Dolma Ling Nunnery

In April 2001, FPMT Mongolia received the beautiful historic ground of the former "Dara Ehk" Monastery. Only 15 minutes from the Center of Ulaanbaatar, it has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The monastery was destroyed during the communist period. The gompa (temple) was already renovated in the original style and other buildings were in desperate need of repair.

In October of 2001, a small group of dedicated women asked to be ordained. The Abbot of Sera Je gave the ordination in Mongolian and the City Centre in Ulaanbaatar hosted these nuns to form the first FPMT sponsored nunnery in Mongolia.

After the ordination, it was decided the "Dara Ehk" property would be used for the nunnery. Fundraising was initiated to complete the necessary repairs and to begin the creation of a proper nunnery where these dedicated women could receive teachings and deepen their understanding of the Buddha Dharma.

In May 2003, the complex buildings were largely repaired and the nuns movd into residence. Finally it was possible for the nuns to build a true Buddhist community and become the first residential nunnery in Mongolia with the name Dolma Ling.

The buildings of the Dolma Ling Nunnery are now home to 14 Mongolian nuns. Their teachers are two nuns from Kopan Monastery in Nepal who live full time with the nuns, setting the program, teaching and leading all their prayer ceremonies. The nuns also host a variety of religious activities (such as Pujas) for the surrounding community. FPMT Mongolia provides all resources for the Dolma Ling nuns such as clothes, food, heating and living expenses.

Study materials in Mongolian have been sorely lacking, but this is the purpose of the nunnery and the reason why its success is so critical. These pioneering nuns are the first generation of female Dharma practitioners in a newly liberated Mongolia. What they learn, what they translate, and what they believe will now be passed onto a growing community of Mongolian Dharma practitioners. These nuns are at the very core of Mongolia's restoration of Buddhism. Your support will make a critical difference for generations upon generations of Mongolians.

In May 2004 the building of a beautiful Stupa was finished and consecrated by Choden Rinpoche. In the summer of 2005, a new shower and toilet block was built, a greenhouse was erected and a winter gompa was prepared. The nunnery is open for previously arranged visitors and tours. Prayers and pujas can be preformed by special request.

If you wish to sponsor an individual nun please see the nun's sponsorship on http://www.kadampa-center.org/community/sponsor_nun.php

For more information: center@fpmtmongolia.mn or phone +976 11 480 74

Click Here to view Dolma Ling Nunnery photos

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