News from the Director

After three years, the stage is set for the Enlightenment Stupa to rise above the shrine room. In January 2007 we will begin laying the Hebel blocks for the stupa and by the end of April the main elements will be finished. Our advice is to build it as quickly as possible, rather than in delayed stages. January should be the Mother of all Work Retreats.

We have the worldly contents to fill the throne. The wealth vases are filled, consecrated, and ready to be placed at the base of the stupa. The special spiritual contents for the vase (or dome) have been collected but we're still deciding whether it's best to put the mantras on microfilm or paper. We can still use many more dried flowers!

The access ramp is in place so building materials can now readily be moved to where the stupa will be built, five metres above the ground. We have enough money (and pledges) to well and truly launch the building process, and lots of faith that the rest will come.

Time Line

Before January…
We need to

• fabricate the safety railing for the ramp (this will be the permanent railing)
• recite as many Glorious Light mantras as possible
• hire or purchase scaffolding and erect it
• fabricate the structural steel frame which fits inside the stupa
• transport eighteen pallets of Hebel block (25 tonnes) to De-Tong Ling

In January …
We will

• carry out initial ceremony, as per Lama Zopa Rinpoche's instructions
• complete Glorious Light mantra count (at least 8,000)
• put up safety railing for ramp
• lay Hebel block
• finish ground level access paths to wheelchair standard
• finish stone retaining wall on dam
• plant sedges, trees, prepare tree guards
• prepare the life-tree

By the end of April …
We plan to

• finish laying Hebel block
• render Hebel block
• take delivery of the mantras for the vase
• have ceremonies carried out by fully ordained sangha to bless the contents of the throne and vase, and to place the wealth vases
• fill the throne and vase
• continue landscaping
• order the ghorkim (the ornate surround of the recess in the vase where the Buddha sits, facing East), the rings and the umbrella, sun and moon from Nepal.
• get the shrine room to lock-up stage.

After winter, 2007 …
We'll need to

• fit the rings, ghorkim, umbrella, sun, and moon
• complete art work on the outside of the stupa.
• build the verandah
• construct the safety railing around the stupa (replace temporary railing)
• complete further art work inside the shrine room.
• continue landscaping
• make and fit thirty-seven prayer wheels
• cast 24 bronze plaques of the 8 auspicious symbols
• install a life-size statue of Padmasambhava in the pond in front of the stupa
• make a bush trail featuring stone reliefs of the Jataka tales
• build a toilet block

Also on the drawing board is an Interpretive Centre/Tea House.

The last word

We have already come a long way and the end is now within sight. It goes without saying that we would love you to stay with us on the journey. We have only been able to accomplish as much as we have due to your energy, money, and well wishes. Thank you!

Regards,

Kimball
(for the De-Tong Ling Committee)