Progress update
Latest news from the Mikyo Dorje Institute project
Activity has been taking place to make connections with landowners, local authority investment teams, executives, councillors and architectural practices.
Land options
Members of the team recently met with Simon Fletcher, Chief Executive of Lichfield Council, whose Japanese wife is a Mahayana Buddhist. Hearing that Kagyu Dechen Buddhism shares the same altruistic motivation, Simon was inspired by the proposed development of the Institute, and keen to support it through his official contacts including liaison with the planning department. Simon wrote to local councillors asking them to contact landowners in their area. Responses arrived quickly in the form of several potential sites for the team to evaluate.
On a separate front the team has had a positive response from the National Trust, which may have land available in the near future, due to current restructuring. Should the NT make a proposal, it is likely to be in the form of a long term lease and we will explore the suitability of available options, terms and conditions.
Briefing architects
Since the last newsletter five architects have been briefed with outline plans for the Institute, two have responded formally and are preparing proposals which they intend to submit by mid-December.
A Buddhist architect from the Sri Lanka community, Andrew De Silva, of David Miller Architects, met with members of the project team at Kagyu Ling on 23rd November, following a Chenrezik puja, which he attended.
Some years ago, in response to his brother’s request for help, Andrew was instrumental in securing planning permission for the Sri Lankan style Buddhist Maha Vihara, with a large stupa on the roof, in Birmingham.
Andrew De Silva and members of the project team at Kagyu Ling.
Andrew admired the beauty of Kagyu Ling’s building and grounds and was impressed with Rinpoche and Lama Jampa’s vision of the Institute, captured in Jacob Gourley’s painting. He shared the steps taken by the team in Birmingham and the work he does when supporting organisations in the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care. This involves detailed work on spaces, according to the function, numbers of people, and quality of finish.
During the conversation it was recognised that as other Buddhist communities in the UK have built traditional Asian-style temples in both urban and rural locations, the successful development of a Tibetan style temple was not beyond the realms of possibility, although it would require flexibility and careful negotiation.
Andrew De Silva has kindly agreed to act as an expert friend to the project, using the experience gained on the Birmingham project.
Supportive conditions
To make merit for the project, recitations of Samantabhadra's King of Aspiration Prayers are ongoing. Recitations can be recorded here: King of Aspirations tracker. Lama Jampa taught this beautiful prayer in London on Saturday the 29th of November.
A weekly Namgyalma Puja also takes place every Tuesday at 19.30pm, at Kagyu Ling Buddhist Centre and online (Namgyalma Puja meeting link). This practice was recommended by His Holiness Karmapa to help create supportive conditions for the project, and anyone with the initiation is welcome to join.
Looking ahead
In recognition of the long term benefits of the Mikyo Dorje Institute, in keeping the dharma alive for future generations, the team are working on a booklet to support people who are thinking about making a gift in their will. The aim is for this to be ready in time to share at the Manchester Shedra.
In accord with Lama Jampa's recent and repeated injunction, the project team are endeavouring to "find land!". The search continues, alongside the early phase preparatory work. If you have any helpful connections or sites in mind, please let us know at: info@mikyodorje.institute.