In this column, we report on significant developments and new ideas relating to articles which appeared in past issues of Himal.
TENGBOCHE: WHAT WENT UP IN FLAMES? (Jan/Feb 1989)
A Tengpoche Monastery Recon-struction Committee has been set up, with a predominantly Sherpa membership and headed by the Incarnate Lama Nawong Tenzin Jangpo. Also helping will be Sir Edmund Hillary, Zeke O´Cconor of the Hillary Foundation (Canada), Richard Blum of the American Himalayan Foundation, French alpinist Maurice Herzog, Guenther Strom of the Deutsche Alpine Club, and the Japan Alpine Club. An offer has aiso come from former United States President Jimmy Carter.
Tengpoche went up in flames on 19 January, the result, it is believed, of an accident with an electrical appliance. According to Ang Tshering, the Committee´s honorary secretary, about U$l million will be required for the reconstruction of the monastery. He is confident that the amount will be raised. Already, 72 Sherpa households have collected NRs4 lakhs, Hillary has raised U$30,()00 (approximately NRs8 lakhs), and the Deutsche Alpine Club has given NRs2 lakhs.
Because this is Lo Nag (Black Year), deemed inauspicious for certain activities, the reconstruction will begin next year. However, preparatory work will be begun this year, including the collection of stones, wood and other materials. It is expected that the building will be up within a year, but it may be another four years before the monastery attains its former state, with its interiors and artifacts restored or replaced. – KT Editor´s note: The Reconstruction Committee and the Incarnate Lama have indicated that "Tengpoche", with a "p" rather than "b" is the preferred spelling.