Architectural Design by Penpa Tsering, Yarlung Builders

The long-term goal of Tibet Elderly Help is to provide elderly Tibetans with the resources needed to meet their basic needs, so they can live their lives with human dignity. This is the purpose of the trips that Dr. Bhutti has made every year to India & Nepal since 2005. Although the elderly will be careful with money they receive directly, this is only a short-term solution. Dr. Bhutti’s vision is to build a guest house for the Tibetan elderly so that they can sustain themselves in the last years of their lives.

The elderly Tibetans in India have lost their country, have lost family members in their exodus from their native land, and are vulnerable because they are alone with no one to care for them. They range in age from 70 to 95. There is no social security for these people, no family members, no social safety net to protect them — only the kindness of your own heart.

Creation of the Lodge

I have already had a design for the Amitabha lodge drawn up by the architect, Penpa Tsering, Yarlung Builders. It is comprised of about fifteen rooms. I plan to have the guest house staffed by Tibetan monks. The proceeds derived from the visiting pilgrims would be distributed to the needy elderly Tibetans. In addition, I plan to set aside a portion of the rooms at the Lodge where needy elderly Tibetans on pilgrimage can stay for free for up to ten days.

I also wish to welcome there as guests all those who are able to donate funds for the creation of the lodge. The total cost will be $150,000. All donors will be remembered with their names inscribed on a commemorative plaque within the Amitabha lodge premises.

If you are able to help us you will be directly changing the lives of some of the most forgotten and vulnerable people in the world. Our hearts are filled with joy when we take an action to change the world for the better, even in a small way.

My vision of the Amitabha lodge is to create a physical and spiritual legacy. I hope that you will be inspired to participate in its creation. Tibet Elderly Help does not have a fundraiser or big donors. We are completely dependent upon your generous donation, so please consider giving what you can.

All contributions are tax deductible as permitted by law; Tibet Elderly Help is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

With my folded hands,

Dr. Keyzom Phunkyil (Founder)

Important Update to Plans for the Amitabha lodge, March 2022

Dr. Keyzom Bhutti love of Mother Earth and all the insects who make their home there has caused Dr. Keyzom Bhutti to make an important change. Instead of new construction, she will now seek to purchase a large building to serve as the Amitabha lodge. This will protect Mother Earth and the many insects that would be harmed by undertaking new construction. The pre-existing building will then be adapted and enlarged as needed.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT July 2024:

Dear Friends,

About 25 years ago, I envisioned creating the Amitabha Lodge in honor of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, as a guest house in Bodh Gaya, India near the most holy site where Buddha attained enlightenment, to serve Tibetan elderly and others on pilgrimage. It was meant to be a lasting source of both physical and spiritual support for elderly Tibetans. Plans were drawn up and a general location was found. An estimate for the cost of either constructing or purchasing a building was about $100,000. Now the cost would be as high as between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000. Because this cost is far beyond the resources of my most kind donors, I regret that I must now discontinue all plans for the Amitabha Lodge. I have not ever received any contributions for the Amitabha Lodge. However, I am continuing Tibet Elderly Help and as before, be assured, all donations to Tibet Elderly Help will be distributed annually, in their entirety, to suffering Tibetan elderly in India and Nepal.

With my folded hands,

Dr. Keyzom Phunkyil (Founder)