Tsechen Kunchab Ling, Temple of All-Encompassing Great Compassion, was established in Walden, New York in April, 2001 as the U.S. Seat of His Holiness Sakya Trizin. His Holiness established the temple in order to strengthen the Dharma in North America by creating a place where both renunciates and lay people could gather to practice the Dharma and to devote themselves to study, contemplation, and meditation. His Holiness’ many students gratefully and joyfully accepted the opportunity to fulfill his vision.

The temple property was purchased in 2001, and many members and friends of the temple worked to renovate and improve the grounds and buildings. When everything was ready, His Holiness Sakya Trizin, his eldest son His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, and their holy family came to reside at the temple for a month.

On July 4, 2003, His Holiness formally consecrated the temple and opened the Door of Dharma with an extensive series of Dharma teachings. Many students from all over the world gathered for this happy event.

Since that time, His Holiness’ students have dedicated their best efforts and resources toward raising the funds to build a large traditional temple building, which will provide a beautiful traditional setting for Dharma teachings and practice. The groundbreaking ceremony and commencement of construction on the auspicious day of March 29, 2007 represented the first step in the fulfillment of this goal.

Shortly thereafter, His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche, abbot of Ngor Ewam Choden Monaster, was in residence at the temple for five days in April. During that time he blessed sacred objects and conducted ceremonies placing them beneath the emerging foundation (see recent activities).

In June, 2007, His Eminence Ratna Vajra Rinpoche visited the Temple and performed the roof-raising ceremony for the new building (see recent activities) and construciton continues.

Through the continued efforts and resources of all of His Holiness’ students, the building’s completion will surely be swiftly accomplished. Please visit our How to Help page to join us in this joyful activity!