Gelephu is a town in southern Bhutan, on the border with India. An urban development to which the present King is devoting great energy is now under way here.
A City Called Mindfulness
“Mindfulness” is part of this city’s name. The development proceeds on the principle of building a modern city while never forgetting the inner fulfillment of those who live there.
It is an attempt to give shape, in a single city, to an idea Bhutan has long upheld: to let go of neither economic development nor spiritual richness, and to hold both together.
Rinpoche’s Vision: The Tendel Nyesel Healing Centre
Chung Tulku Rinpoche is advancing a vision to build the Tendel Nyesel Healing Centre in Gelephu.
“Tendel Nyesel” means removing the flaws in interdependence. The name carries the wish to set right the distortions and frayed places in the connections by which all things arise together.
We have named this building project the “Tendel Nyesel Healing Centre.” The name carries the meaning of “removing the flaws in interdependence.” The entire site is to be designed in the shape of a sacred Dharma wheel.
In each of the eight directions will stand one of eight great stupas, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path. At the heart of the Centre a main temple will be built, enshrining the eight deities known as the Eight Herukas (the Eight Sadhana Teachings).
At the very center, a great water-powered prayer wheel, the “Tendel Nyesel Khorlo,” will turn without ceasing, radiating blessings.
The whole area will be embraced by rich forest and nature, keeping a green, serene, and undisturbed environment. In addition, a mandala of the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and space will be created, reflecting the harmony of the inner and outer worlds.
Chung Tulku Rinpoche
The “Invisible Dharma Wheel”
The vision is built around the theme of “the Invisible Dharma Wheel.”
Seen from the sky, a Dharma wheel is carved into the land of Bhutan. Footpaths and a natural river form the axes of the Noble Eightfold Path. It is imagined as a living thangka drawn upon the land of Gelephu.
Yet for those of us walking on the ground, all we see is modest architecture rising quietly out of the forest. It blends in among the trees and never overpowers nature.
The Dharma may be invisible to the eye. But it is always here, quietly waiting for all living beings to find its essence in their own steps along the way. This, it is said, is the wish held within the vision.
Our Aims
- Removing flaws through harmony — through the harmony of spirituality, architecture, and ecology, to untangle the distortions in our relationships with ourselves, others, and nature
- Creating an immersive environment — a place where sacred symbols, natural landscape, and the process of inner reflection melt into one
- An experience of transformation — awakening compassion and clarity, and a sense of connection with a greater whole
For Bhutan and for the world. Founded on the wisdom of interdependence, we aim to create a sanctuary that leads to healing, harmony, and spiritual awakening.
Building 108 Stupas
After preliminary groundwork, the plan is to complete all 108 stupas (chortens) together on November 1, 2026. The stupas will stand in a line, 108 meters apart.
The Center plans to take part as well.
Current Status
The Healing Centre is at the stage of vision and planning. We will announce progress on this page as it comes.