A delegation from the society, Soenam Tenzing Jamyangling and Anne-Sophie Ekelund, recently visited Bhutan to follow up on the investments being made in Bhutan.
Anne-Sophie Ekelund tells:
Sumtrang, Ura – There was a temple here as early as the 12th century and when Pema Lingpa was born on the site in 1450. It is now a historic site that is sometimes visited by the royal family (as they are descendants of Pema Lingpa). The place was very dilapidated and the Swedish Tibetan School and Culture Society has therefore contributed to rebuilding part of the monastery that surrounds the temple.
We have also rebuilt the highest hermitages on the mountain above the village. These are used for longer retreats by the monks.
Paro Valley – An Abbott started a school for poor and orphaned boys who want to study dharma and become monks. He rents a house for dormitories and classrooms but strives to build a larger school and convent to accommodate those on the waiting list, the goal being to be able to accommodate 108 students when the Institute is complete. With the help of the Swedish Tibetan School and Culture Society, he has bought a plot of land with a beautiful view towards Taktsang Lhakhang.
Monastery and dormitory, Sumtrang