The U.S. Jokhang Temple
A Treasure Being Created in the Boston, MA Area
Watch- The U.S. Jokhang Temple Project
The U.S. Jokhang is Being Created!
To ensure the rich history of Tibet survives and thrives, the U.S. Jokhang is being created in the Boston, MA area, the exact place to be determined.
The diversity of a strong Tibetan community combined with western interest in Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism, makes it a place where the understanding between all religions, cultures and people can flourish and where spiritual seekers, scholars and the local community can freely experience authentic Tibetan culture and spiritual practices.
A World Heritage Site, the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Tibet. The Tibetan people consider the Jokhang the ultimate symbol of their Tibetan culture and spirituality. Making pilgrimage is an endeavor, no matter how difficult, that must be accomplished at least once in their lifetime. The Jokhang is the only temple that is warmly embraced by all of Tibet's various Buddhist schools of practice.
A Tremendous Accomplishment
It's a tremendous accomplishment that Ven. Lama Konchok Sonam commissioned the U.S. Jowo Statue to be made by expert craftsmen in Nepal and then brought it to the Boston, MA area. In brief, Lama Sonam made the momentous decision to leave his beloved Tibetan homeland and to make the dangerous trek over the Himalaya mountains to freedom. Realizing that he was hampered by the political climate and the religious persecution that he directly experienced, he decided to leave behind his loved ones and everything that he knew. Experiencing many difficulties and hardships but finally achieving his dream, in 2001 he made it to the United States. Speaking hardly any English, he came to the Boston Area and became the Spiritual Director of the Drikung Meditation Center. Nonetheless, he attracted a dedicated group of students that are still with him to this day. It was shortly after coming here that he was inspired to try and do something of tremendous value for his people, who also escaped Tibet, and for his new country. His first fundraising campaign was the recitation of a very precious Buddhist text that took 11 hours to complete. He did this over 100 times and put every dollar that was raised toward creating the statue and bringing it here. He was supported by the Tibetan Community and his dedicated western students.
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Phase 1 Is Well Underway: the Purchase of a Building
In order to accomplish his ultimate goal, for the past twenty years, Lama Sonam has been putting his plans into action and is in the process of creating the U.S. Jokhang. As of now, $450,000 has been raised. Another fundraising push is currently being made to complete Phase 2: the purchase of a building to house Lama Sonam's vision of a living museum and pilgrimage site featuring the U.S. Jowo Rinpoche Statue- a treasure for generations to come.
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As a 'living museum,' and helping to preserve this rich heritage, the US Jokhang provides much needed services to the Tibetan community in exile, western Buddhist practitioners in the region, scholars and to those interested in Tibetan culture. We invite you to become a part of this historic project.
We are currently accepting donations and they are greatly appreciated!
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Help Build A Temple
We are raising funds to purchase a temple for the U.S. Jowo Rinpoche statue, the only one of its kind in the United States. The sacred U.S. Jowo Rinpoche statue will be the great jewel of the temple, whose face brings great benefit to all who looks upon him.
Our big "Phase 2" Fundraising effort is underway. Please make a one time donation, or consider becoming a sustainer of the U.S. Jokhang. We are ready to purchase a building, $450,000 has been raised, but we need your support to finish.
The U.S. Jokhang is a subsidiary of the Drikung Meditation Center, a 501 (c-)(3) Non-Profit organization. Your generous donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
To see all of our online donation options, please click here.
Donate by Mail:
Send checks to the
Jokhang lnstitute Building Fund
c/o Drikung Meditation Center
15 Bartlett Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476
Thank You!
Also, all purchases from our Dharma
shop go to creating the U.S. Jokhang
as well so please consider making a purchase. We have many unique items.
The Enlightement Stupa, consecrated by
Ven. Lama Konchok Sonam.