The establishment of Rigpe Dorje Institute and Pullahari Retreat Center are the inspiration of H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, one of the four Principal Lineage Holders of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche's strong wish to provide educational opportunities for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism and the preservation of the Tibetan traditions are the main focus of both of these projects.

First, Rigpe Dorje Institute, an international Tibetan Buddhist meditation and educational center, will be located near Deer Park in Sarnath, India. The Institute will be available to both lay and ordained students from all parts of the world, who will have an opportunity to study and practice with eminent masters of all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The curriculum will include daily meditation practice and courses in Buddhist philosophy, history, language, logic, medicine, and meditation. In addition, the Institute will form special seminars to bring together translators from all pans of the world to work on specific texts and to refine and standardize translations of Dharma terms. As a result, Dharma teachings, related texts and commentaries will be available in many languages.

Second, Pullahari Retreat Center is now under construction in Nepal. The site overlooks the Kathmandu Valley and its famous Boudanath Stupa. The Retreat Center was given the name Pullahari, after the residence of the great Pandit Naropa. Pullahari means the flower that radiates light. Naropa's residence was also where the Tibetan master translator Marpa received the complete transmission of the Buddhadharma which he later disseminated in Tibet.

The new Pullahari Retreat Center provides an opportunity for concentrated meditation in a traditional three-year retreat program. All basic necessities are provided, and a skilled teacher is continuously present to guide students.

Construction of Pullahari Retreat Center was begun in the spring of 1988 with individual rooms for sixteen retreatants, as well as a shrine hall, kitchen, and quarters for teachers. Separate hillside cabins will enable additional individuals to go on retreats varying in the length of time, from short retreats of a few months to 12 year retreats. Additionally, there are plans to build eight great stupas representing the major aspects of the Buddha's life. Pullahari Retreat Center will be a place of beauty and inspiration for those who seek a contemplative retreat.

Rigpe Dorje Foundation has initiated a special fund to accommodate the completion of these two projects. Contributions made through the Foundation are tax-deductible.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Nalli, Rigpe Dorje Foundation, 328 North Sycamore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Tel.213-934-5002.