Construction Progress

Go to December 2007 Photo Gallery

On July 6, 2007, (auspiciously the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) Namgyal Monastery was issued a building permit to begin construction of Dü Khor Choe Ling. Since then, with the help of many skilled contractors, volunteers, monks, and the local Tibetan Association, we have completed construction of the main temple.

On October 9, 2007, His Holiness blessed Dü Khor Choe Ling before the local Tibetan Association, the Board of Directors, and the largest gathering of monks in Namgyal Ithaca's history.

Work continues now on the main community building. Crews will be working throughout the winter. We have funds to nearly complete the shrine and community building; however, we will need additional funding to complete the dormitories and monastic residences. As soon as funds are available, we will begin work on those buildings. You can help by making a donation.

Go to September 2007 Photo Gallery

On a rainy July 4, amid umbrellas and tents, the Namgyal Monks performed the ground-breaking prayer ceremony at Dü Khor Choe Ling with the creation of a small sand mandala. Since then, in warmer weather and with the help of regular workers as well as volunteers and monks, the building foundation has been poured and the walls and roof are being constructed.

At this time we are focusing current funds towards the completion of the Shrine room for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to bless on his visit in October 2007. We continue to need funding to complete related buildings which will make possible the retreat residence and the rest of the mission.

Go to November 2006 Photo Gallery

With the generous support of our donors over the past year, we have been able to begin construction of Dü Khor Choe Ling (DKCL). As of November 2006, we have completed the work listed below -- a vital first phase that provides the necessary infrastructure to properly construct, operate, and maintain DKCL.

Accomplished in Phase 1:

• 2,100 feet of roads and parking lots to accommodate 60 cars
• Storm-water management pond to meet NYSDEC regulations
• 1,475 feet of 8” sanitary sewer main
• 1,700 feet of 8” municipal water main including 2 fire hydrants
• 2,100 feet of primary electric and natural gas services
• Communications cables including telephone and high speed internet
• Building site cleared and ready for start of Phase 2 construction (buildings)

It is our plan that construction of the buildings will begin in the early spring of 2007. Due to the tremendous generosity of donors, Phase 1 has been a great success; however, much more funding will be needed for the construction of buildings in Phase 2. The ongoing financial support of donors is therefore critical to the continuation of the project