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.

Jang Gonchoe - annual month-long debating session

The annual Jang Gonchoe debate that we sponsor 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. This event is one of major sources of inspiration for the nuns to study. The number of nuns interested in participating increases every year and is limited only by available funding. We bring together more than 120 nuns from 6 different nunneries every year for this month-long session. The annual funding needed is $US 10,000. Support Jang Gonchoe by donating a $100 scholarship for one nun to attend. to learn more, see videos of the nuns debating and to donate, please visit 100 EMPOWERED VOICES.

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. The funding still needed is $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. The initial funding estimate is $US 120,000.

Retreat Centre at Ngagyur Samten Chockhorling Institute

The Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center, a branch of Ngagyur Samten Chockhorling Institute, is located in the city of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. The center is dedicated to providing nuns the opportunity for serious meditative retreats and has approached the Tibetan Nuns Project to help in funding for the construction of a retreat facility for the nuns. At present they are utilizing a single floor of a building situated on a small plot adjacent to the Ngagyur Samten Chockhorling Institute. The floor contains four rooms, a kitchen, one toilet with a bath area. They need a proper retreat house that would involve building a new floor above the existing block, which would allow for use exclusively for long-term retreats for nuns. The estimated construction costs for the 1,575 square foot 2nd floor is $US 22,000.

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. The total cost of a machine is $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. The initial funding estimate is $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. The total cost is $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. The funding still needed is $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. The funding still needed is $US 1,500 per year.