Dear Dharma Friend,
 
You are invited to join us in completing the precious and timely Peace Mandala Project. It is Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche's aspiration that this historical and profound mandala is constructed in North America according to the ancient tantric Buddhist tradition. We aspire to accomplish this within our lifetime in order to bring peace and harmony while pacifying negative energies for the benefit of all sentient beings.
 
The Peace Mandala is a powerful embodiment of all the Buddha's activities and possesses the energetic ability to bestow blessings that will permeate throughout the five elements. The blessings of the Peace Mandala will be vast and powerful as they are carried on the strong currents of air and water to restore balance and harmony ecologically, socially and personally for all of the earth's inhabitants around the globe. This is a critical time in human history when the earth and all living beings are facing many dangers. The Peace Mandala Project is a concrete and powerful way for each of us to contribute to an immediate and long-term positive solution to these challenges. The Peace Mandala and its effects will last for generations to come.
 
Through the blessings of our gurus and your support, much has been accomplished since Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche first began the process for construction of the three dimensional Peace Mandala in 2003. Rinpoche commissioned expert wood carvers in Nepal and Bhutan to carve key elements for the mandala. Saraswati Bhawan established nonprofit status in order to support the development of the Peace Mandala Project. Our new website was designed and artisans in Bhutan were consulted about the mandala construction.

We found the ideal location and purchased the land along the bluffs of the upper Mississippi River in 2007. Inspired by the breadth and importance of this work, Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche became the Director of the Peace Mandala construction providing his expertise and knowledge of traditional mandala design.
 
Last fall we acquired the precious Burmese Buddha statue that will be housed on the land to greet all visitors as they approach the Peace Mandala Temple.
 
The work on the land began in 2008 with the drilling of the well and electrical installation. Topographical surveys and architectural designs were commissioned and zoning permit requirements fulfilled this past year. This fall the excavation for the site has been completed and the land is now ready for the building construction to begin. Once the buildings are complete we will be ready to begin the process of creating the three dimensional Vajrakilaya Mandala inside the Peace Mandala Temple under the direction of Lama Pema Dorje Rinpoche.
 
None of this would have been possible without the constant prayers and blessings of Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche who has overseen every step of the work to ensure that it is completed within the bounds of the ancient tantric Buddhist tradition. He completed the land consecration and necessary ritual preparations to ensure the success of the project with as little negative impact on the local environment and its occupants.

We are now ready to begin the construction for the Buddha House and the Peace Mandala Temple and your participation is requested.

Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche has often said that the Peace Mandala Project is his vision, but that the project belongs to his students to complete in order to benefit all sentient beings. It is our responsibility to ensure that his aspiration is fulfilled.
 

"If you build one Vajrakilaya Peace Mandala, it is as virtuous as building 108 stupas. Those who wish to build, and those working toward building, and those who are donating money to build - all three will reach the liberation stage together." -Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche

As Buddhism becomes more known in the West, so too we are gaining an understanding of the benefits and importance of supporting the construction of sacred architecture and art. As is common in countries where Buddhism has long been established, both practitioners and non-practitioners support the efforts to build sacred structures and art, thus creating merit that benefits not only the donor but also benefits all beings throughout the three times and ten directions. This chance to benefit all beings is open to everyone, including those who have not taken Buddhist vows but who support the motivation and merit of the project. For those who are practitioners, this generosity strengthens their bond with the three jewels in immeasurable ways.
 
We are doing everything we can to keep the costs of the project as low as possible and to build in an environmentally sound way. Careful planning goes into every step of the construction and we are drawing on the rich local expertise and craftsmanship to complete the project. Keeping within the bounds of our beliefs, we will complete this project without procuring any loans or mortgages. We only commit to the work we can complete with the funds we have on hand. In this way we can minimize the potential of magnetizing negativity and creating future debt.
 
All Saraswati Bhawan staff working on the Peace Mandala Project are volunteers and do not receive any salaries. However, there are still administrative costs in addition to the construction costs, such as website design and maintenance, office supplies and fund raising. These costs include printing of brochures, mailing materials, telephone and fax lines, internet and web upgrades, equipment and supplies. As with the construction costs, we are doing all we can to keep administrative costs to a minimum.  
                                                                                                                                                                          
Estimated Costs for Construction of the Buddha House
and Peace Mandala Temple

• Buddha House Construction:                            $115,000.00
• Peace Mandala Temple Construction:             $500,000.00
• Project Administrative Costs:                             $15,000.00

Total Estimated Costs to Complete Construction:     $630,000.00
 
 If We Each Raise $1,000.00 We Can Meet This Goal! 

                                                                                                                                
Become a Volunteer Fund Raiser
 
There are many ways we can each contribute towards the completion of the Peace Mandala Project. With your motivation and the proper support and information, you will be surprised how easy it can be to raise funds as you share your passion for the project with others.
 
How to Get Started
 
When you decide to participate as a Volunteer Fund Raiser for the Peace Mandala Project, contact Jampa and she will assist you with information, tips and materials. We will provide you with brochures, "How To Tips", photos and graphics and other materials as well as support in developing your ideas.
 
Here are some creative suggestions that are simple to do and you can utilize your personal talents and interests, raise awareness and raise money to support the Peace Mandala Project, bring benefit to all beings and have fun.

Spread the Word about the Project

• Send an Introductory email to your friends

We have written an email in general language suitable for sharing with your non-Buddhist friends and family to help introduce them to the Peace Mandala Project.

• Distribute Brochures

There are many places you can post or distribute brochures locally: Dharma Centers, Churches, Quaker meeting halls, libraries, community centers, bulletin boards and you can carry them with you to hand out to coworkers and friends.

• Join the cause on Facebook

Join the P'hurba Peace Mandala Project cause on facebook and share it with your friends.

• Plan an informational House Party

Invite friends and associates over for a gathering in your home and present information about the Peace Mandala Project. We have graphics, talking points and helpful hints to help you feel confident and prepared to share your inspiration for the project with others.

Raise Funds Through Your Efforts

• Plan a Fund Raising Event

Sponsor an event such as a Dharma Movie Night, Bar-B-Que, Sports Event, Poetry Readings, Car Wash, Garage Sale or Bake Sale. Use the opportunity to promote the project and donate the proceeds.

• Sponsor a fund raising dinner or party

Are you a fabulous cook and enjoy hosting? Plan a fund raising dinner party, invite your friends, have a great time and raise money!

• Sell items on ebay

Make a Personal Contribution

• Make a one time donation
• Join iGive.com
• Donate credit card points or frequent flyer miles
• Donate stocks, bonds or real estate

Visit our donation page for more information about any of these options, or contact Jampa directly. 

Refer Potential Donors
If you wish to be a major donor, or know someone who may, contact Jampa for further information.
 
Thank You for your support.
 
Saraswati Bhawan is supported solely by your contributions and volunteer efforts. We appreciate your participation and support for the Peace Mandala Project and the furthering of the Dharma activities of our precious teacher, Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche.
 
Yours in the Dharma,
 
     Spiritual Director: Lama Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche
     Executive Director: Kunzang Dechen Chodron
     Treasurer: Orgyen Rigdzin
     Secretary: Jampa Chodron
 
"Generosity is the virtue that produces peace."
The sutra of the recollection of the three jewels 

May All Beings Benefit!