In response to many messages of concern from our friends, we would like to reassure you that the recent earthquake, which has so tragically caused the deaths of thousands across the country, left no casualties or injuries within Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling or the retreat center at Namo Buddha.

Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche has conveyed this message from his retreat in Bhutan:

“We are deeply saddened by the suffering this earthquake has caused. The loss of many thousands of lives and destruction of property in Nepal and her neighboring countries has left so many bereaved and destitute. We are praying for everyone affected, and in addition the monks are doing all they can to help those in need, by utilizing their training in disaster relief.”

Shechen’s monks, who are trained in disaster relief are actively engaged in helping the thousands who have sought refuge within the grounds of the monastery. There have been around 2,000 people, including the monastery monks and staff, camped within the monastery grounds. The monks are helping provide tents, shelter, medical aid, tea, food and drinking water as well as going to surrounding areas to provide similar help.

At the time the earthquake struck, thousands were attending the long life empowerment bestowed by Kyabje Yangtang Rinpoche, including Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and other eminent Rinpoches, young and old. Yangtang Rinpoche remained calmly seated during the massive earthquake while the entire temple shook and heaved and walls cracked around them.

During the next few days the Rinpoche’s stayed in tents next to the badly damaged residence of Rabjam Rinpoche. As soon as it was safe, Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche accompanied the elderly Yangtang Rinpoche to Bhutan, but has insisted on returning to the monastery to offer what spiritual and other support he can to his monks and the local community.

Although Shechen was fortunate that no one was hurt, there was severe damage to some of the monastery buildings, especially the beautiful and blessed main temple and to Rabjam Rinpoche’s residence. The extent of the damage is still in the process of being assessed by local and foreign engineers, but these two buildings have been declared unsafe for habitation and will most definitely require major structural repairs, or perhaps need rebuilding. The famed frescoes within the main temple have also been badly damaged in parts.

Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche speaking about the damaged temple:

“Our main temple suffered some structural damage, but the sacred objects contained within were thankfully undamaged. This temple is very precious to us, having been built under the direct supervision of Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and blessed by him on many occasions. Many other masters have also consecrated it and blessed it with their presence, teachings and empowerments, making it a very sacred place. We are now working with both local and foreign engineers to assess the damage with the aim to repairing the building, thus preserving the temple for future generations.”

Shechen Monastery will continue to support, feed, and educate our monks, as well as continuing to offer  practical and spiritual support to the local communities and those further afield.

Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to Shechen so that we can rebuild the severely damaged buildings as well as continue to help provide emergency aid and relief to the local communities.  

To make a donation via PayPal, wire transfers, checks, or credit cards, mark your donation “Earthquake Fund” :
https://shechen.org/donate

If you want to donate from China or Taiwan using a local bank, please contact shechen@sprynet.com for instructions.

The funds will safely reach Nepal through us. We caution you to please only donate to our official accounts, outlined below, not to individual’s bank accounts, unless it has been authorized.

Direct any inquiries to: shechen@sprynet.com
or please check our website  www.shechen.org and official Facebook accounts for updates and photos of the crisis