Dear Students and Friends,

As most of you know, I visited Raktrul Monastery in Eastern Kham, Tibet, in 1998. It was my first visit to my monastery since I escaped from Tibet. The stories I had heard of the devastation of the monastery and the surrounding community were sadly true. Unlike other monasteries in Tibet that are being rebuilt, Raktrul Monastery has done so without any outside support thus far.

My counterpart at Raktrul Monastery discussed with me the difficulty of rebuilding the monastery and establishing a program of proper monastic education and training. My counterpart, the lay community and the monks have asked me for my help. I could not refuse.

I discussed the difficult situation at Raktrul Monastery with both His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and His Eminence the Tai Situ Rinpoche. They both bave their blessings for me to undertake the project of rebuilding the Raktrul Monastery, and preserving the previous Bardor Rulku Rinpoche's lineage texts through the Institute of Buddhist studies at Raktrul Monastery.

I have established, independent of KTD and its' affiliates, the Raktrul Foundation. The purpose for Raktrul Foundation is described on this website.

Most assuredly, I will remain at KTD and continue to serve His Holiness's activity regarding KTD and its affiliates. My commitment to fulfill all the wishes of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa for KTD, its affiliates and Raktrul Monastery is steadfast.

Yours in the Dharma,

Bardor Tulku