March 28, 2026
Himalayan Children’s Fund News
Dear Friends,
The end of the school year is quickly approaching for SMD and Shedra students, which means focused study and exams. While the Losar holiday was not celebrated out of respect for the third year of the passing of Thrangu Rinpoche, the etiquette of paying respects at the monastery and receiving blessings was observed. SMD students visited the Boudha monastery and received the new year blessing from Chöje Lama and senior monks.
The school had an unexpected 4 day break during the recent election for a new Prime Minister in Nepal. Gratitude has been expressed for the wise and calm guidance of Sushila Karki, the interim PM, and great hope for Balendra Shah as the new government is formed. We offer our prayers that all may develop well. Please enjoy and share the news.
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Thank you for your kind support.
~ Debra Ann
STUPA UPDATE
Pullahari Drubkhang now has a 13 foot stupa which was recently filled and blessed during a three day puja led by Chöje Lama and Tulku Damchö. At Vajra Vidya, more pujas were conducted for the new VVI stupa which is nearly completed and a ground breaking ceremony was conducted for the stupa to be built at Thrangu Tara Abbey. Eventually there will be 8 stupas built in various locations containing Thrangu Rinpoche’s relics along with all the traditional offerings.
Chöje Lama and SMD students exchange Losar offerings.
THRANGU THOISAM DARGYELING (TARA ABBEY SHEDRA)
March 1-4 were final examination days for the 55 nuns enrolled in shedra study at the Lumbini Monastery. Chöje Lama visited the shedra on results day, March 6th, giving teachings and guidance to the nuns and handing gifts to those who achieved ‘ranks’ - best student, hard study, improving fast and good habits.
Hover for video
VVI Final Exams
The end of March is examination time for the new monks as well as the older shedra monks. Exam days for the first and second year monks include reading, writing, speaking and the etiquette of wearing robes, prostrating, prayers and recitation.
On March 18, shedra monks were tested on memorization and then had 7 days for self study before the Sutra exam on March 26 which is followed by a day each of grammar testing, writing debate and speaking debate. March 30 will be a holiday and results day on April 1st will include the introduction of new staff since 3 VVI staff members have just entered the 4 year retreat in
THRANGU SEKAR RETREAT
The end of February saw the conclusion of the 10th cycle of the three year retreat for 8 monks (photo on the left) and commencement of the 12 cycle for 8 monks. 3 Thrangu nuns and 2 monks from another monastery also finished the retreat.
SCENES FROM SMD
Grade 12 Pre-Board exams.
Farewell to Assistant Principal Kaji who is entering 3 year retreat.
Last teacher workshop of
Parents from Nar, Manang came to SMD and prepared a fabulous meal of momo’s.
Junior kids (Nursery to Class 2) practiced with Ms. Sonam Dolma for a rhyming competition judged by teachers. Use this link for a video.