Dear friends of Gebchak Gonpa,
Joyful nuns await the arrival of their visiting Gurus.
Lately it’s been a newsworthy time at Gebchak Gonpa! Two weeks ago the nuns were honoured and overjoyed to have Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche, H.H. Gyalwang Drukpa and Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche preside at the consecration of their new temple. The 360 nuns at Gebchak have waited 4 years for their new temple to be completed, and now they can gather altogether as before for their 20 annual sādhanā ceremonies (drubchens). Two elderly nuns who lived at Gebchak in the 1930s are thrilled that their prayers to gather in the new temple before they die have come true. To see photos of the temple’s consecration ceremony please click here.
Side view of the new temple on the day of consecration.
There were many obstacles to constructing a temple at Gebchak’s remote, high-altitude location (it is hard to keep labourers when there is no TV, phone service or Chinese food!). Gebchak’s nuns, lamas and neighbouring families feel immense gratitude to all donors who provided for this sacred space that is the hub of their communal spiritual life. Statues, ritual objects and wall paintings are yet to be installed inside the temple. Contributions are still very welcome towards these sacred images that will support the practice of hundreds of Gebchak nuns for generations to come.
A moment with Awang (photo by Diane Barker)
The Yushu orphans are all going to school and learning to deal with the ups and downs of life. They are fortunate to have the steadfast care of Awang and her husband Choten, who live nearby the orphans’ home and are a regular caring presence in their lives. As the children get older the pressures of the Chinese school system increase, as do school fees. Your continued support makes a tremendous difference for their wellbeing. To see photos of the children taken in August 2015 please click here.
Regular supporters of the Gebchak nuns and Yushu orphans, please note that we have changed our online donation platform for international donors to PayPal.com, as this saves processing fees that can be used by the nuns and children. Donations by US residents remain tax deductible through Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives, and Australian donors can now pay directly within Australia via Gebchak Rigpa Harsey. Please visit this page for more details.
With Love, prayers and much gratitude,
On behalf of Wangdrak Rinpoche and Gebchak Gonpa
