---

Creating World Peace Through Skillful Means

In 2003, Acharya Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche saw the time was right to begin the process of constructing a traditional full-scale Vajrakilaya mandala in America. Drawing from the prophesies of Guru Rinpoche regarding the difficult times that we are facing, he began commissioning expert woodcraftsmen to carve a full set of 136 p'hurbas in Nepal, according to the Vajrakilaya tantric texts of the Dudjom tersar. These carvings are the key aspects of the mandala construction. These p'hurbas were then shipped to the U.S. in 2005. This work continues as we commission various artisans and Lamas in Nepal and Bhutan to create the different sections of the mandala and ship them to the U.S. In order to manifest Rinpocheʼs vision, a five-phase plan was drafted to complete the project over a period of five years.

Phase 1 goals: 2006 - 2007
• Saraswati Bhawan becomes a non-profit COMPLETE
• Research Areas within the U.S. for construction COMPLETE

In order to facilitate the creation of this historic project, Saraswati Bhawan was incorporated as a non-profit religious organization in the state of Iowa in Nov. 2006, and received 501(c)3 status from the IRS in the spring of 2007. By doing so, we were able to create a community-centered vehicle for fund-raising and volunteer opportunities to make Lama Dawa Rinpoche's aspirations a reality. Meanwhile, Lama Dawa Rinpoche traveled throughout North America, researching different areas from the west coast to the east coast, in search of land that possessed certain auspicious signs. Through divination, dreams and prophesy, the area known as the "driftless area" along the banks of the upper Mississippi River valley was identified as possessing special energetic properties for enhancing the effects of such a mandala. A fund-raising campaign was then initiated to raise funds to purchase land without having to take out a mortgage.

Phase 2 goals: 2007-2008
• Purchasing Property COMPLETE
• New website COMPLETE
• Building and planning consultations

After much exploration and searching, a series of auspicious events occurred during the summer of 2007 which lead to the purchase of the perfect piece of property north of Lansing, Iowa, high on the bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. In the fall of 2007, Garner Designs was hired to create a new website, and GoSolar was hired as advisor and consultant for upcoming Solar and Wind development. An investment account was established as well as an initial consult with Solari Investment Strategies. Meanwhile, in Nepal, Lama Dawa Rinpoche met with Lopon Dola, a Bhutanese Lama who is the leading expert on the construction of this type of mandala. Lopon Dola agreed to work with us on this project, and traveled to eastern Bhutan to take photographs of the only Vajrakilaya mandala in existence. In addition, Lopon Dola arranged to have representative paintings done of the mandala construction (see below).

Phase 3 goals 2008 - Property Development
• Well drilling COMPLETE
• Electrical Installation COMPLETE
• Land Clearing IN PROCESS
• Zoning and Permits IN PROCESS
• Topographical survey of building site
• Architectural drawings of the temple IN PROCESS
• Initiate a two-year capital campaign program
• Land consecration

In March 2008, a 635 ft. well was drilled, cased and tested by Shawver Well Company. Installation of pump and pressure system, water mains and hydrant will be completed in June, 2008. Underground electrical lines were set by Alliant Energy. Although we will eventually install solar and wind as our primary energy source, our plan is to tie into the grid and participate in Alliant Energy's renewable and alternative energy program.. We plan to hire Christine Graham of CPG Enterprises as consultant for our Capital Campaign. During the summer of 2008 we will organize a series of volunteer work weekends to do some preliminary land clearing, log splitting and stacking. We will also hire a surveyor to make a detailed topographical map of the building site for the architect. Timothy Clark has volunteered to be the architect and after a meeting with Lama Dawa Rinpoche in February, 2008, agreed to work on preliminary architectural drawings of the temple.

Phase 4 goals: 2009 - 2010 - Temple Construction

According to Lama Dawa Rinpoche's vision, we will be building a traditional temple in the style of the ancient Buddhist Bhawans. Temple will house the two-story high mandala in the center, with large open space for assemblies of practitioners to gather. Small offices and public bathrooms will also be included, as well as a walkway surrounding the building for circumambulation. Since the property is situated on a southfacing bluff, we will incorporate solar design and panels. A separate building for housing retreatants will be constructed nearby. Eventually, we will also construct a series of small individual retreat huts, however, this a separate project.

Estimated cost to complete Phase 3 & 4: $400,000.00

Phase 5 goals: 2010-2011 - Mandala Construction

Once the temple is complete, the construction and assembly of the mandala will begin. In order to accomplish this, we will need to invite and sponsor experts in the field, including Lopon Dola and other Lamas and craftsmen. These experts will lead teams of volunteer to carry out the actual construction of the various parts of the mandala, which will involve working with metals, woods and plaster. It also involves numerous trips to Nepal to oversee the manufacture other parts of the mandala, including any brocade fixtures and small, detailed carvings, which will be shipped to the U.S. Upon the completion of the mandala, elaborate consecration rituals need to be done by eminent Lamas, as well as a two-week Vajrakilaya Drupchen. Thereafter, annual Vajrakilaya Drupchens will take place as well as continuous practice and offerings. The temple will be available to pilgrims as well as practitioners who wish to focus on Vajrakilaya retreats. We cannot accomplish this without your help! Become a part of this historic project. Please support the Vajrakilaya Mandala Project by making your most generous donation today!

 

DONATE HERE