Sanctuary for Monks

Thanks to generous donations from our supporters, we've opened a new shelter facility that will provide accommodation for 30 additional monks. The facility includes meditation halls, living quarters, and a community kitchen.

The new shelter, located on the eastern side of our main sanctuary, was completed after six months of construction. It features sustainable design elements including solar power, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation systems.

"This expansion allows us to extend our support to more monks who need shelter and basic necessities," said Venerable Tenzin, the head of our sanctuary. "Many of these monks have traveled from remote regions and would otherwise have no place to stay while pursuing their spiritual studies."

Sustainable Design

The new facility was designed with sustainability in mind. Solar panels provide electricity for lighting and basic needs, while a rainwater harvesting system collects and filters water for non-drinking purposes. The buildings are oriented to maximize natural light and airflow, reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling.

Local materials were used wherever possible, including reclaimed wood and locally-sourced stone. The construction process employed local craftspeople, providing economic opportunities for the surrounding community.

Community Support

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors and volunteers. Over 200 individuals contributed financially to the project, while dozens of volunteers helped with various aspects of construction and setup.

"It's amazing to see what we can accomplish when the community comes together," said Maya Patel, a long-time supporter and volunteer. "Knowing that 30 more monks will have a safe, comfortable place to live and practice makes all the effort worthwhile."

The first group of monks has already moved into the new facility, with the remaining spaces expected to be filled within the next month as new monks arrive.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, we plan to develop a small organic garden adjacent to the new shelter, which will provide fresh vegetables for the monks' meals. We're also exploring the possibility of adding a small library and study space in the coming year.

If you'd like to support our ongoing efforts to provide shelter and necessities for monks, please consider making a donation or volunteering your time.

Our daily food distribution program has now served over 100,000 meals to monks across the region, marking a significant milestone in our mission to support the monastic community.

The program, which began five years ago with just 20 daily meals, now provides nutritious food to over 200 monks each day. Meals are prepared in our central kitchen and distributed to various monasteries and individual monks who rely on alms for their sustenance.

Nutritional Focus

Each meal is carefully planned to provide balanced nutrition while respecting Buddhist dietary practices. Typical meals include rice, lentils, fresh vegetables, and occasional fruit. Special attention is paid to ensuring adequate protein and essential nutrients.

"Proper nutrition is essential for monks to maintain their health and focus on their spiritual practice," explains Dr. Sonam Dorji, a nutritionist who volunteers with our program. "Many monks previously struggled with nutritional deficiencies, but our balanced meals have helped address these issues."

Community Involvement

The success of our food program relies heavily on community involvement. Local farmers donate fresh produce, volunteers help with food preparation and distribution, and financial donors provide the resources needed to sustain the program.

"It's a beautiful example of the community coming together to support those who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice," says Tashi Wangmo, our food program coordinator. "Every person who contributes, whether through donations or volunteer time, plays a vital role in reaching this milestone."

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this milestone, we're also looking ahead to how we can expand and improve the program. Plans include establishing additional distribution points to reach more remote monasteries and implementing more sustainable practices in our food sourcing and preparation.

We invite you to join us in this ongoing effort to provide nourishment for monks. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your support helps ensure that monks can focus on their spiritual practice without worrying about their next meal.

We're excited to announce a new partnership with a collective of local organic farmers to provide fresh, sustainable produce for our monk community. This collaboration ensures a steady supply of nutritious vegetables and fruits while supporting local agriculture.

The partnership involves 15 small-scale farmers from surrounding villages who practice organic and sustainable farming methods. They will provide seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs directly to our sanctuary, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation for their work.

Benefits for All

This partnership creates a win-win situation for everyone involved. The monks receive fresh, pesticide-free produce that contributes to their health and wellbeing. The farmers gain a reliable market for their products and fair compensation for their labor.

"Before this partnership, I struggled to sell all my produce at the local market," shares Karma Dorji, one of the participating farmers. "Now I know exactly how much to grow and that it will all be purchased at a fair price. This stability has transformed my family's livelihood."

For our sanctuary, the partnership reduces food costs in the long run while improving the quality and nutritional value of the meals we provide. It also aligns with Buddhist principles of mindful consumption and respect for the earth.

Sustainable Practices

All participating farmers use organic methods, avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Many practice traditional farming techniques that have been passed down through generations, combined with modern sustainable approaches.

The partnership also includes a composting program where food waste from our kitchens is returned to the farms as compost, creating a circular system that reduces waste and enhances soil fertility.

Community Engagement

Beyond the direct exchange of produce, this partnership has fostered deeper connections between our sanctuary and the farming community. Farmers occasionally visit to share meals with the monks and learn about Buddhist teachings, while some monks visit the farms to offer blessings and learn about sustainable agriculture.

We're also planning educational workshops where farmers can share their knowledge with our volunteers and the wider community, promoting sustainable food systems and self-sufficiency.

This partnership represents an important step in our journey toward sustainability and community integration. We look forward to seeing it flourish and potentially expand to include more local producers in the future.

We are pleased to share our 2022 Annual Impact Report, which details the outcomes of our programs, financial transparency, and plans for the future. This report reflects our commitment to accountability and our dedication to our mission of supporting Buddhist monks.

Key Achievements

In 2022, with the support of our donors and volunteers, we achieved significant milestones:

• Provided shelter for 78 monks across our facilities
• Served over 85,000 nutritious meals
• Conducted 120 meditation sessions open to the public
• Hosted 15 educational events on Buddhist philosophy and practice
• Completed construction of our new meditation hall
• Expanded our volunteer program to include 250 active participants

Financial Overview

Transparency in our financial management is a core value. Here's a summary of our finances for 2022:

Income:

• Individual donations: 65%
• Corporate sponsorships: 15%
• Grants: 12%
• Event contributions: 8%

Expenditures:

• Monk support (food, shelter, healthcare): 70%
• Facility maintenance and utilities: 15%
• Educational programs: 10%
• Administrative costs: 5%

We're proud that 95% of our funds directly support our mission, with only 5% going to administrative costs.

Community Impact

Beyond the numbers, our work has created meaningful impact in several ways:

• Monks report improved physical health and spiritual well-being
• Local community members benefit from meditation classes and spiritual guidance
• Partnerships with local businesses and farmers strengthen the local economy
• Cultural preservation of Buddhist traditions and teachings

Looking Ahead

For 2023, we have set the following goals:

• Expand our shelter capacity to accommodate 30 additional monks
• Implement sustainable energy solutions across all facilities
• Launch a digital platform for remote meditation sessions
• Strengthen our food security through expanded partnerships with local farmers
• Develop educational materials on Buddhist teachings for wider distribution

We invite you to download the full report for more detailed information about our work and impact. Your continued support makes all of this possible, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission.