Restoring the DCC Monuments - A Labour of Love

From left to right: Original rupa that eventually was placed inside the bell and replaced with a new version that we are currently gold leafing.

This year the Monument Restoration Committee chose to focus on the restoration of the Tibetan Chorten. The Chorten is probably the first thing I noticed when I entered the Dharma Centre of Canada in late summer 2017. Having just been to India I was delighted to see this structure and even more delighted when I discovered that it was only one of the many extraordinary Monuments gracing the grounds of the DCC.

When I was offered the position of Practitioner in Residence in early 2018, I enquired about the possibility to look after the monuments, however, the amount of damage to the actual structure was such that it required extensive work and skilled guidance. It was not until the spring of 2020 that thanks to one of Lama Mark’s extraordinarily inspiring classes I began to look for someone to teach me how to repair the Monuments. The Monument Committee took form shortly after together with Tryg Schonning, Trudy Gold and later Terry Hagan. 

After a year of “Building Merit” and beginning the restoration of each of the monuments, we achieved and discovered much. More than anything each stage of the project, and each building, unravelled more questions for me, such as: What is more important -- restoring the monuments or the intention and the action behind the restoration? Is it the intention or the action that is building merit? Can the right intention be built while performing the action? Is the motivation pure? Are the current causes and conditions supportive of individuals unfolding in connection with this project? How would a true Bodhisattva respond to the innumerable obstacles that manifested? What would Namgyal Rinpoche would like to see? 

It is lucky for me that I have lots of time and opportunities to ponder and consider these questions because the restorations will definitely take time and the monuments will continue to need to be cared for yearly.

This year as part of the Chorten's extensive restoration we need to acquire specialised material, design and custom make a door and windows with vents as well as do extensive cleaning and repair on the outer structure and inner chamber.

Recently Terry and I had the pleasure of welcoming a remarkably honest piece of advice from a skilled stone mason. Based on that direction together with extensive research and the advice of many, many people, we are drafting a plan of action to start in late July.

This year we will begin the work with a special Puja offered by Lama Sherab to give thanks to the land spirits and bring the community together. With such a fine start I truly hope to see this project unfold with a strong core of guidance and many fine practitioners joining in the work in harmony.

This restoration means something different to every single person I have so far met. To me it is truly a labour of love; it means learning, an opportunity to engage with a structure that reflects ancient and extraordinary teachings, a means to gather merit and wisdom and an offering for others too. 

Occasionally, when causes and conditions allow, I am able to do a little work on the Chorten myself and take a break from the planning. These rare moments of quiet mindful work on the monuments were my initial aspiration and are by far the memories I will cherish the most.

This work is not the work of only one or two summers and I hope the community and members of the Dharma Centre will continue to donate generously both in time and funds to this important project, so that the Monument Committee together with the Board of Directors may continue to offer an opportunity for people to gather wisdom and merit and maintain the connection with this symbolic structure that makes the DCC unique.

Marta Castiglioni

Practitioner in Residence - Operations Coordinator

From left to right: the work progress on the Chorten bell