Sakya Changlochen Ling - Extension Project

(or send your donation to Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling, Bristol)

The Story So Far - 1989 to 2012:

Sakya Changlochen Ling has developed over the last 20 years from the shell of a barn in the depths of the Dordogne to a beautiful retreat centre set in 3 acres of land, with its traditional shrine room, Lamas' apartment and basic retreat facilities.

The Vision:

It is Lama Jampa Thaye's wish that Sakya Changlochen Ling becomes a major European Dharma Centre providing a setting for His Holiness Sakya Trizin and other important lamas to visit and teach here. An architect has been engaged and planning permission has been granted in order to realise this magnificent project. The new building will accommodate the visits of His Holiness and His entourage as well as of Lama Jampa. There will be additional retreat facilities as well as an office, a kitchenwith dining space, laundry, toilets and showers.

Phase 1 - The Foundations - completed

Due to the sloping nature of the site, the building of the foundations has been quite complex and expensive, necessitating the services of a specialist surveyor and engineer. There have been major excavations to make the footings and put in the services. These foundations provide two large platforms at different levels with a connecting staircase, and comprise the solid base for the main part of the building (phases 2 and 3).

The appeal for the Foundations was such a great success and we must thank everyone sincerely for their generosity, both large and small. We raised 100% of the funds needed.

Phase 2 - The Main Part of the Building - completed

Building work on Phase Two started at the end of September 2011, nearly three weeks ahead of schedule! The building went up at a phenominal pace with new photos of the progress arriving each week. The external building work has now been completed! The shutters provide the finishing touch to this attractive Perigordian-style extension. The building looks very fitting, and the project is forging ahead to be in time for the summer course 2012.

The appeal for phase 2 has also been a great success and again we must thank everyone for their great generosity!

Phase 3 - The Main Part of the Building - underway!

The internal plastering and insulation is next to be done, as well as the electrics and plumbing, by the end of July. So although the building won’t have the final flooring or furniture, the container will have been perfected! Then all that will remain is for the flooring to be done and the building to be appropriately furnished. It is therefore hoped that by the summer of 2013, funds permitting, The new extended Sakya Changlochen Ling Retreat Centre will be fully functioning and operational. This means that the necessary facilities will then be in place so that Lama Jampa is able extend an invitation to His Holiness Sakya Trizin, and other great Lamas, to visit and teach there.

Currently we are about £15,000 short of the required amount for finishing the interior work, particularly the flooring, which will be a combination of ceramic tiles and wooden parquet.

Sakya Changlochen Ling is administered by the Thinley Rinchen Ling Trust, registered charity no. 282717