So sorry for the delay in posting more video. We are presently processing about 5,000 images for the Gaden Monastery trip. In the meantime, here are some tasty treats I thought you may enjoy. And please don forget to visit the Gaden Shartse Monastery website at www.gadenshartsetour.org
Please also visit the new Gaden Ngari Khangsten website at www.gadenngari.org
Gaden Ngair is one of the 11 Khangstens (Dormitories) in the Gaden Shartse monastery. The Gaden Ngari monks are now in the United States and are touring. Please email us if you are interested in hosting the Ngari Tour.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, March 09, 2007
A brief view of Camp #7
One day, while staying at the Jangchub Choeling nunnery in Camp #3, we went for a walk to visit my friend Tenzin's parents who lived in Camp #7.
These folks came here originally in the 70s with the first groups to come to the settlement after the monastery did the clearing etc. Even as I write this, the sadness I experienced with these people is still with me.
My friend's family had been farmer's back in "old Tibet" and in exile had very little resources. Here I offer you some pictures of their home, which they opened to us.
Family's Most Treasured Items Still Packed...
For me, the saddest part of ther visit, was seeing their own beautiful ritual room, where they kept their most sacred and special of their items. Here you can see Tenzin's father showing us their most treasured items. Family heirlooms in the way of pictures, small ritual amulets, images from their old village and the suitcase which held their most beloved of items including diety statues and old pictures of the Dalai Lama which they had taken out of Tibet with them. These precious items remained in the suitcase - for their return to their village. They do belive they are still going back. Unpacking
these most precious items would be the same as accepting that they would never see their old homeland again.
The Family's Kitchen...
A Short Video In Camp #7
These folks came here originally in the 70s with the first groups to come to the settlement after the monastery did the clearing etc. Even as I write this, the sadness I experienced with these people is still with me.
My friend's family had been farmer's back in "old Tibet" and in exile had very little resources. Here I offer you some pictures of their home, which they opened to us.
Family's Most Treasured Items Still Packed...
For me, the saddest part of ther visit, was seeing their own beautiful ritual room, where they kept their most sacred and special of their items. Here you can see Tenzin's father showing us their most treasured items. Family heirlooms in the way of pictures, small ritual amulets, images from their old village and the suitcase which held their most beloved of items including diety statues and old pictures of the Dalai Lama which they had taken out of Tibet with them. These precious items remained in the suitcase - for their return to their village. They do belive they are still going back. Unpacking
these most precious items would be the same as accepting that they would never see their old homeland again.The Family's Kitchen...
A Short Video In Camp #7
Monday, February 26, 2007
Purchasing the Nuns' Computer
Going to Hubli
My view from the back of the car...
One of the most exciting days was January 17th, the following Wednesday after arriving at the monastery. That day Phuntsho, arranged to take us, along with Chuni Rinpoche, Geshe Kalsang, and Tengye (the entire 2005-2006 Tour less Chimmie) to Hubli to help us purchase nuns' computer.
There we were also to meet some of our friends like Ngodup (05/06 Tour), Geshe Sangye and Ameircan Lobsang Wangchuck all returning from H.H. the Dalai Lama's teachings at Sera. Hubli is the junction town with the nearest rail travel to the settlement.
The computer purchase extravaganza...
We spent almost the entire day making the computer purchase for the nuns. First, Phuntsho and I had to locate the place. Remember, I had tasked the nuns with getting three quotes and identifying someone they wanted to work with? Well, they chose this computer company in Hubli and they could not have made a finer choice.
Th
e owner of the business (shown here on the right has been in business for many, many generations and he runs his own little operation.Once the expected and highly anticipated negotiations were agreed upon, the store's young and animated dream technical team sprang into action, with six of them all working on the one system at the same time.
