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.  The temple property was purchased in 2001 and in July, 2003 His Holiness Sakya Trizin blessed the ground where the new temple was to be built. On March 29, 2007, the groundbreaking ceremonies were held and temple construction began. (Click here to read more about Tsechen Kunchab Ling's history).

The new temple building is being designed according to the advice and recommendations of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin. It will combine traditional Tibetan architecture with modern construction materials and methods. The construction of the new temple building is under the direction of Venerable Lama Kalsang Gyaltsen, Vice President of Tsechen Kunchab Ling, who has already guided the construction of two temples in Nepal.

The 9,000 foot main floor is primarily comprised of a huge shrine hall which will accomodate several hundred people. The first floor will be encircled by a covered circumambulation walk.The 6,000 foot lower floor will include a library, classrooms, and social hall. The landscaping will preserve the large historic trees on the site, add new trees, and maintain the serene park-like atmosphere of prayer and meditation. The architect is Larry Hibbard of Hibbard Architecture and the builder is Mark Annunciato of Liam Construction.

The New Temple Construction Is Now More than 50% Complete! 

In November 2010, the great Buddha statue was moved into the new temple on the auspicious day of the Buddha's Descent from Heaven. This marked the completion of construction exterior of the building and the beginning of work on the interior.

Our goal is to complete the interior and the final finishing touches in time for the blessed arrival of His Holiness Sakya Trizin in summer 2011. His Holiness the Sakya Trizin will preside over formal opening ceremonies for the new temple  June 19, 2011.


Heartfelt thanks to all those who are helping in so many ways to accomplish this important project." Please click here to find out how you can help build His Holiness Sakya Trizin's new temple in the West.