Himalayan Children’s Fund News
Dear Friends,
As we transition into spring, Thrangu Rinpoche is resuming his reading transmissions on zoom, SMD is about to begin final exams for the 2022/23 school year and the 7th Arya Kshema is in full swing at VVI.
Tara Abbey has been graced with a new and larger school bus! The old one was unsafe, overcrowded, and too costly to repair. We rejoice that a donor from Taiwan (not HCF) recently stepped in and generously provided the nuns with good quality transportation!
Please enjoy the news.
~ Debra Ann
SHREE MANGAL DVIP BOARDING SCHOOL ~ EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Nepal is located in one of the most seismically active zones in the world. Small earthquakes occur frequently (every day) without loss of life or property, however, mega-quakes like the one experienced in 2015 cause great destruction to people, property and society. Along with the CERT training and refresher courses which have been attended by school and monastery staff, it is prudent to have earthquake survival gear on hand since even greater magnitude quakes are predicted for the future. SMD staff have reviewed their rescue gear and prepared this ‘wish list’ by item, single piece cost, and number needed. Rounded-up total: $1,800.00
To support with any amount, by check or online, Designate: SMD rescue gear.
Mylar blankets: 15 @ $12
Headlamps: 25 @ $12
Helmets: 10 @ $5
Nylon ropes: 5 @ $60
Work gloves: 20 @ $4
Duct tape: 20 @ $8.00
SMD TEACHERS PILGRIMAGE
Megaphone mic: 2 @ $23
Whistles: 5 @ $3
Shovels: 5 @ $30
Hoes: 5 @ $10
Stoning hammers: 5 @ $6 Stretchers: 3 @ $23
At the beginning of March SMD teachers were provided with a pilgrimage to Lumbini. Traveling by bus, they stayed overnight at Thrangu Lumbini Monastery and spent a day visiting holy sites before returning to Boudhanath. The teachers had the opportunity to participate in meditation and prayer sessions, explore the Sacred Garden, Mayadevi temple, and other monasteries while learning the history of Lumbini. Upon returning, teachers commented that it was a transformative experience, peaceful and relaxed. (Thanks to Tsewang Dorje for the videos.)
Solar flashlights: 5 @ $3
Gas Masks: 10 @ $11
1Radio: $8.00
1Hydraulic cable cutter: $200
TARA ABBEY AND VVI
From March 6 to April 8 Vajra Vidya Institute is hosting the 7th Arya Kshema Spring Teachings. Under the direction of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa and presided over by Druppon Dechen Rinpoche, nearly 400 nuns from 6 Kagyu shedras have gathered for a month of teachings and debate. In addition to a daily schedule of classes and debates, the Spring Teachings will feature teachings by Gyalwang Karmapa on Mikyö Dorje’s Autobiographical Verses along with many other signi Days begin with the memorization of texts, followed by classes, self study and individual and group debating. Only 4 of the 6 nunneries ~Thrangu Tara Abbey, Karma Drubgyu Dhargyeling, Druk Palmo Choiding, and Kegu Dagmo Choiling ~ are actually competing this year. In the presence of Druppon Dechen Rinpoche and Tulku Damchö Rinpoche nuns will debate in Düdra, Tagrig and Lorig, (collected topics, reasoning, cognition and knowledge). The Khenpos and Geshes of Sherabling, Lava, Surmang, Benchen, and Tergar Monasteries are serving as adjudicators.