This "should only take an hour" process (1 Tech ho
ur = 4 hours) was a fun and exciting time for me... maybe for them as well. It seemed thay way - as having an new "American" client was well, new - but also one having a little western technical expertise, especially in the Corel Graphics Suite was an opportunity to get someanswers as well as some effects placed onto some photos. Upon correcting the problem they had been experienced with the photos, I topped their tutorial session with the expression "SUCCESS is Mine" flexing my muscles... in which one translated to the rest and they all repeated back the gesture... my own bollywoood movie! They in turn tried to gave me the Hindi translation of the same - which went out as quickly as it went in!Computer Take-Away
At almost 7:45pm (having been in the computer store for over 4 hours) it was finally time to take the new equipment back to the truck and meet the rest of our friends for dinner.
Phuntsho set Ngodup afoot back to the vehicle with the flat screen monitor, while Menlo, Tengye, Phuntsho and I all haul the rest of the equipment back to the rickshaw driver. No kidding, this was something out of silk road times.
From there everything was loaded securely onto the monastery vehicle and we were then swept away to a reunion dinner in Hubli's with the entire 2005/6 Tour including American Lobsang Wangchuk (but less Chimmy Jampa who had his family visiting).
Wow! what a day to remember.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Market Day in Mundgod
Meeting the monks in the vilage on"Market Day"
I am just beginning to catalog all the images taken by Menlo and myself... to begin the task of translating all this information into a visual format so we can begin our duty of focusing in on specific projects. As the re-entry begins to normalize back at home, my experiences are starting to as well, in that I was visually, auditory-ily and environmentally mind-blown by taking this trip to India.
All that being said I hope you may be enjoying this Blog and I do appreciate all the emails of encouragement - because it helps me believe someone out there is seeing this and it has a purpose. In any event, here is a variety of pictures to check out whilst I assemble our 5000+ images into some kind of fun and fascinating format to learn more about the Tibetan Settlement in Mundgod.
Oh, and yes... I would appreciate anyone at all proofing -I just focus on getting the info out - and seldom re-read as I may not publish what has come out in these moments of spontaneity...
Oh, and yes... I would appreciate anyone at all proofing -I just focus on getting the info out - and seldom re-read as I may not publish what has come out in these moments of spontaneity...
A DAY IN MUNDGOD VILLAGE
Here is my dear companion ... 
okay guess which one? No joke... This guy was painted with something the equivalent of One Shot enamel paint for autos painted head to toe...
No joke. We actually went into the "ART" studio of the guy responsible for all that fine brush work (which you cannot see in detail from here...) trust me - its is fine -shiney work... detailed like the Mendhi or henna that they do. But the paint itself is absolutely toxic... and I felt like fainting watching the artist painting the face, eyelids, etc. of another dancer.
I guess conpared to lead-based enamel paints... the environment seems pretty benign to these villagers.
No joke. We actually went into the "ART" studio of the guy responsible for all that fine brush work (which you cannot see in detail from here...) trust me - its is fine -shiney work... detailed like the Mendhi or henna that they do. But the paint itself is absolutely toxic... and I felt like fainting watching the artist painting the face, eyelids, etc. of another dancer.
I guess conpared to lead-based enamel paints... the environment seems pretty benign to these villagers.
Here is Venerable Geshe Dhonyoe from the 2001-2002 with Tengye-la of the 2005-2006 Tour.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Thank you Indredible India
Little Nun at Government School Receiving Award for Top Scores
India has the densest population in the world - yet still it makes room for the world's refugees. Incredible when one considers that India gave home land to the Tibetans. Still India takes on even more refugees while more and more Tibetans leave Tibet in search of spiritual freedom. Even though India makes room for the Tibetans, and schools and houses them, the Tibetans resources in India are almost entirely limited. There aren't enough jobs in India for the Indians -let alone the Tibetans. So the future is completely precarious...
One day we were treated to a visit to the settlement's government school, previously having met the Director or Rector. The "Government" school is provided to the Tibetan Refugees and maintained by the Indian government in their quest to educate India. Most of the teachers are Indian and the Director at this particular school is Tibetan. The school houses roughly 500-700 students, children of the 9 camps and also some who are sent there from smaller refugee camps in the region. This includes young nuns because the nunnery does not have its own school like the larger monasteries do.
