In Paro, in western Bhutan, stands Tshogyel Lungtok Tengayling Nunnery, which is under the care of Chung Tulku Rinpoche.
A plan to expand this nunnery is now under way.
About the Nunnery
- Name: Tshogyel Lungtok Tengayling Nunnery
- Location: Paro, Bhutan
- Responsible for the nunnery: Chung Tulku Rinpoche
- Current number of nuns: 19
What the Nuns Face Today
An Uneven Share of Resources
In the Tibetan Buddhist world, nunneries are said to be fewer than monasteries. We understand that, as a result, support for nuns’ places of study and their living quarters has long been insufficient.
The Buildings Have Reached Their Limit
The present nunnery is full with nineteen nuns. It has become difficult to welcome new women who wish to join.
Our Aims
The Theme of Study: “Healing with Compassion, Acting with Wisdom”
We hope to create a place of learning that brings together the spirit of the Medicine Buddha (healing), Green Tara (the vow-in-action of wisdom and compassion), and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
Whole-Person Education
Traditional Buddhist study will be combined with modern skills, such as information technology and languages, so that nuns who complete their studies can keep reaching out to society.
A Place Open to the Community
We hope it will be not only a home for the nuns but also a place that serves the surrounding community.
- Offer courses in information technology, reading, and English to local girls
- Provide a barrier-free classroom on the ground floor for elderly people and visitors
- Open a place for women to study and practice to the wider community
The Building Plan
The plan consists of six building projects and aims to house more than fifty nuns.
- Main hall — enshrining the Medicine Buddha, Green Tara, and Guru Rinpoche
- Nuns’ dormitory — sixty-four beds
- Teaching building and library
- Kitchen and dining hall
- Teachers’ residence and facilities for visitors
- Basic infrastructure — water supply and drainage, heating, and so on
About the Organization Running the Project
Global Mindfulness Center Charity Foundation (GMCCF)
The plan is being carried out by GMCCF, a charitable foundation based in Hong Kong. Its founder is Chung Tulku Rinpoche. It upholds the following three pillars.
- Cultivate mindfulness
- Build connections across regions
- Create change
GMCCF aims to bring to Hong Kong the spiritual tradition of Bhutan, a country that has long held happiness as a national measure, and to help people face stress, anxiety, and depression. It offers meditation and mindfulness courses for people living amid the tensions of the city, as well as student exchanges and meditation journeys to Bhutan.
Transparency in Management
It has established an annual external audit, dual-signature approval of income and expenditure, and reporting at each stage of progress.
* This is a different organization from the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) now being developed in Bhutan. The names are similar, so please take care.
Words from Rinpoche
Look outward, and the universe is clear and magnificent. Look inward, and all living beings are loving and worthy of praise. May we cherish all that we have gained in this world.
— Chung Tulku Rinpoche
About Supporting the Project
This expansion needs wide support. A nunnery cannot be built by local strength alone.
The Center is introducing the expansion plan and is working to build a system of support from Japan.
At present, the Center has no mechanism for receiving donations directly. For those who are considering support, we will explain the ways to help available now and, where needed, connect you with GMCCF.
If you are interested, please contact our office.
This page gives an overview of the nunnery plan.