Khedrup Foundation Report 2024

Khedrup Foundation 2024 Annual Report

Message from Rinpoche

The Khedrup Foundation extends its warmest wishes for a joyous and prosperous Wood Snake Year 2025 to all our friends and supporters. We are delighted to share our 2024 report, highlighting key accomplishments made possible through your unwavering support and kindness.

As we celebrate the Khedrup Foundation’s 7th Anniversary, we are delighted to share some of our humble achievements from 2024. We hope this report not only brings you joy and satisfaction but also inspires compassion and a sense of purpose in all who read it.

Most sincerely, HE Khedrup Rinpoche Founder and President

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Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag International Buddhist Academy 2024 marked the completion of the Integrated Learning Center for our International Buddhist Academy in Trongsa. Thanks to the generous support of our donor, the new facilities now feature seven classrooms, two units for visiting teachers and faculty, and 24 twin-sharing rooms with attached washrooms. With a vision to offer a comprehensive curriculum that introduces students to Mahayana teachings, beginning with the works of luminaries like Shantideva, whose “Bodhicaryavatara” provides the foundation for understanding compassion and bodhicitta.

From there, the program will progress through the teachings of Madhyamika and eventually to the advanced teachings of Dzogchen, guiding students through a path of realization and enlightenment.

The academy will be inclusive, welcoming both Buddhist and nonBuddhist students, as well as local Bhutanese and international learners, fostering a truly international environment of learning. It will be an immersive experience for those who come in person to study at our monastery in Trongsa, while also offering a robust online learning platform that will enable remote participation. The curriculum will first focus on Mahayana philosophy and practice. As students progress, the curriculum will expand to encompass other core teachings of Madhyamika, Prajnaparamita, Yogacara, and Dzogchen teachings, offering a complete path from foundational practice to the most advanced levels of Buddhist realization.

Facilities included in this Learning Center: 7 Classrooms 24 twin sharing rooms with washrooms 2 units for visiting teachers and faculty

PLANS FOR 2025

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1. Construction of an IT Lab for the Academy In an effort to modernize educational resources for our monastic community, we plan to build a fully equipped IT lab. This facility will provide learners with access to essential digital tools, enabling them to engage in research, online learning, and communication with the broader global Buddhist community.

2. Development of a Library To enhance academic resources and support in-depth study, we will establish a dedicated library for the Academy. This library will house an extensive collection of texts on Buddhist philosophy, history, and practice. It will serve as a vital hub for learning, reflection, and scholarly research for both students and visiting faculty.

3. Restoration and Rebuilding of 10 Long-Term Retreat Centers We also plan to restore and rebuild 10 long-term retreat centers situated above the Academy. These centers provide practitioners with a serene and secluded environment to engage in intensive meditation and contemplative practice. The restoration will include structural repairs, improvements to living quarters, and upgrades to amenities. T

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Rephel Mebar Temple Restoration

Restoration of the 8th-century Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery, founded by Monmo Tashi Khyidren and consecrated by Guru Rinpoche, commenced in 2024. The initial phase focuses on developing a public courtyard for teachings and festivals. Renovation of the main temple is planned to begin in the new year.

Plans for 2025: Complete the construction of the courtyard Restore murals and frescos inside the monastery Restore and recreate stability for existing roof structure

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Siddhartha’s Wisdom Club Revived

Siddhartha’s Wisdom Club serves as a nurturing space for young individuals seeking spiritual and personal growth, blending traditional Buddhist teachings with practices that promote physical health and mental clarity. By adapting Dharma to modern contexts, the club ensures its teachings remain relevant for younger generations while guiding members away from harmful habits. Practices like prostration have proven transformative, offering physical benefits, fostering introspection, and helping members internalize values such as compassion, which positively influence their daily lives.

The club was successfully revived in 2024, overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties in reconnecting with senior members post-pandemic. A Winter Art Camp was also successfully conducted for Siddhartha’s Wisdom Club in early 2024.

Currently, the club has 15 active members from two local schools.

ACTIVITY TWO

Testimonials from our Young Members

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"Since I joined the club, I’ve learned so much about Dharma and why it’s important. I also learned how to make offerings and the good things that come from it. The club taught me why we should respect our elders, be kind to those younger than us, and how to be a good friend. I really think this club can help kids like me understand Dharma better and how it can make our lives better."

Pema Lhaki, President of Siddhartha Club 8th Grader Samcholing Middle Secondary School

“I learned a lot after joining the Siddhartha's club, like how to do meditation and its benefits. I also got some chances to learn Arts and painting. I believe the club would also benefit the new members.”

Tashi Chenzom, Member 5th Grader Samcholing Primary School

“I learned a lot by joining the club. I did not know how to do water offering but now not only do I know how to do it, I also understand its benefits. I believe that the club would benefit others like it had benefited us in terms of curriculum skills and more over Dharma.”

Pema Zangmo, Member 4th Grader Samcholing Primary School.

