The Rigul Project was originally set up to help restore Rigul monastery, Ringu Tulku's monastery in Kham in Eastern Tibet, and also to establish a shedra, a teaching college for the monks of the monastery. Thanks to the hard work and determination of the people of Rigul, and with the financial help of Ringu Tulku and a number of his first western students, the monastery was restored and the shedra was built in the early 1990s. Rinpoche was so encouraged by the enthusiasm of the people in Rigul to restore the monastery that he decided to also help establish a health clinic and lay school that would benefit the whole region.

Little was heard from Rigul for many years, although Ringu Tulku still continued to send funds there every year. But, in 2003, two monks came to India from Rigul to see Ringu Tulku. One of the monks was a newly qualified Khenpo, a product of the Rigul shedra and the other monk had come to India hoping to study there.

The Khenpo, ( Wangpel), told Ringu Tulku that the Shedra had fallen into disrepair and they needed funds to restore the building and also to help pay for teachers. Rinpoche asked the young Khenpo to return to Rigul and help build a new Shedra.

Khenpo Wangpel also brought good news about the clinic and school. The clinic had been a great success and was famous in the area. Ani Choden, a relative of Ringu Tulku, had worked hard at establishing the clinic and she had the help of the doctor from the monastery, Dr Chuga. But they also needed a new place, they were treating people in a small room in the doctor’s house. Ringu Tulku also promised to help by sending enough money to build a new clinic to help with the running costs of the clinic, as well as sponsorships for Ani Choden and Dr Chuga.

As for the school, the lay people were determined that all the children would receive an education and a school had been started, but the children were mainly taught in the open air or the old shedra. They also needed funds to build a school and pay the teachers. Rinpoche promised he would also help with eh building of a school for all the lay children.

In 2004, Francois Henrard, a student of Ringu Tulku living in Brussels, visited Rigul and was able to bring back even more news. Rinpoche was so happy with the news and photos brought back by Francois that he decided he would visit Rigul himself in 2005, his first trip home since he was five years old.

Below is the most up to date news we have from Rigul for the shedra, clinic and school. Please also see some photos that were brought back by Andy Lowe, a student of Rinpoche who accompanied him to Rigul this year.

For more photos and news you can also see the Rigul website at www.rigul.org

If you would like to help Rigul within the UK, you can also contact info@rigultrust.org
and visit www.rigultrust.org where you can find out how to help, donate with standing orders, paypal and more information within the UK.

For donations outside the UK please contact Francois or Ines

Bank Details:
Rigul Foundation, Banque Fortis, Agence Avenue, Avenue Louise 204, 1050 Bruxelles.
IBAN: BE50210091011718 , swift code: GEBABEBB36A

Rigul News 2005

The Shedra

The Shedra was officially opened and inaugurated On Sunday 19^th June. Most of the building work is completed, but there are some problems with the roof. We still need sponsors for most of the monks as well as the teachers. Three Khenpos will teach there at all times but it is hoped that another Khenpo, who is very well known and respected in the region, will also agree to teach.

The Clinic

The new clinic is still being built, but should be finished very soon. The old clinic, (still presently housed in the doctor’s house) continues to be very busy. Dr Chuga and Ani Choden attend to more that 40 patients a day. The old and poor receive free treatment but pay for their medicines, prices are very low. As most work in the community is done during the summer months of June and July, this is when the majority of patients will pay their medical bills. The busiest time for the clinic is of course winter, when people suffer from colds and chest and lung problems as well as skin diseases. Dr Chuga believes that more people are attending than before, but this could be because of growing confidence in the clinic rather than more people being ill. The doctor is training his nephew in the skills of Tibetan and Chinese medicine.

The School

Ringu Tulku was very impressed by the enthusiasm and energy of the teachers and schoolchildren. There are about 80 children, mainly boys, but some girls. They are now being taught in the old shedra but a new two storey building with canteen and playground is being built. At the moment, there are only three simple walls of this new building but Rinpoche has promised to send financial help so that it can be completed.

The children usually attend school during the winter months only, as they have to help out with the family chores and work during the summer. Many of them have to walk over one hour to get to school. As well as helping to pay for the costs of building a school we also hope to help pay for the teachers and provide equipment for the children.