Temple Restoration Update - Urgent Funds Required

The historic restoration of Dzogchen Monastery Temple is progressing well and we are closer to achieving His Eminence’ magnificent vision. Through the generous support of our sponsors and the commitment of His Eminence and Dzogchen Monastery it has been possible to complete the following work:

Zung

• The printing of mantra, known in Tibetan as zung is now completed and once assembled in rolls, will be used to fill the three statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Tara

The temple statues will be filled with more than 200 ancient relics, including a rare collection from the great Tibetan Buddhist masters. Dried juniper and other medicinal herbs, such as amlas, will also be used.

Plinths

• The construction of the plinths (throne bases) and the concrete work of the inner walls have been completed.

The throne bases were built according to the throne designs of the Ellora and Ajanta caves, an ancient archaeological Buddhist site situated in India.

Pillars

• The relief work (the construction of the columns and pillars) within the temple, has been completed. Although the existing pillars were used, traditional artisans from the Himalaya region increased the pillars size to complete the intricate art work

When the monastery was first established, images such as these had only been hand painted but now the images have been carved onto the walls.

Painting

• The traditional painting of the pillars has been completed, according to authentic Tibetan and Buddhist design that came from a vision had by the Buddha

This design symbolises the most abundant offering that can be made and real gold paint was imported from countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Burma.

Main entrance to temple

• The temple’s main entrance has also been renovated with the construction and assembling of seven snow lion heads at the top of the entrance

The snow lion represents the king of all animals and was known to exist in Tibet and the Himalaya region.

Copper work

• Tradesmen are working continuously on the copper designs (gyabyur and gyentuk) that will ornament the throne bases and the large wall behind them

Gold plating of statues and ornamentation

• Gold and silver smiths have begun gold plating the statues, however further gold needs to be purchased to complete the statues and their ornamentation

Assembly of statues and dressing of throne with ornamentation

• Once the gold plating is completed, the statues will be assembled and positioned on their throne bases. The ornamentation will also be placed on to the thrones and posterior walls

Wooden flooring

• Wooden flooring will be laid in the temple in traditional Tibetan style

Lighting and sound equipment

• Lighting and sound equipment will also be installed