To All Interested Parties,

Tulku Jigme Rinpoche is a teacher with a selfless dedication to supporting the Buddhist teachings and benefiting people. To these ends, he has undertaken the great responsibility of founding an institution of learning in the United States, for the study of traditional sciences and the most important sources of the Buddhist teachings, as well as more introductory courses of instruction. According to the Buddhist tradition, the Buddha's teachings embody both scripture and personal experience-that is, theory and practical application. Given the enormous potential this project holds for the growth of Buddhism and the benefits that people can thereby receive, I wish to offer my heartfelt appreciation for this efforts and commit myself to assist him in any way I can.

In addition, Tulku Jigme is directing a project to construct a statue of Padmasambhava, the "second Buddha" one hundred and eleven feet in height. In the Buddha's teachings we find many references to the incalculable benefits of erecting such representations of enlightened beings, whether these are cast in metal or built of stone or clay. The presence of such images in the world is of great spiritual value, and this project will be a great contribution in this direction for many people.

The teachings attest to the fact that representations of Padmasambhava are particularly powerful symbols that bring a very positive and spiritual influence to the environments in which they are located and contribute greatly to the quality of life for those in these regions.

I have been requested to serve as the spiritual advisor for the above-mentioned projects, and offer my sincere prayers for the success of these very worthy endeavors.

Signed at the New Year celebrations for the water horse year,

Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Jungne Rinpoche Serjong Lamarung Rik-nga Nangten Lobling College