I was anxious to visit the school and learn more about their Vocational Department and also their computer room. I was very, very impressed with the grace and care of the India teachers. On that day they had a special presentation of awards to the students who were top in their class and they had invited us to hand out awards to the kids. I was not well dressed (same old t-shirt and jeans) and did not feel energetic enough to do so - hoping my partner Menlo (who is the more externalized one) would do so... in any event, the Rector appealed to us that this would be extremely meaningful to these children and Menlo thought I should be the one to do it. According to the Rector, to have someone else from the International Community take interest in the children's education (which they hold in such high esteem) would benefit the children, the teachers and the parents.
Of course my thoughts went to 'Who am I - no one ... and what could I say to make a difference here in the life of these children? '
As soon as I saw the first little girl however, this one here in this picture, my heart sprang wide open and I knew what was important. To tell them to "keep going" and that "education is the most important effort they can make at this time" and remember the "international community does care about them". And so it went on for about 25 children, each of which I spoke to one on one - each individually, to keep encourage them to keep on striving as we keep working in the International Community for the survival of their culture.
With that said, I have included in this blog below an appeal from the Rector of this school. If anyone is interested in this school and would like to assist their Vocational Training programs by offering up the funds for one or two computers (roughly $850/each) please contact me so we can figure out the best way to make that happen. Here are pictures if the school's present Vocational Training program. Although approached with so much zeal and earnest, one may only imagine the limitations of this classroom.
Please read on
Dear Melanie
This is the Rector from CST Mun
dgod at Karnataka India. We cherish your visit to our school. Our children loved receiving gifts from you on the Indian Republic Day celebration in our school.
It was very different experience for the kids as you made them feel very special and good with your affections and beaming smile at them.
We treasure those moments. We also enjoyed sharing those brief moments in our Camp no 3 and school. We long to look forward meeting you along the journey of our life.
Melanie, you have seen that not only this school is one of the biggest Tibetan school located in the heart of Tibetan settlement, we are the only school that has vocational studies for the senior students. One of the main shortcoming of the school is the use of Typing instead of computer application course in the school. I wonder if there is way there by which someone can sponsors some computers for our school which will be very useful. I know you will look into this matter as you have seen the condition here.
Good bye ! and best wishes.
Rector Norbu Tsering from Mundgod
Tibetan settlement
Monday, February 12, 2007
Let me clarify
Hi there friends. 
Well alot of people have inquired about my astonishment about the conditions at the nunnery and may have a misconception about the relationship with the monasteries and their perceived lack of support by the monasteries. While it is true, I found some of the conditions very disturbing at the nunnery, I think its important to point out a couple of factors - all my own projections of course, when considering how well the nuns do in comparison to the monks.
To being with, the monasteries have been at it alot longer than the nuns... the Gaden Monastery for example has been around since the mid 1400s. With the exception of the Chinese incursion of 1959 where only 50 high lamas survived (the rest were slaughtered) the monastic system had some tried and true mechanisms in caring for a lot of people.
There are 3500 monks in the two colleges of Gaden and while I think they are doing better, I by no means think they are doing well - except in the area of turning out perfected spiritual beings.
Its all very subjective. The monasteries have the benefit of World Tours which raises both funds and awareness of the monastic work and their plight of trying to secure that culture in exile.
People have heard things like the Gaden Monastery has five restaurants... and then ask me why -if the monastery is sporting five restaurants - they do not help the nuns..? It's important to understand the monastery's "restaurants" are really no more then dilapidated buildings with a sort of Noodle enterprise inside, where monks or lay people can have a simple variation from the regular meal served by the monastery. These "restaurants" are by no means our standard of a restaurant... hardly. In fact, watch this blog as I will be soon posting pics of the restaurants.
The nuns of Jangchub Choeling nunnery do not get any exposure that the nunneries in the North of India may get through tourism. This settlement is in a protected area and people don't come here to vacation. So their exposure is minimal, which may contribute to their ranking as the top nunnery in spiritual debate. Still, this isolation limits their resources which is part of our work, to translate their entity into cyberspace and also a new pamphlet for those in the international community wishing to lend their support.
