Dear Friends of Shechen,

On April 25, 2015 a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the heart of Nepal killing more than 9,000 people and injuring tens of thousands, destroying homes, world heritage sites, and many Buddhist monasteries.

One of those most affected was our beloved Shechen Monastery, home to 500 monks,140 children, sacred art, and the precious lineage of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

The quake and its aftershocks significantly weakened the foundation and walls of the main building, severely damaging the majestic temple. Sadly, because of structural damage, we will lose the beautiful murals. Other buildings had to be completely demolished.

Reconstruction began last June. Engineers, architects, and construction teams are diligently collaborating to restore and retrofit the temple using sustainable techniques and materials that will withstand future earthquakes.

Over 750 generous friends from more that 30 countries donated to Shechen following the earthquake.

What Donations Have Accomplished:

First two months: Our trained monks provided emergency disaster relief to thousands of victims in remote villages.

Completed: Repaired damage to the boundary walls, the Tara Temple, the elementary school building, and the monks’ living quarter.

Ongoing: Retrofitting work in the main temple including reinforcing the original foundation, adding new beams, rebuilding the walls, and strengthening the columns. Fortifying the Guru Rinpoche Temple.

Despite the construction debris and makeshift conditions monastery life is flourishing. Undaunted, the resilient Shechen monks continue their studies, ceremonies, and serving the community.

 

What Lies Ahead:

Restoration of the main temple: The most complex and pressing job.

Rebuild Rabjam Rinpoche’s residence, butter-lamp house, and main archway.

Build two additional classrooms for the elementary school and one large art school studio.

Complete recreation of the rare murals to be painted under the direction of the original master artist according to the instructions of the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. (Three years to complete).

Every Donation, Large or Small, Makes a Significant Difference

Shechen Monastery in Nepal was built in the early 1980’s with great care, limited resources, and love. With your meaningful support Shechen Monastery will continue to serve as a spiritual anchor, a vital preserver of the wisdom lineage, and a global place of refuge.

It is through your generous help that we are able to keep the light of this wisdom lineage shinning brightly.

DONATE

Thank you for your generosity.

Recurring monthly gifts help sustain long-term projects like repainting the murals and support of the sangha.