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Jun 28
Tuesday
Mandala Projects
A Moment in the Shedra’s Construction

This update on the construction of the Surmang Shedra comes from Konchok Foundation board member Holly Gayley, who recently visited the area while traveling in eastern Tibet.

While visiting Surmang this June, I was able to witness the finishing touches being added to the shedra’s exterior. One day a group of medallions, bearing the eight auspicious symbols, were installed near the top of the building.

The medallions had been ordered, and now that Surmang Khenpo had arrived, it was time to install them. A Chinese worker climbed out onto a precariously small ledge, and his partner carefully handed the first medallions to him. The worker held up one medallion while Khenpo instructed him from below on precisely where to place it. The worker affixed two pieces of wood to the building and then nailed the medallion to the wood. A group of monks spontaneously gathered to watch.

Khenpo supervised the installation of each medallion, moving around the building’s exterior – first in the courtyard, then onto a side roof, and finally to the back of the building. On this occasion, I got a sense for the incredible care taken by Khenpo and others with every detail of the Surmang shedra—from the intricate painting on the exterior to the choice of furniture for monk’s quarters.

Without a doubt, the medallions add a sparkle to the shedra exterior!

Surmang Khenpo holds up one of the golden medallions.

Surmang Khenpo holds up one of the golden medallions.

Worker mounts the first medallion while perched precariously on a ledge.

Worker mounts the first medallion while perched precariously on a ledge.

From below, Khenpo points to the right spot to place the medallion.

From below, Khenpo points to the right spot to place the medallion.

Monks spontaneously gather to watch the first medallions installed.

Monks spontaneously gather to watch the first medallions installed.

Khenpo supervises from the roof as medallions are installed along the side of the shedra.

Khenpo supervises from the roof as medallions are installed along the side of the shedra.

Shedra with medallions installed halfway around the building complex.

Shedra with medallions installed halfway around the building complex.

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