June 15, 2020
Himalayan Children’s Fund News Dear Friends, It is satisfying to say that all the children, nuns, and monks remain healthy, happy and active. Rinpoche remains well at VVI, and Khenpo Gendun reports that the weather has been unusually pleasant for this time of year with temperatures in the mid 80’s rather than triple digits as is common. Rain has also brought some ease and he says, “We don’t even have to fan ourselves!” With the continued closure of SMD Boarding school we have been notifying SMD sponsors that we are not going to request sponsorship renewal until the school has reopened and we have a current admissions list. Sponsorship of monks and nuns is continuing as usual since they are continuing in place and their sponsorship amounts remain the same. When SMD resumes, the school fees will be: Boarding Student $940.00; Day Student $430.00; Gap Year Senior (giving service) $530.00 and Seniors continuing education $1,225.00. We recognize that this may be a difficult time for many sponsors and want to reiterate that our policy remains that being a sponsor does not depend on paying the full fee. We gratefully accept any amount toward sponsorship support and can match more than one person to a student. Please enjoy and share the news. ~ Debra Ann
THRANGU MONASTERY TIBET
Khenpo Thinley sends his assurance that all are well at the monastery and shared this moonlight photo and video. (Hover your mouse to play video.)
VVI A flooded field puts a damper on playing football, but the rain is welcome and soon there will be ripe mangos. In the midst of disciplined studies, the monks at VVI participated in World Environment Day by planting trees and flowers. Meanwhile, the young monks have become very well practiced in their mealtime prayers. (Hover for lunchtime video.)
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org
TARA ABBEY
HCF Page 2
Due to the coronavirus response in Nepal, the painting of the interior walls of the shrine hall has been suspended but the work was progressing well in November and December. The painters will return when it is safe and permitted.
SMDBS A message from Lama Karma Phurbu, principal of SMDBS: “We are really glad to inform you that we held our Final examination on 30th March-5th April, and more than 80 percent of students achieved a good score and hold an outstanding rank. All the SMDBS teachers have distributed books to the students for the new session. Because of ongoing lockdown we are unable to get new books for students, so the decision was made to distribute the books used last year. We also stopped going to the school for our regular classes due to the increase of COVID-19 in Nepal and decided to have teachers hold formal classes in their own rooms. We have daily covid check-up of students, teachers and other staff before the lunch hour. We will be having our first term examination soon and rather than the exams being given to all grades at once, each class will be kept separate in order to maintain a safe distance. Because of your guidance, contributions, and help we have been able to provide students with higher education for a brighter future. Heartfelt thanks to you for making their career. Until everything gets back to normal please keep yourself healthy, warm and fit. We all bless you with a shower of love ~ blessings from each student’s smile and wish for your long happy life. A lot of thanks again for your outstanding support and contribution. We hope our relationship goes longer, as usual.”
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org
SMD SPOTLIGHT
HCF Page 3
Buddha Tamang has a black belt in Karate and is an excellent cook. He was born in 1990 in Parphing, Nepal and worked in a hotel kitchen while in grade school, first washing dishes and then learning how to cook. He is well trained in Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Newari cuisine and also has experience with Chinese cooking. At age 13, while working full time to help his family, he began to study Karate. 5 years later he came to Kathmandu, continuing his studies with Gyani Patna Shakya at Lalitphur Dojo and in 2010 he earned the rank of Black Belt. In the same year he became the head cook for SMD Boarding School, though it was many years before anyone at the school knew of his talent and accomplishments beyond the kitchen. First inspired by movies, and then by the idea of trophies and medals and making family and friends proud, he soon recognized that though he could fight with anyone, he was learning something different. The point was to help and not to harm. It was a discipline to learn and use. It was respect and education. 4 years ago as a birthday wish, Buddha Tamang was able to perform his art for the school and so impressed the staff that he was asked to teach Karate for SMD students. He emphasizes the meaning of the training, requiring memorization and recitation of a full set of rules which are included in the weekly classes ~ what to do and not to do in Karate ~ how to treat other people (and the Guru) ~ how to be in Karate posture. He says a few students had some attitude at first, but as he has explained discipline and the benefit of training they have become very enthusiastic. The interest has grown and now there are about 40 students, girls and boys in equal number. A few sponsors have provided equipment and clothing and this allowed some of the older students to compete in the 1st Asia Open International Karate Tournament in January. Though they are beginners and most opponents were black belts, they did well and brought home 4 trophies!
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org