Life on the construction site

A small group of temple builders has been living on the construction site since January 2025. The existing former school building on the site was transformed into a comfortable home. Inviting rooms, a warm kitchen with a wood-burning stove and running water, an outdoor shower with solar water bags, and a vanity unit with an integrated clothes washer elevate the standard of living on the construction site to the star level.

A regular daily routine organizes life on the construction site. During the week, the day begins and ends with a group meditation. This daily gathering provides a space to address current issues of community life and promotes healthy group dynamics. On Saturdays, the focus is on training. There are, among other things, English lessons with Regina Ma'm, joint carpentry development based on the Bhutanese principles of "Happy Organizations," and theoretical instruction in carpentry. Sunday is a day of rest.

Again and again, we are reminded of how unique it is that a group of people from very different parts of the world have come together to build a wooden temple in the Himalayas. And this group is supported, sustained, and strengthened by a larger – and again global – group. We are deeply grateful for these circumstances.

The temple builder sewed meditation cushions filled with sal and cedar shavings and grated sandalwood soap for the house temple.