Rinpoche placed a lot of emphasis on meditation and was insistent that a Tsamkhang (Retreat Center) be built as soon as possible. When suitable land could not be found, Rinpoche asked that back of the monastery be extended so that it could serve as a Retreat Center. Accordingly, top floor of the monastery and the terrace with Odpa Lhakang was converted into a retreat center with a large hall and five small rooms. Five nuns completed their three-year, three-month retreat under these difficult conditions.

Anis conducting ritual practice
Click on image to view large

While the first batch of nuns were under retreat, Rinpoche persisted on need for a proper Tsamkhang. Pointing to a small white house up on the hill above the monastery, Rinpoche urged his sponsor to look for land around there. After almost a year of failed attempts to buy land around the white house, a fortuitous set of circumstances led to eventual acquisition a beautiful triangular plot of land measuring about 1 acre. The land lay further below the area indicated by Rinpoche and directly above the nunnery. The land had been acquired by Sikkim Government some years back for a project which had not materialized. After repeated appeals, the Government granted the land to Khachoed Pema Woeling Trust free of cost for the construction of a Retreat Center and for economic activities that will sustain the monastery.

Retreat center land before construction. Ani Gompa can be seen below.
Click on image to view large
Retreat Center land before construction - right corner not visible. Ani Gompa can be seen below.
Click on image to view large
Paddy field above the nunnery on the way to the Retreat Center.
Click on image to view large

Rinpoche was very enthusiastic about the Retreat Center. Despite his very frail physical condition, Rinpoche conducted the groundbreaking ceremony himself and performed the sacred dance steps while reciting mantras to bless the site.

Consecration of the Retreat Center land
Click on image to view large
Rinpoche performing sacred dance steps despite physical disabilities.
Click on image to view large

The construction of Retreat Center started almost immediately so that the facility could be ready in time for second batch of retreatants. It is a relatively large facility that could easily accommodate 10 nuns with room for further expansion if that should be required.

Click on image to view large
Click on image to view large
Click on image to view large
Auspicious offerings for third batch of nuns before start of their three year retreat.
Click on image to view large
Click on image to view large