RigDzin Dharma Foundation
Tibetan Buddhist Center
Tibetan Village Library Project
Preserving Tibetan Language and Culture in Remote and Underserved Tibetan Villages
The Tibetan Village Library Project aims to build and support a modest community library in the remote village
of Chetak Watang in the Nangchen district of Eastern Tibet. Approximately 400 villagers live here,
and there are five other villages in close proximity.
Tibetans in remote villages such as these have no access to the facilities we take for granted in the West. This library
will make Tibetan language texts available for loan free of charge to all the villagers, thereby helping to
improve their quality of life and preserving Tibetan culture and customs.
Venerable Traga Rinpoche envisioned this project and has worked tirelessly since 2001 to develop Chethak
Ruchen School in his home village as a way to bring benefit to nomadic families and orphans in Eastern Tibet.
The school is now educating 39 children and employs one teacher.
Following the success of the school project,
we will draw on this experience to implement the library project in two stages. Initial funding is required
in order for construction to begin. Construction costs for the building itself, slated to begin in summer
2008, are estimated at $18,920. As construction draws to a close, an additional $9275 will be needed
for the purchase of bookshelves, office supplies, and computer equipment. Venerable Traga Rinpoche himself has collected
books for the library and will donate his collection for the benefit of these villagers.
Rinpoche’s visionary wisdom and kindness have already touched the lives of children and families in these rural Tibetan villages.
With your help, this benefit can be felt on an even greater scale.
THE BOTTOM LINE...
Although the budget for this project is modest, the potential benefit is immense. Please consider making a
tax deductible donation today to help build the library.
You can make your donation by check (to Rigdzin Dharma Foundation with “Tibetan Village
Library Project” in the memo line), using your credit card online at www.rigdzin.com, or by phone at
505 401 7340.
We also welcome your visit to the Foundation if you would like to discuss the project further or need more information.
Check our calendar
to see the hours we are open, or call us to arrange a convenient time for your visit.
Project Progress
We have reached our goal!
A very generous sangha member has donated $26,000, and with the funds already raised, this donation meets our fundraising goal.
Venerable Traga Rinpoche praised
the generosity of this donor in particular and our sangha in general. Please check back here for updates on the library constructon progress.