Kunzang Shedrup Choling Retreat Center
The
time driven event sprees from the last little full stop I put on my university paper
are reflections in self-nod but not in forms of any kind. I have become a part
of the sum in some erstwhile negligible subject at times, a screen of mockery
and inspiration rarely and one cynical bottle of non-spirited wine
infrequently.
Khenpos/Lamas/Rinpoches
in general runs life in rearing or rendering support to the community/mass
while individual gets benefited along. Readers, preserve your odd thinking
aside for a while even if you have experienced the bitter sweetness of them or
you were victimized once. Do not demean on their spending and curse their
driving ability.
Well,
the Khenpo I intend to share is my brother Rigzin Wangchuk, who studied in
Simtokha then and completed his Buddhist Philosophy in Schechen Monastery in
Nepal and Basic English Communication studies from Santa Rosa College in the US.
Decade back, he undertook the arduous project of Retreat Center in Kheng Tsheldang,
Zhemgang.
I
have become part of him along his windows of light; scrolling up and down the
scenes, contributing in words and words of mouth, getting favored randomly but
seldom, learning varying subjects and objects, filming and documenting his and
mine together and off course some financial aid in keeping me running.
I
have noticed many young people from my village who contributed labor in starting
phase of the project are in colleges and some started earning. The project took
its toll. The prolong attributes to no road connectivity, scarce and long
transportation of the raw materials and lagging timely budget. The project is
70 percent structurally complete today. The expenses were harsh on Khenpo. Beneficiaries
are scattered. Benefactors are minimal. By default or fault, no direct support of
any kind received from L&C Government. There was a time when khenpo had to
borrow money and clear up the bills. One good about him I know is not delaying
the payment on the work completed. Like any lams in Bhutan, he would not stop complaining and asking for adjustments.
Now,
the warm sun devours gleam at this corner of the secluded place. The main
temple and retreat houses propel the existence of Kunzang Shedrup Choling
Retreat Center. The vibration of Dharma wheel turning. Khenpo’s bald forehead enhanced.
Happiness wrinkles filled up on my old parents. Everyone quenched and comforted
to the least.
The
Center started the retreat program since 2015; first batch of the practitioners
graduated and second batch progressing well. Short retreat program through
proper consent and discussion are available for the monks and the Gomchens. The
Center got enough space. Monthly stipends are arranged for the main programs,
short programs are to consider on case wise. If you would like to become part
of the sum, you are welcome to be benefactors (Jinda).
The
main temple is in the process of getting its parts fixed; the soft floor marble
laid few years ago by Jojo Jowchu from Paro, who dedicated his one year working
on concrete and the walls. Kinga Wangchuk did the wood paintings of the inner and
outer of the main temple. He continues to paint the statues currently. Jinzo Wangdi
from Nayphu, Paro spent years in molding and sculpting statues. Initially the temple had Guru (7 feet), Kilaya
(Phurp- 6feet), Dorji Phakmo (5 feet). Three more statues of 4 feet each (viz.
Pema Lingpa, Longchenpa, and Gonpo Manning) are added and installed recently. Shingzo Lopen Lhatu from Gangteng's contribution on wood-work was commendable. Khenpo is working on the dzungs
for the new ones at the Center these days.
Paintings
of the statues are ongoing, work progressing well. Summer and the rain are
around. The place is warm and humid. The Center intends to plant perennial trees
and fruits within the premises. Ideas and information on what could breed best
in the area are welcome again.
The
major chunk of the budget on the last phase is Wall Paintings, the estimates Khenpo
receives from Local wall painting contractors in Bhutan are enormous I was told.
I could be negligible subject on this but yes I could document gratitude and report
as a story. I could direct you and influence him the helping hands are never to
be forgotten. He is a lethal believer of Cause and the Karma, offers the best
he could and makes sure he returns the favor as he would like receiving onto.
I
have written in the past for him and writing now for the image he built,
self-esteem he raised on me and to us the family, shares the virtues he is working
non-stop and the hard work he puts up in gathering fund for his project. If you
would like to help him in some ways, please get in touch with him. I will help
him write Thank you Messages.
You could also check this for similar content & photo comparison.
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| Main Temple |
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| Zow Lhatu from Gangteng |
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| L-R: Ap Tshewang ( My dad, Jinzo Wangdi, Tsi-Zo Ap Jochu, Jinzo Assistant, Ugyen Wangda (me) |
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| Vajra-Kilaya |
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| Guru |
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| Dorji Phakmo |
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| Villagers collecting Timber |
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| First Batch of Retreat Practitioners |
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| Khenpo with Village kids who have come to contribute labor |
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| Nangtens |
