130 Trees Planted at Drepung Loseling Tsangpa Khangtsen, India

This week’s success story comes from Hans Timpner, our Global Coordinator Director and Regional Coordinator for Aruba.

Recently, Hans made a trip to India, and in this story, he tells us about the trees that were planted during his visit.

Hans tells us that “during the preparation for this retreat, the idea came up to also plant some trees. The idea was that the tree-planting would be beneficial for the environment, while simultaneously it may create some potential income for the monks who are going to live there.

After the discussion, the idea was taken up by the organizers and eventually was very nicely planned and executed.

Thus, before the retreat started, the Monks made available a piece of land behind the newly constructed accommodation block. Accordingly, the holes were dug, and a decision was taken as to what kind of trees to plant.

At the start of the retreat, new trees were bought with funds raised, in preparation for the day of the tree planting, and these trees were put next to the holes that were already dug.

Finally came the day to plant! On the 17th of January, 2026, the day of the planting, Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, together with other dignitaries, initiated the tree-planting process by blessing the trees.

After this auspicious activity, everyone went to the now-blessed trees on the property and planted them. The energy was so positive, and everyone enjoyed this activity very much!

The video below shares a feeling of the energetic atmosphere experienced:

The planting activity was dedicated beautifully and selflessly: “May these trees flourish and create a new area of a healthy environment, while giving a place to thrive for many different beings. May these tree plantings benefit all our teachers.”

It was a great, wholesome, additional activity to the retreat, with a well-needed focus on our environment and the future for the planet and those that live on it. Thanks to everyone for their involvement in this.”

The Global Tree Initiative sincerely thanks Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul and the senior monks and Organizers during a retreat at Mundgod, in conjunction with the Drepung Loseling Tsangpa Khangtsen, for this beautiful action and story!

And, of course, we thank Hans for helping to organize this event, and for his ongoing service and dedication to the Global Tree Initiative.