Taking the Long View

[Photo by Sean Quinn]

A few days ago this exquisite photo of Khandroling was posted following some of the tree cutting happening on the land. Over the past couple of months, Khandroling, the retreat land for the Dzogchen Community in Buckland, MA  has undergone a dramatic transformation with the well-planned tree cutting to eliminate debris, white pine and hemlock, which in the past did not allow the forest to flourish. You can read an earlier post here. 

The tree cutting project is based on a proposal to the Massachusetts State forestry department to create conditions for new habitat, especially birds and small mammals and a robust growth of hardwoods. Incorporated into this proposal was a plan to actualize our Master's directive finally to remove the white pine on the land and open up certain views.  These are optimal outcomes for the future of Khandroling's land management in our bio-region, which was carefully considered. 

[Google map of of Khandroling with yellow area designating tree cutting]

As one can see in the photo of the long view at the top of the page,  significant views have opened up with a clear view of the pond and hint of the valley below. On the other hand,  arriving on upper Khandroling one immediately can view the golden Longsal atop the Mandala Hall which houses the Universal Mandala. The overall effect is breathtaking. Here's another view from Rinpoche's cabin looking up to the Mandala Hall:

[photo by Paula Barry]

For some years, the reforestation process will be a work in progress as the landscape reveals its treasures.

In the 19th century and early part of the twentieth century much of the land around Khandroling was cleared as can be seen in this early post card of the birthplace of Mary Lyon, whose homestead lies at the bottom of the hill leading up to Khandroling. To your left, a direct path to the Mandala Hall on top of the hill while below to the right would have been sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley below. 

In the midst of all this activity and heavy machinery, the coloration of the mandala floor continues to be applied painstakingly and with great care primarily by Jim Smith and Nary Mitchell with help from local volunteers. An arduous process, this work represents the final phase of construction for the interior of the Mandala Hall, now in its 5th year of construction.

[photo by Paula Barry]

Meanwhile, Lower Khandroling at the farm surrounding Rinpoche's residence, another kind of transformation is taking place with hundreds of blueberries planted and attention to the land resulting in a full-fledged farm with garden, bees, and mushroom cultivations, as well as a state of the art greenhouse under construction. 

[photo credit Khandroling Coop]

At the heart of all these recent developments is the desire to present a perfect place for the Inauguration of the Mandala Hall for the Universal Mandala--the jewel of our community, scheduled during Tsegyalgar's 30th Anniversary Celebration, Come Join the Dance, July 11-13, 2014.

It is important at this time for Tsegyalgar East to harness our resources in order to bring to fruition all our projects for the upcoming  celebration and retreat, Summer 2014.

The most effective way to help the community realize these aspirations is to renew your memberships early for the Year of the Wood Horse 2014. 

If you are able to do this now, please contact our secretary,  at secretary@tsegyalgar.org. Shortly, everyone will be receiving our 2014 Membership packets.  Traditionally, this time of year is when unrestricted donations are most welcome to offset shortfalls in our 2013 expenses. Unrestricted donations received are tax deductible. Such expressions of Dana--help support the Teachings flourish now and into the future. 

[Photo by Sean Quinn]

To view updates on Khandroling and at Tsegyalgar East, visit out Community blog at www.tsegyalgar.blogspot.com and the farm coop's website at www.khandrolingcoop.com frequently.