Projects

In addition to supporting and educating over 700 Tibetan nuns, the Tibetan Nuns Project develops programs and projects that serve as models for the monastic community. In over 20 years the Project has built two new nunneries (Dolma Ling and Shugsep Nunneries) and organized educational and training opportunities for the nuns. The Project sponsors a one-month intensive debate annually, sets up self-sufficiency projects, and advocates on behalf of the nuns.

Solar Showers at Dolma Ling Nunnery

The new shower facility with sustainable solar technology is bringing hot water to the nuns for the first time. The solar bathhouse has nine shower units and can serve 100 nuns per day. Unexpected higher costs have left a need for further funding. Funding still needed: $US 7,000

Retreat Centre at Dolma Ling Nunnery

The nuns are coming to a point in their studies and personal development where it would be beneficial for them to engage in serious meditation and retreat. We have purchased an adjoining piece of land and plans are being developed to build 10-15 small retreat huts that can be utilized in rotation over the years. Initial funding estimate: $US 120,000

Jang Gonchoe - annual month-long debating session

The annual Jang Gonchoe debate that we sponsors plays a critical role in helping the nuns develop mastery of the subject matter, skill in debate, and the confidence they need to be effective teachers. We bring together more than 120 nuns from 6 different nunneries every year for this month-long session. Annual funding needed: $US 10,000

Replacement Photocopy Machine at Dolma Ling Institute

The current photocopy machine that is used for academic and office use is 6 years old. It breaks down regularly and repair costs are high. It is time to replace the old machine with a more energy efficient and cost effective one. Total cost: $US 2,500

Housing for Older Nuns

Quite a few older nuns have very different needs than younger nuns who follow a rigorous study and practice schedule. The Tibetan Nuns Project owns a possible site that we hope to develop to accommodate up to 50 older nuns. This project will take time due to many environmental factors; however, we are committed to providing better facilities for aging nuns. Initial funding needed: $US 45,000

Generator at Dolma Ling Nunnery Institute

Initially, only the office area was supplied with a small generator for use during the frequent power outages experienced in Dharamsala. These often last for a whole day or more. Over time we have seen that the kitchen, temple and courtyard areas all need generator backup as well. Cooking, praying, and debating time take place regularly during night hours. Total cost: $US 9.650

Teacher's Salary for Kari Ganden Tenphel Ling Nunnery (Dramo Nunnery)

The Khari Ganden Tenphel Ling Nunnery is two days trek from the airstrip in Lukla in the Mt. Everest region of Nepal. There are thirty-five nuns under the care of young Khari Tenzin Gelek Rinpoche, whose previous incarnation established the nunnery after fleeing Tibet. The nuns range from ages twelve to ninety. Khari Rinpoche visits the nunnery for a few months each year to teach the nuns. The Tibetan Nuns Project is currently funding a resident teacher to work more intensely with the nuns on studies such as Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan and English language, and debate. Funding still needed. Total cost: $US 1,500 per year

Teacher's Salary for Dorjee Zong

Dorjee Zong, located in the remote northern region of Himachal Pradesh, currently houses 40 nuns and has two resident teachers, one for Buddhist philosphy and the other for Tibetan language. Due to increased community support for growing their own facilities and educational programs, the nunnery recently requested support from the Tibetan Nuns Project. Funding still needed. Total cost: $US 1,500 per year