The Hermitage: Our Temple, Osel Dorje Gurkhang

The new temple on the Hermitage property is a yurt (Tib. gurkhang). The Venerable Bardok Chusang Rinpoche has has named this little temple Osel Dorje Gurkhang, meaning the yurt of diamond Clear Light.

Slideshow: Building the Yurt
Building the yurt

Our yurt templeTo erect the yurt, it was first necessary to establish a strong circular foundation out of wood beams. Once this was in place, a solid insulated floor was laid down. On the circumference of the floor we then raised the walls. The door was integrated into the design. Above that came the long poles that support the roof. One of the beauties of the design is that it has a large circular window at the peak. This window can be opened in the summer to release the heat and create a refreshing atmosphere.

After the structure was up, it was simply a case of covering it with the skin of the yurt. This made a nicely finished building. Without the efforts and building skill of the gentle sage Swann Gardner we would not have succeeded in our project. It was Swann who designed and implemented the construction of the foundation.

Many other Dharma Fellowship members were also involved in creating the temple. Jane Fawkes, who painted the door so beautifully using imagery connected to the land and wildlife, is a highly regarded artist who lives on Denman Island. Bhikshu Karma Tinley, the Tibetan nun Tashi-la, and the Theravada nun Sarani, spent time setting up the shrine.

So many people came together to give their assistance and support. The end result after many weeks of work is this beautiful little temple that now graces the Hermitage property. This is the story of our yurt temple. Now we have a place to gather and practice meditation together.

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