On April 25th 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the very heart of Nepal claiming the lives of almost 9,000 men, women, and children, injuring 23,000 others and destroying over half a million homes. Irreplaceable world heritage sites were reduced to rubble. Many Buddhist monasteries were destroyed or severely damaged. Among the casualties were Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery and Nagi Gompa Nunnery.

Under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s guidance, Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery has stood out as an outstanding center for the study and practice of Buddhism with almost 300 resident monks and over 200 international and local students following formal study programs.

Months after the earhtquake, the main temple, classrooms and living quarters stood silent, fractured and empty, witness to catastrophe. Novice monks studied inside a tent that doubled as their dining hall. Classes in advanced Buddhist studies were taught in smaller tents. Daily meditation and recitation sessions were conducted under plastic awnings on the front lawn.

At Nagi Gompa Nunnery, long-time home of the monastery’s founder, Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and now his reincarnation, the large main temple cannot be used until extensive repairs are completed. Neighbouring Gelong Gompa and many nuns’ quarters have completely collapsed. The three-year retreat temple must be rebuilt.

However, rather than being discouraged by the mammoth task of re-building, the monks have taken Buddhist practice far beyond the classroom temple, and meditation cushion. They have provided neighboring communities with psychological support, food and physical refuge, while also delivering tons of food, medicines, tents, tarpaulins and building materials, free of cost, to families in the worst affected districts.

Now, however, is the time to look homeward. Planning to rebuild the monastery and nunnery has begun under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s direct guidance, but funding is urgently needed for materials, transport, labor, equipment and artists. The challenges of retrofitting, demolishing and rebuilding the main temples and living quarters are huge.

For this, we need your help. Whether you have a lot to offer, or a little, please consider joining our Pledge to Rebuild campaign.

And remember this is not just about buildings. It’s about helping the community of dedicated monks and nuns resume their lives where they left off, sustaining the continuity of their ancient and precious heritage tradition.

Your donation of just $30 a month — one dollar a day, less than the price of a single cup of coffee — for two to three years, will go far in bringing back and sustaining this extraordinary community, dedicated to the study and practice of the words of the Buddha.

Please become a monthly supporter for an extended period or make a one-time donation. Your contribution can make all the difference!

For further information and inquiries, please contact reconstruct@shedrubfund.org