Do I think there is an inequity between the monasteries and the nunneries. Of course. But not by virtue of the action of the monasteries. No, but by virtue of the circumstances of life in exile. I believe the Gaden Monastery supports the nuns in the ways that they can, while trying to keep their own situation in motion. The Gaden Monastery provides teachers to the nunnery and the new Gaden Shartse Hospital which is now open but has no equipment or funding, has been designed to service the entire settlement, including the nuns.
Home Sweet Home & More to Come
For those of you visiting this blog please come back often as I will continue to post our experiences over the next two weeks.
I am so grateful to be home and tomorrow morning I will return to work at Sonic and there is also plenty of work waiting for me as well. It is interesting how scarcity leaked into my head. In truth in my life, there is no lack of anything - and compared to where I came from - I am so thankful to be borne an American.
Over the next few weeks I will be posting specific experiences and project goals. Here now I will return to the experience of teaching at the Gaden Shartse School because for myself, this was the most enriching experiences. The young monks of Gaden Shartse attend this school six days each week with a regimented cirriculum of English, Grammer, math and then Tibetan Grammer.
Here as I mentioned earlier there is a computer room with some old Windows 98 machines but no computer teacher.
Here we installed Math Rabbit and Reader Rabbit much to the delight of all the monks - young and old.
It would cost roughly $1500 for a computer teacher for one year. That is 6 days/week computer training. Only $1500 for such a huge impact on this world.
Computer training would be very valuable to the monks (as well as the nuns) as there are programs which can better further their English, they could wirte to their sponsors using WORD, have some directions on Mavis Beacon Typing Teacher and also be able to perfect their dharma studies as we installed the Tibetan Sambhota keyboard convertor.As it sits now, the monks go in the computer room in the afternoon and just click away on anything that comes up... they are trying so desperately to understand but they have no knowledge of the computer. Consequently, they read and reread the I/E window that comes. For the one or two that have had some computer experience (say when they go home to visit their families), they help the others on Mavis Beacon Typing teaching. To me, this is like a starving farmer living atop a potatoe field... they have so much zeal for the computer - and natural aptitude. They just need a little help. As soon as I get some time I will begin to look for a grant which may help pay the $1500 for a computer instructor for them:)
Monday, February 05, 2007
More pics
This image is from the Camp #4 Nursery School
Hi everyone. We are in Bangalore now and I am ready to melt down. Yesterday almost the entire city shut down because there are some water disputes between neighboring states. They closed everything down and have told us to stay off the streets.The monks who drove us here could not drive home because of potential riots and rockthrowing. They came by this morning to make sure our ride was all set from the hotel tonight and they were going to begin the 10 hour drive back. Oi Vay.
Well I hope I can load these pictures... and I hope I can make it home soon:) Love you all!
Here are the young nuns with their new computer & final lesson
Friday, February 02, 2007
Jump into the fire
Moments after I posted my last blog while trying to upload some pictures - the connection to the so called broadband crapped out as usual and I then learned that there is no broadband here at all - just a "faster"versin of dial up.
One of the things that happens to me when I get really tired is that fear moves in and in reading my last blog I see I was operating in it… its like when you see an animal get struck by a vehicle… you want to help but in relationship of the enormity of the situation - one can feel so helpless…
Probably the most gratifying of all the experiences here for myself has been working with the little monks in Geshe Sangye's school. The Gaden Shartse School is where all the monks from maybe 3-17 go to school each day from about 7-5pm on top of a heavy regimen of spiritual practices.. The school has a computer room consisting of 12 - 15 computers running Windows 98 and Mavis Beacon Typing Teacher. That is about it - there is no computer teacher so we have been trying to spread our time evenly and where we think we can make the most impact. The nuns have been tasked with doing some tech savvy tasks and tomorrow we will return to check on their progress and turn over the laptop. Even small tasks we take for granted (such as moving one computer to another room) -is huge for the nuns - as in the past they would have to hire someone to do this. So today they should be moving their computers around and in the am we will head back over there to see how they have done and spend one final day of computer tutorial.
