I received a phone call today from Khenpo Wangpel of Rigul Monastery. The Shedra of Rigul has now started. There was a big inauguration with Dulmo Choje Rinpoche as the Chief Guest. Over 800 monks and nuns attended the opening ceremony including high Rinpoches, Khenpos and Lamas. Thousands of people came for the teachings and blessings. The shedra buildings are complete with a hall which can accommodate around 1500 people. The old Temple is also fully renovated and both were inaugurated and blessed.

Khenpo Zopa will be the main Khenpo who is a learned Geshe from Kirti Monastery. The Shedra started with 54 students. They have constituted a Shedra Committee with 15 monks. There will be a common kitchen and all students will be offered free food, lodging and education. They have started a shop to help finance the Shedra. This is fulfilling one of my dreams for a long time. We will soon receive some photos from Karsing and Lama Desing. Lama Desing is an old monk of Rigul Monastery who lives is Dehradun and Karsing is my uncle who were visiting Rigul at that time. Hope they can come back safely. The school and Clinic are both running very well. 14 students from the school joined the Shedra. Of 54 students, 32 are from Rigul Monastery and the rest are from nearby monasteries including the Sakya Monastery across from Rigul.”