ZANGDOK PALRI U.S.A.

Ari Bhöd, Tehachapi has been chosen as the location for the construction of Zangdok Palri USA. This highly symbolic mandala represents the enlightened mind of Guru Padmansambhava, the master who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century. For those who see, touch, enter or remember this sacred structure, it is said that a connection is made to quicken one's spiritual development and to realize one's innate compassion.

Under the direction of the Venerable Lama Chödak Gyatso Nubpa, we have already begun the initial stages for constructing this mandala as a centuries lasting, four-story monument dedicated to global peace & harmony.

The Zangdok Palri U.S.A. blueprints and an intricately detailed scale model of this elaborate three-dimensional mandala are currently being designed and constructed at Ari Bhöd. Responsible for all aspects of Zangdok Palris traditional Tibetan architecture and design is master mandala artist Pema Namdol Thaye. His uncle and teacher, Ven. Lama Gonpo Tenzin, one of the few senior lineage-holders of this rare cultural treasure, is also in residence to provide consultation for many of Zangdok Palri’s esoteric attributes and sacred representations.

Ari Bhöd’s Architectural Team is led by award-winning architect and educator Michael Rotondi, founder of SciARC & Morphosis. Michael and his ROTO™ Architecture team will work with Lama Chödak Gyatso Nubpa and Pema Namdol Thaye to interpret, plan and construct this comprehensive traditional design according to our rigorous western standards, while maintaining Zangdok Palri’s sacred design, authenticity and accuracy.

Historically this mandala is extremely ornate and detailed, requiring rare, esoteric expertise that is currently in danger of being lost. Only a few elderly Tibetan masters remain with the knowledge required to accurately depict this cultural treasure, making time an urgent consideration in this project.


SHI-TRO MANDALA FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE

The new retreat facility in Tehachapi houses the Shi-tro Mandala for Universal Peace, the first traditional three-dimensional Tibetan mandala ever constructed in the United States and one of the few accurate depictions of the Shi-tro Mandala in the world.