Geleg Tsering is the founder of the Kunphen Foundation. He was born in the village of Tashi Jong in the Indian Himalayas north of New Delhi. Geleg is of Tibetan descent. In 1959, his mother fled with other Tibetans from Kham Nangchen in eastern Tibet when it was annexed by communist China. All Tibetans in Tashi Jong, both monks and lay people, are refugees. Their spiritual leader is His Eminence the eighth and ninth Khamtrul Rinpoche, reincarnations of a high lama. Traditionally, Tibetans receive their names as a blessing from their honored lama. This is also the case with Geleg. He received his name from the eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche. ‘Geleg’ means ‘happiness’ and ‘Tsering’ means ‘long life’.

Geleg Tsering came to the Netherlands in 1990. His community suffered from a shortage of drinking water and problems with hygiene, healthcare, and education—problems that repeatedly confronted Geleg during his subsequent visits to Tashi Jong. He took this to heart and decided he had to help his fellow Tibetans. The community has no source of income of its own and depends on Indian and foreign aid. Refugees in India face hardship.

Geleg decided to establish a foundation through which he, along with other volunteers, can address the problems of Tibetan lay people and the monks of Tashi Jong Monastery and alleviate their suffering. In addition, he wants future projects to help the community preserve its traditions, culture, art, craftsmanship, and the unique Buddha-dharma and lama dances of Tashi Jong, because this, in turn, can make a difference for others.

Together with other dedicated volunteers, Geleg founded the Kunphen Foundation. The name “Kunphen” comes from the Tibetan “Kun la phen pa,” literally meaning “supporting all sentient beings.” Kunphen is a politically neutral, non-profit organization. Kunphen’s success depends on your support, your donations, and your help. Whatever your skills and talents, you are very welcome. Please contact us by sending us an email or using the attached form, and we will invite you for a conversation.

Our website outlines various projects we hope to realize in the future. Tashi Jong’s most pressing problem is the lack of drinking water. Our plan for a well can solve that problem. Financial contributions from individuals and companies are very welcome.

The Kunphen Foundation is registered with the Chamber of Commerce under number 34361601 and is designated as an ANBI (Public Benefit Organization) by the Dutch tax authorities, so donations to Kunphen are tax-deductible. Currently, Kunphen is only registered in the Netherlands. We hope to expand to other countries in the future.

Through its many activities, Kunphen supports the preservation of Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The foundation supports the international training programs of His Eminence the Ninth Khamtrul Rinpoche, yogis, and lamas of Tashi Jong Monastery, which offer people a valuable opportunity to pursue their Dharma. Kunphen also helps Tibetan refugees and others in India, Nepal, Tibet, and elsewhere.

On behalf of the monks, yogis, and lay people of Tashi Jong, we thank you in advance for your support and your donations, which we dedicate to the well-being of all sentient beings.