Quarterly Newsletter 1 Jan - 31 March, 2024 Quarterly Newsletter 1 Jan - 31 March, 2024 Dolpo Tulku Charitable Foundation www.dolpotulku.org [email protected] WHAT'S INSIDE : Impact of the Free Winter Clinic 2024 Premier of Supreme Shakyamuni’ s Chantings and Book Launch Winter Education Initiatives in Upper Dolpa. Shangding Tashi Choeding Monastery's Latest Restoration Progress
In an effort to make Buddhist teachings more accessible to Nepali followers, the highly regarded text "The Treasury of Blessings of Shakyamuni" by Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche has been translated into Nepali language. Additionally, a melodic chanting video, harmonised with Nepalese music, has been created to enhance the spiritual experience for practitioners. The Premier program was honoured to welcome and host a diverse array of religious personalities, including esteemed figures such as Khenpo, Lopon, Lama, and Amchi. Notably, Ani Choeying Dolma, renowned for her contributions to Tibetan Buddhist chants, graced the event with her presence. The Premier of Supreme Shakyamuni Chantings and Book Launch attracted over a thousand attendees from various organisations and backgrounds. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic participation of the community contributed to the event's resounding success. w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g DTCF Newsletter, Page 1 Unveiling the Treasury of Blessings: Shakyamuni Chantings in Nepali
During the premier, the audience was treated to a mesmerising performance by a talented team of musicians and Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche, who sang all five melodic chantings (bhajans). Their soul-stirring renditions resonated deeply with the attendees, creating an atmosphere of reverence and devotion. The program concluded on a sacred note as hundreds of attendees received blessings from Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche, infusing their spiritual journey with divine grace and guidance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, supporters, and organizers whose dedication and efforts made the Premier of Supreme Shakyamuni Chantings and Book Launch a resounding success. Together, we continue to honor and preserve the rich traditions of Buddhism, fostering spiritual growth and unity within our community. Stay tuned for future updates and events as we embark on this journey of spiritual enlightenment together. w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g DTCF Newsletter, Page 2
The Free Winter Clinic 2024 concluded its successful run from January 7th to February 8th at the new Stupa Community Hospital building, marking the second consecutive operation of the clinic, thanks to the generous support of the Ernst-Rautschka-Stiftung, Germany. Addressing critical healthcare challenges faced by communities in Dolpa and neighbouring Himalayan regions, the clinic, with a dedicated team comprising medical professionals and support staff, provided essential medical services. These services included general consultation, dental care, acupuncture, physiotherapy, reproductive health services, and Tibetan medicine. Throughout the five-week period, the clinic examined a total of 1,242 patients, offering free medical care with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and children. Notably, 21% of patients attended the clinic at least twice, highlighting its vital role in meeting ongoing healthcare needs. The clinic's services were comprehensive and tailored to the specific health needs of the community, addressing a wide range of prevalent health issues, from diagnosing common ailments like gastritis and tuberculosis to providing dental care, acupuncture, and reproductive health services. w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g DTCF Newsletter, Page 3 Healthcare Outreach: Impact of the Free Winter Clinic 2024
Despite significant success, the clinic encountered challenges such as high attendance, resistance to behavioural changes, and time constraints for long- term treatments. However, these challenges underscore the importance of continued support and collaboration in improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Ernst-Rautschka-Stiftung, Germany, for their generous funding, as well as to all stakeholders, volunteers, and staff members whose dedication and hard work made the Free Winter Clinic 2024 possible. Special thanks are also given to the Dolpo Tulku Charitable Foundation, Stupa Community Hospital, and the entire medical team for their unwavering commitment to serving the community. Reflecting on the success of the Free Winter Clinic 2024, community members are invited to provide feedback and suggestions for future medical camps. Their input is invaluable in ensuring the continuous improvement of healthcare services in Dolpa and beyond. Feedback can be shared on the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DolpoTulku) or via email at [email protected]. For those interested, here is the link to the detailed report of the Free Winter Clinic. 2024.https://www.dolpotulku.org/wp- content/uploads/2024/03/Report-on- FreeWinterClinic_February2024.pdf www.dolpotulku.org DTCF Newsletter, Page 4
It has been the intention of many Upper Dolpa schools to introduce Winter Classes so that students can take advantage of the remaining five months of winter and improve their educational success, which suffers during the summer due to household and agricultural duties, and holidays during Yarsagumbu harvesting season. These classes are supported by local youths and alumni who stay in the village and teach children despite the harsh winter weather. The Yangjer Gumba Basic School and Shree Shelri Drugdra Lower Secondary School have been conducting Winter Classes for all grades, with the Dolpo Tulku Charitable Foundation implementing the project with financial support from the German-based non-profit organisation, Human Stiftung. The Winter School at Shree Shelri Drugdra Lower Secondary School ran from December 20, 2023, to April 25, 2024, for four months, with 56 students attending regularly. Similarly, the Winter School at Yangjer Gumba Basic School started on December 10 and ran until the second week of March, totaling around three months, with 29 students attending the 2023/24 winter session. DTCF Newsletter, Page 5 w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g Inspiring Progress: Winter Education Initiatives in Upper Dolpa
The school coordinators reported successful operation of the Winter School, with student learning outcomes assessed over the three to four-month period through various evaluation methods, including reading, writing, speaking, and critical analysis among highergrade students. Furthermore, the end assessment of Winter Classes will serve as a baseline for the upcoming summer classes starting in April, 2024. The school management committee and the foundation express immense gratitude to the founders and donors of Human Stiftung, Germany, for their continuous financial support to our school project in Dolpo, one of the highest settlements in the world and the remotest village in Nepal. DTCF Newsletter, Page 6 w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g
The latest progress on the restoration efforts at the historic Shangding Tashi Choeding Monastery led by Lama Karma Dhujom, who is the lineage holder of the esteemed Lama who founded and nurtured the Dharma through this ancient monastery, indicates that the restoration work is progressing. Currently, the focus of the restoration work is on constructing a cavity wall and stabilising the land surrounding the monastery. One of the key aspects of this phase is the construction of a new layer of wall outside the original monastery structure. w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g DTCF Newsletter, Page 7 Restoring History: Tashi Choeding Monastery's Latest Restoration Progress
This additional layer serves to protect the original walls from dampness, leakage, and other potential damage, ensuring the preservation of the inner wall and its precious ancient wall paintings and artefacts. We are pleased to inform you that our foundation has collaborated on this important restoration project at the request of Lama Karma Dhujom. With the generous financial support from our donors, we have been able to provide the necessary timbers required for roofing and other tasks within the monastery. While significant progress has been made in acquiring the timber, including obtaining permission, tree cutting, and timber processing, the transportation of the timber will commence in the next few months, allowing sufficient time for drying. Additionally, Lama Karma Dhujom has informed us that due to insufficient funds, the roofing and final restoration works will commence in the coming year. w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g DTCF Newsletter, Page 8 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our donors who have generously contributed to the restoration of this 16th-century monastery. Your support not only aids in preserving this significant cultural heritage site but also plays a pivotal role in the development of other monasteries within the Chharka and Tangshong villages, now part of the Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality.
Dolpo Tulku e.V. and DTCF would like to thank all the donors who have generously contributed to the restoration of this old monastery dating back to the 16th century. In the past, this monastery played an important role in the development of other monasteries within the Chharka and Tangshong villages, now referred to as Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality. Keeping our cultural heritage alive is a privilege that we are grateful for your support. w w w.d o l p o t u l k u.o r g DTCF Newsletter, Page 9
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