ACTIVITY TWO

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Om Ame Dewa Community -A Sanctuary for the Elderly

The Om Ame Dewa Community’s Old Age Club has become a vital sanctuary for senior citizens seeking connection, peace, and purpose. Many of these elders face isolation and a lack of community engagement in their daily lives.

The club fosters a sense of belonging through regular gatherings where members participate in circumambulations, prayers, and chanting sessions.

On auspicious days, they come together to chant the mantra “Om Ame Dewa Hri”, invoking the essence of Amitabha Buddha. This practice provides both spiritual solace and a renewed sense of community. Currently, the club supports 40 active members, helping them to maintain their spiritual wellbeing and emotional resilience. The Om Ame Dewa Community exemplifies how compassion and community can transform the lives of the elderly, ensuring they experience dignity, connection, and peace in their later years.

Reconstruction of the dormitory at Phajo Gonpa Gomde in Shingkhar Lauri

ACTIVITY TWO

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Phajo Gonpa Gomde, a serene retreat center in Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar, serves as a sacred space for long-term spiritual practice.

Nestled beside the 17th-century Sangchen Lhundrup Tsemo monastery, it is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River, known locally as the Jomo River. The retreat center and the monastery are located atop Phajo Gonpa village, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and devotion.

To ensure the continuity of the Dharma and the practice of the Khedrup Rinpoche’s students in Phajo Gonpa Gomde, a single storied 3-unit dormitory along with kitchens and washrooms was reconstructed in 2024.

This facility will provide a lifetime opportunity for 4 practitioners to go into lifetime retreat from January 2025.

Plans for 2025: Build 5 units of retreat houses for long-term life retreats.

Impact Stories

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Brothers in Red-Robes

Jigme Kuenzang Peljor, a 13-year-old from Khasadrapchu, Thimphu, has dedicated the past eight years to the teachings of Buddhism as a monk.

Aspiring to become a lopen (teacher), he is deeply motivated by a desire to spread love and support to those in need.

Jigme and his family, including his younger sister and brother, Jigme Namgyel, faced significant financial hardships during their childhood, often enduring periods of scarcity. Their lives took a transformative turn when a compassionate senior monk offered Jigme the opportunity to join the monastery. This provided him with a nurturing and supportive environment, where he found happiness, belonging, and close friendships with fellow monks. Inspired by Jigme’s journey, his brother Jigme Namgyel also chose to embrace monastic life, and together, they encourage and support one another on their spiritual path.

The story of Jigme and Jigme Namgyel is a profound testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of compassion.

Their journey from adversity to a life of purpose and stability through Buddhism inspires all who hear it. Guided by love and compassion, they are poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around them.

Impact Stories

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Carrying the precious lineage of Pema Lingpa Koncho Jigme Yoezer, a direct descendant of the renowned Pema Lingpa, embarks on a remarkable journey within the monastic tradition. Inspired by his ancestors and guided by Rinpoche, he embraces the esteemed lineage, recognizing the profound opportunity for personal and spiritual growth within the monastic setting.

Monasteries serve as centers of learning and spiritual cultivation, offering a rich environment for studying Buddhist philosophy, meditation, rituals, and scripture.

Under the guidance of experienced teachers, Koncho will deepen the understanding of his heritage and prepare to become a custodian of the Pema Lingpa lineage, ensuring its continuation for generations to come.

This path demands dedication, discipline, and resilience. However, through embracing a life of simplicity, cultivating inner peace, and connecting with the monastic community, Koncho Jigme Yoezer wishes to develop the wisdom and compassion necessary to fulfill his role as a lineage holder. His commitment to preserving cultural heritage and carrying forward the spiritual legacy of his ancestors is truly inspiring.

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Gratitude

We express our deepest gratitude to all our friends, supporters, and wellwishers who have stood by us throughout this journey. Your kindness, generosity, and faith in our mission have been the cornerstone of every accomplishment we achieved in 2024.

As we celebrate our 7th Anniversary, we are inspired by your support, which has enabled us to transform lives, preserve our spiritual heritage, and create opportunities for growth. From reviving Siddhartha’s Wisdom Club

to

restoring

historic

monasteries

and

completing

crucial

infrastructure, every milestone reached reflects the power of compassion and community.

As we enter the Wood Snake Year 2025, we invite you to remain part of this journey. Together, we can continue to touch hearts and ensure the values of compassion, wisdom, and resilience shine for generations to come. May you and your loved ones be blessed with happiness, health, and prosperity in the year ahead.

Contact

Contact KHEDRUP RINPOCHE secretary@khedrupfoundation.org +975-17992227 TSHERING YANGZOM tshering.yangzom@bhutanfound.org

FOUNDER/ PRESIDENT KHEDRUP FOUNDATION www.khedrupfoundation.org DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS BHUTAN FOUNDATION

The Bhutan Foundation has received a platinum rating from charity watchdog Candid and a four-star score from Charity Navigator. These hold the highest standards for evaluating non-profit organizations and advise supporters like you so that you know every dollar is making the largest possible impact.