Development

Dechen Choling naturally invites meditation, retreats, family life, and experienced teachers with its beautiful land and buildings.

Projects: Now & Future

• Chateau renovation
• The building of a Stupa
• New accommodation for guests and staff

Both Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, leader of Shambhala Buddhism, and Eva Wong, Feng Shui master, have pointed out the healing and nurturing quality of the property. Since its purchase in 1994, the Mas Marvent has been renovated and developed. The highlight being a landmark renovation of Shrinehall A in 2005, which expands the programmess into wintertime. Since 2007, the Chateau has received a facelift and a new road was built for the Gesar Festival.

Chateau renovation

• Roof: The Chateau roof urgently needs replacement. Several leaks are causing damage and the added insulation will save energy.
• Windows: Installation of double glazed windows helps keep costly heat inside and prevents further damage from leaks.
• Plaster: The outside of the Chateau is falling apart and needs replacement.

Estimated costs of work: 250.000 Euros. Estimated time of work: through 2009.

Of the estimated costs, we are happy to announce that through private loans, large donations, funding from the European donorgroup, and Dechen Chöling events we have raised 110.000! We seek further funding for the remaining 140.000.

Sponsor a Window Project!

In preparation for the Gesar Festival and with funds donated from Warrior Assembly 2007, three new windows were installed on the first floor in the suite. But we have 19 windows to go on the first floor; sixteen at 2000 euros each and three at 1500 euros each.

As an individual, group of friends, or Shambhala Center Sangha, we invite you to sponsor one of the windows. Come and enjoy the beautiful view from your very own window. This can be a one-time donation or payment plan. For more information or to set up a payment, email window@dechencholing.org.

The building of a Stupa

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche kindly granted permission to build a Stupa at Dechen Choling near the lake. We look forward to helping sentient beings accumulate merit and purify negativity by offering a place to circumambulate. In preparation for this auspicious development, a new road currently leads to the site.

Consider a donation to this project, which is a certain way to increase virtue. All donations for the Dechen Choling Stupa will be used solely for its construction. Please send inquiries and commitments for donations to stupa@dechencholing.org.

Hotellerie & Staff Housing

As Dechen Choling evolves, we need to offer more indoor accommodations for participants and staff. In the long-term, we intend to build a “hotellerie”. The concept for this building and research for the funding are a work in progress. We do not have a timeline yet but we are accepting ideas.

In the short-term, to meet the needs of staff, we are looking at houses for sale in the Dechen Choling neighborhood. The prices are going down on some good houses – we would like to act soon. If you are considering buying a future retirement home near Dechen Chöling, please let us know. Perhaps it’s possible to combine our plans!

How to contribute

Donate

Since the beginning, Dechen Chöling has survived through the tremendous generosity and participation of the European Shambhala community. As we move into the next stage of expansion – the Sakyong has asked the centre to turn the flower outward and reach new and more people - the continued support of the European and International Sangha will be as important as ever.

Dechen Chöling invites people to give in whatever way they can: on an ongoing basis, once a year, or by donating skills and time. Click here if you would like to donate

Working as a volunteer or paid staff

Working at a practice centre is a way to help make the dharma available for others as well as deepen one's own personal practice. Read more about working at Dechen Chöling