate activist, Rinpoche energetically oversees a wide range of humanitarian projects in South Asia. A gifted teacher, Rinpoche’s teachings are direct, lively, and practical, with a uniquely non-sectarian approach combining the teachings of the Vajrayana, Mahayana and Theravada.
“Possessions are ephemeral and essenceless. Know this and give them generously to monks, to brahmins, to the poor, and to your friends: beyond there is no greater friend than a gift.” – Nagarjuna
The project
Our Location
Chapagaon is a village in the Lalitpur District, located approximately 45 minutes south of Kathmandu. The site where the Dharma Institute will be built is the sacred pilgrimage site of Vajravārāhī. One of her emanations that appeared in this world is Princess Mandarava, a highly respected female Buddhist practitioner who was Guru Rinpoche’s consort.
The original monastery was built and offered to Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche by a devout Newari Buddhist family. Phakchok Rinpoche took over as Abbot of this monastery upon the passing of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. This monastery remains the only Buddhist monastery in this area, and is crucial to preserving Buddhist principles and values in this community.
Right beside the site for the Dharma Institute, a huge replica of Zangdok Palri (Copper-Coloured Mountain), the celestial palace of Guru Rinpoche is being completed. Right opposite the site within the same compound is Vajra Varahi Healthcare Clinic, where medical treatment is being given a low or no cost to the sick in the community.
This combination of the magnificent temple of Zangdok Palri, the Dharma Institute, Vajra Varahi Healthcare Clinic and the sacred temple of Vajra Varahi forms a unique sacred ground where waves of pure Dharma will radiate out to the world beyond.
The Value of Education
Being a student and follower of Buddhism means engaging in study, practice and acts to benefit others.
In this Dharma Institute, we will provide two levels of schooling – five years at basic level where the young monks learn Tibetan, Nepali, English and Mathematics. Next, they will proceed to the intermediate level for three years where the monks then learn Buddhist Philosophy, Tibetan Grammar and concentrate on mastering the complex prayers of Tibetan Buddhism. After they have graduated, the monks will be given opportunity to attend Buddhist Philosophical College, where they will study for nine years to earn a Masters’ Degree in Buddhist Philosophy.
Starting from the intermediate level, the monks will gather for morning and evening prayers, as well as meditate for a minimum of one hour a day. As they progress in their study and practice, they will be given opportunity to stay in group or solitary retreats to deepen their experience.
We will also ensure that the monks engage in acts to serve the community in various community healthcare initiatives and poverty relief projects.
Caring for the environment
More than a construction project that will satisfy the immediate education, meditation and residential necessities, we are going to inculcate a sustainable way of living amongst the sangha. From the experience gained at this Dharma Institute, we can then spread this sustainable way of living into the community.
We will be installing photovoltaic solar panels for electricity, solar hot water and rainwater harvesting. We are also studying in detail the feasibility of biogas facilities in this Dharma Institute.
School’s Architecture Preview
School’s Building Works updates
Progress Report – End of Year 2017
Progress Report October 2018
Progress Report September 2018
Progress Report August 2018
Progress Report July 2018
Progress Report June 2018
Progress Report May 2018
Progress Report April 2018
Progress Report March 2018
Progress Report February 2018
Progress Report January 2018
Progress Report December 2017
Donate
Why Support the Dharma Institute?
A single Dharma teacher benefits thousands through his teaching. The merit in supporting and nurturing our Dharma-teachers-to-be is immense. By preserving the Buddha’s teaching, one is not only helping the beings in this current time, but also the future generations to come. A single person with a good heart benefits his surroundings and everyone with whom he comes in contact with. His actions will inspire many, giving rise to ripples of goodness which will spread throughout the world.
A Dharma Institute where young monks are trained to become Dharma teachers is not just an ordinary place of education. It is where profound Dharma texts are studied and contemplated. This is where Dharma teachings will be practiced and applied to benefit both oneself and others. It is where the precious ordained sangha will live out their lives performing virtuous activities. Thus, to contribute to even one square inch of this place is an act of tremendous merit.
PAYPAL
Contact
Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation, Suite 28-01 to 03,
China United Centre,
28 Marble Road,
North Point, Hong Kong