Already completed two of the four floors of the
monastery in a small village near Shigatse

Peace Times 12

The work continues without a break to finish the building so that the structure will be ready in August. The recently planted fruit trees are now in flower: the environmental awareness of the entire community has been reawakened.

Work on the new monastery in the village of Gangchen is continuing without interuption. The first 2 floors of the building, which when completed will consist of 4, are already finished. In fact, work has started on the classical coloured decorations carved in wood which are to be placed around the doors and windows. There are more than 100 people involved in the construction, practically the entire village. At present everyone is making a very special effort as they want to see the structure completely finished for Lama Gangchen’s arrival in Tibet.

The fruit trees which were planted last April, are already in flower, in spite of the difficult conditions (Gangchen is situated in one of the most arid areas in the whole of Tibet). The trees are growing strong and beautiful because all of the local inhabitants take daily care of them: a continuous procession of people carrying buckets, going to the nearby small lake to take water. This is a beautiful example of how the wish to reforest the area has reawakened the ecological awareness of the community.

For the village which, also thanks to Lama Gangchen, finally has a small medical dispensary, arrives more good news from Italy: around 80 children have found sponsors thanks to the work of the association «Help in Action».

The humanitarian commitment of Lama Gangchen also goes beyond the confines of the village where he was born: in the Sakya area he has collaborated in the construction of 5 medical dispensaries, as well as giving, for some years, financial help to the clinic of Tashi Lhumpo.

Fundraising for «Gangchen Village Project» is already underway. The cost of the work is expected to be around 400 thousand dollars. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so through Lama Gangchen Kiurok Tsochun - Pro Monastero di Gangchen. Account number 7770/67, Banca Popolare di Sondrio, Agency 13, Abi 5696, Cab 1612, Swift POSOIT22MIL.

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Pilgrimage for the inauguration

Lama Gangchen will go to Tibet next month, from the 15th to the 31st of August:

You can join him to visit sacred places of Tibet in Lhasa, Shigatse, Trakshuk, Tropu, Shelkar, Shalou, Gyantse and, naturally, the village of Gangchen where from the 21st to the 28th of August special prayer ceremonies will be held to inaugurate the newly constructed monastery.

The trip will cost between US$ 2700 and US$ 3300: depending upon whether one chooses to stay in a hotel or camp during the six day stay in Gangchen village.

For further information about booking, more details about the itinary and necessary documents, as well as what you should remember to put in your suitcase, please contact Cosy Back by telephone: +39 02 29010263 or by fax: +39 02 29010271.

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