Site News 2009/08

Information about the Lishu construction site provided
by John Massie - Director of Site and Building Development

Please comment freely:  contact John Massie

March 2009

Rinpoche Trip to India

In his latest trip to India, Rinpoche was able to make several decisions so that construction of the first building may begin. Before leaving for India John Massie, Director of Site and Building Development, had suggested starting the site development by constructing one of the smaller support buildings as a test of the local architects and contractors before building the larger, more elaborate Gompa and student residence. John created a detailed plan with building elevations that Rinpoche was able to use to interview both architects and construction contractors. There was concern that there was inadequate water to support the school, but that has turned out not to be true.

A small parcel of land is to be purchased to dig a well, and a large water holding tank is to be constructed on the land. Rinpoche has decided that stone blocks will serve as the material for the Lishu buildings. They are local material, provide great insulation against both heat and cold, and they are absolutely beautiful. Lishu Institute will be a green project, and not just by buying local. John Massie is providing detailed instructions on the use of gray water for gardens, how to site the buildings to optimize sunlight and cooling winds during each season of the year.

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Friday, August 29, 2008

Mandawala Gate

For those who will be traveling to India for the Lishu Retreat in October, they will be making a visit to the Bon Monastery of Tulku Kundrol at Mandawala. Here we see young monks and artists painting the gate in February 2008. Mandawala is a Tibetan settlement that is approximately 20 km northwest of Dehra Dun. The Lishu Land and Kotra Kalyanpur are approximately 15 km northwest of Mandawala, making it about 35 km from Dehra Dun.
Some day there may be a similar gate to the Lishu Institute at Kotra.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The Lishu Land

This is a view to the north and the Mussorie Hills from the Lishu land at Kotra Kalyanpur near Dehra Dun. The white peaks of the Himalayas are about 120 kilometers beyond these hills. The lush trees conceal a landscape filled with farm villages, small winding roads and farm plots. The land is on a small hilltop so there is visibility in all directions. I will add more photos as I get to it on my slow internet connection. I see that Candace has linked to this blog so I will give a little preview of what you will see in October.

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Monday, August 25, 2008

Lishu Gompa: Front Elevation

Lishu Gompa Elevation-
This is a conceptual rendering of the planned Lishu Gompa. It will be built in the first phase of construction.