The story of the Nalandra Padma Retreat Centre Bhanodhi is one of deep roots and a new beginning. Previously known as Pema Choekhorling (Bhanodi), the centre has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. It thrived until the mid-1960s, but slowly fell into disrepair as its masters passed away and disciples left. For a time, it was looked after by a single person, Lama Bawa Gyatso, who has since passed away. The place holds a special personal significance for me, as it's where I was raised until the age of five. It's also the location where I was recognized as the sixth reincarnation of the fifth Zimwock Dorje Chang from Tibet Phenpo Nalandra.

I have a deep love and gratitude for this retreat centre, and its current restoration is a testament to the generosity of my students, their offerings, and my own savings. While much has been done, the centre still needs more care and sustainable development.

A New Chapter

Eleven years ago, the Nalandra Buddhist Institute (NBI) in Melbourne established its sister centre in India, located in the Himalayas, 600 kilometers from Delhi. This region is a living legend, with fresh thunders, pockets of silver streams, and breathtaking giant silver rocks. This is the last big shopping town after Chamba is called Tisa, where HEZR was born.

The land is a self-sustainable home for a variety of edible vegetation, including most valued mushrooms in the medicine market. The villagers of Bhanodi, a new generation planted with strong seeds of resilience and devotion, welcomed me with immense energy.

The opportunity to restore this sacred place came to me in a deeply moving way. During a visit in 2015, the owners, devotees, and committee members of the Bhanodi Temple made a traditional mandala offering to me, honoring it with the offering of the temple and the surrounding land. Though I never intended to take on such a massive responsibility, I felt moved and speechless, concluding that it was my destiny to accept. I prayed for Guru Rinpoche’s acceptance and was confident he gave it.

The Retreat Centre Today

So far, we have been able to restore several key areas of the centre:

• The fully powered Temple, with new floors and walls.

• A dedicated temple for light offerings.

• A dedicated community kitchen with dining and storage facilities.

• A dedicated ground for villagers to perform festivities.

• The Teachers’ residence on the first floor, with an ensuite, kitchen, and lounge.

• A community Tara guest house for visitors, a cave-like dwelling with a separate shrine facing east.

• A fully restored memorial cemetery room where a previous holy master's body was kept.

The Future of Nalandra Padma Retreat Centre

The magnificent silver rocks are the "Grampians of the north," with over five to seven caves that have the potential to be transformed into meditative apartments with lounges, kitchens, and sanitary facilities. These could have back and front yards and wooden floors. These rocky caves could be leased for 20, 30, or 40 years to retired Western Buddhist practitioners, who could spend three to four months a year during the summer. With longer life expectancy and a minimal cost of living, this would provide them with a luxurious diet of plants, minerals, water, and air, not to mention peace of mind.

While much has been accomplished, there is still work to be done. We need to generate funds to finance the construction of a kitchen, dining room, and septic facilities to make it more habitable for visitors. This will attract people to the area and help support the villagers, including orphaned children and single mothers. I have promised the people of this remote village that I will help them with this.

The good work is a unique path of happiness and is indeed a sumptuous destiny. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the selfless volunteers and students who have helped me deliver goodness in others' lives, be it for animal or human welfare.