The young monks in the school are soooo delighted to do anything on the computer. I am so thankful to Mitzi, Saul and all the drummers for the event as that helped to purchase software such as READER Rabbit & MATH rabbit which absolutely thrills the little monks. Now they have something to facilitate their English while learning to use the computer. Principal Geshe Sangye (from the Gaden Lhope Tour) is also delighted to . There are some older monks also with keen interests so today I will be giving some desktop publishing pointers. If and one has some older (windows 98) children's computer software - David & Susan are coming here on the 11th and they could perhaps bring it with them. Anything used in the elementary situation - alphabets, math, etc.
One of the things that happens to me when I get really tired is that fear moves in and in reading my last blog I see I was operating in it… its like when you see an animal get struck by a vehicle… you want to help but in relationship of the enormity of the situation - one can feel so helpless…
Probably the most gratifying of all the experiences here for myself has been working with the little monks in Geshe Sangye's school. The Gaden Shartse School is where all the monks from maybe 3-17 go to school each day from about 7-5pm on top of a heavy regimen of spiritual practices.. The school has a computer room consisting of 12 - 15 computers running Windows 98 and Mavis Beacon Typing Teacher. That is about it - there is no computer teacher so we have been trying to spread our time evenly and where we think we can make the most impact. The nuns have been tasked with doing some tech savvy tasks and tomorrow we will return to check on their progress and turn over the laptop. Even small tasks we take for granted (such as moving one computer to another room) -is huge for the nuns - as in the past they would have to hire someone to do this. So today they should be moving their computers around and in the am we will head back over there to see how they have done and spend one final day of computer tutorial.
The young monks in the school are soooo delighted to do anything on the computer. I am so thankful to Mitzi, Saul and all the drummers for the event as that helped to purchase software such as READER Rabbit & MATH rabbit which absolutely thrills the little monks. Now they have something to facilitate their English while learning to use the computer. Principal Geshe Sangye (from the Gaden Lhope Tour) is also delighted to . There are some older monks also with keen interests so today I will be giving some desktop publishing pointers. If and one has some older (windows 98) children's computer software - David & Susan are coming here on the 11th and they could perhaps bring it with them. Anything used in the elementary situation - alphabets, math, etc.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Ah Ha! Broadband is in the camp
In some ways communication here sucks. Following the big tower wer have discovered a "cyber cafe" which has broadband! Not even the telecom company could tell us this info.
Here is some info I wrote last night. Next I will try to load some pictures...
Greetings all.
Again, sorry for the delay. I have made attempts to call my mom now all week. But the STD booths, the phone booths here are brimming over with monks and nuns calling Tibet. I have made many attempts, waited a hour - only to have the power go off as it approached my turn. Such is life in the settlement!
The interruption in power around here causes so many delays life just kind of stops -except for the monks and nuns who put in 18 hours/day praying for all sentient beings.
For those of you who have monks and nuns who communicate via email, I can tell you for them to send even one email from here can be great labor of love. The interruption of power happens daily, and the two "cyber cafes" in the camps are always bubbling over with monks waiting to send emails.
The "cyber cafes" are actually old government buildings with clever partitions and old CRT monitors which appear to be running on one peer to peer server… thus making the already slow dial up even more agonizingly slow. Then as you begin to think your email has been sent, the power craps out and you lose it all.
I realized in my rush to get my activities up on the blog I haven't really taken much time to address the specific issues we have faced or am facing such as this. I have now decided to use the nuns new laptops for the remaining week we are here to get some of these ideas into the cyber stream.
It has been extremely busy and we have worked everyday except today when we went to market day in the village of Mundgod. Monday is market day and the tribal folk from the surrounding jungles bring their wares to market. When I get back I will be posting these images. Villagers, forest and jungle dwellers of all kinds come to town on this day, along with all the monks and some of the nuns who shop in the vegetable market. A mixture of Hindu, Muslims and Buddhist all bargaining and shopping in a ancient market that has been going on this way for thousands of years. The Tibetans obviously infuse the local economy. There is absolutely no feeling of aggression and a great feeling of peace and mutual respect. I never at anytime felt intimidated and have only been approached by maybe one or two beggars or a few Sadus (holy men) with offering bowls.
As westerners, we stand out like sore thumbs so anyone coming here must obtain the special permit or the police will pick you up in a flash. We are obviously the novelty… especially Menlo who looks like some giant Blue-eyed white deity walking among the smaller statutes. All Menlo has to do is smile at these people and they immediately melt into their mutual warmths.
