Geshe Kelsang Wangdu, resident lama for the three FPMT California centers since May, has been thinking “for many years about the importance of having Western Sangha studying at the monasteries in south India” such as his own, Sera Je.

He has graciously offered $550 to start a project to build housing at the monasteries especially for Westerners.

“To bring the Dharma to the whole world, we definitely need ordained Sangha,” he said. “For the Dharma to really flourish in the West the Sangha need good Dharma education, and the best place to get this is in the monasteries in south India where the qualified lineage holders are teaching.”

“It is not that I don’t need this money for my own students or my monastery, but I feel this is so important, not only for Westerners, but for the whole world.”

IMI director Ven. Roger Kunsang was moved by Geshe Wangdu’s offering. “We have talked about this idea before,” said Roger, “and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has encouraged it. Perhaps now the time has come to do something about it.”

Geshe Wangdu strongly urges Western lay people to support their Sangha. “It is so important to have qualified Western teachers,” he said. “This will help everyone. Please open your hearts and sincerely help the monks and nuns.”