In December, 2017 our community gathered to commemorate Lama Tsong Khapa Day, with special prayers honoring the founder of our Gelugpa lineage. After the ceremony led by Lama Passang, we enjoyed a cup of tea and chatted about the possibility of adding a tipi to expand the practice space for the Center. Our Dharma Friend Steve Winn endorsed the idea. That night, in honor of his mother who had recently passed away, he provided funds to obtain a large 26-ft. tipi to create a shrine room and Dharma practice space. The merit was dedicated to his mother Barbee Taylor Winn and her journey through the bardo to a fortunate rebirth.

The Center also has a great Dharma Friend in Mark Swan, who generously provided funds to purchase wood preservative for the 28 ft. tipi poles, the interior floor padding, and waterproofing/UV protection for the 1,000 sq. ft canvas cover. The tipi is 26 ft. in diameter, with over 500 sq. ft for Dharma practice. Electricity has been run to the tipi for air conditioning and lighting.