Menlo has been absolutely invaluable in his contribution to this project and is great in documenting this project and has made his own investments and has his own relationships with our many monk and nun friends.
In fact Menlo and the Zong Rinpoche had a very strong connection and Rinpoche expressed with so much grace that he sensed had indeed met before. This is something to consider when one reflects on the previous great Zong Rinpoche. "Rinpoche"is a Tibetan world denoting a lineage guru - an incarnate being, a special being who has chosen to return again and again as spiritual guides. Now this is the young Zong Rinpcohe the twenty-one year old reincarnation of the great master that was only one of 50 that made it out of the initial Ganden holocaust in Tibet in 1959 and was sent here in the 70s to reestablish the monastery in exile.
Perhaps for Menlo this experience has personified the reality of the tragedy that has been waged upon the Tibetan people… as his heart is sprung wide open and being as empathic as he is, he deeply feels what has happened to these people. Especially when being invited the view the remnants of that which they took with them when they fled Tibet… the precious teachings -now stored carefully on shelves in special rooms which smell of moth balls like my grammy's closet.
Menlo is now working all the time. It’s a little more then the "Tibetan Road Show" which the cynical little circle babbles on about. You know, those in the peripherals of his life who aren't doing anything authentic in their own life except expanding their hips… so they seek to invalidate his adventure in what they perceive as my scene… -the busy little minds that hate Bill Gates but cannot really say why and still pirate his products for their own personal gain… anyway they have so much to say!
It is extremely gratifying to both of us to be able to offer lend authentic support. Any technical skill is utilized by the plenty here. Many problems they perceive as huge in actuality may be as simple as changing out a connection. Again, I am so thankful we purchased this clever little kit from Fryes for about $50 which contained several USB cords and every kind of connection and adapters in the book. Now nearing the end of this journey all the USBs and most of the serial to USB - or parallel to USB and even Firewire to USB have been distributed amongst the various computers in the monastery, nunnery, government schools, etc.
Here is the answer to some quick questions coming my way via email but there has been no time to answer individual emails.
No, we have NOT been sick, have had not had any stomach disorders -only exhausted and grungy even though we shower many times a day. This place is a dust bowl and the air quality and sun are dangerous. We are literally in a cleared part of the jungle. Yesterday a monkey almost attacked me - leaping about 8 feet out of a tree -were it not for Geshe Donyoe making himself giant sized with his red robes the monkey may have stolen my camera!
Some of the experiences are also emotionally exhausting - and some physically exhausting. Dear Joseph hooked me up with a battery of Ondre supplements, which I have been taking and the Tibetans are so fastidious all of our food is presented with great love and care and the guest house here is really like Club Med. Next time I hope to take a spiritual retreat here which I think is a very different experience. We have been blessed to meet all the high lamas.
Yes, I feel much success in the first step to getting the nuns going with their technology goals and also the help we have rendered aid to the monastery in many forms. I am presently running about $1000 over budget for a number of different reasons including having to purchase additional software, UPS systems (which are pricey and dicey here), electrical stuff, printer and more of the same. $1000 in the Karmic School of Debt is a small price to pay for this project which will have such a huge impact for the nuns.
Leap and the Net Appears
Personally, I also chose to give one of the young nuns -who is deaf and BTW the money to pay travel expenses and medical care to see a specialist doctor in the city. How could I not… you all would have done the same if this particular situation presented itself to you. These are the persoanl challenges in the face humanity… my mind says "you may not have work when you get home…?! Should I give her my rent so she may see a doctor?" So I took the universal leap of faith -because so many people have always shown up for me and I have to trust in this process. This particluar experience (which breaks my heart) - I rather speak about personally or on a one on one basis -if anyone is interested. What I think is needed though is for us to establish a medical fund for the nunnery and some guidance on how to approach health care. The girl didn't ask me for money, I I had to insist she take it. Rather she sought me out to find out if I knew what may be wrong with her. And when I saw what was wrong, my heart broke. She is in pain, suffering and needs a doctor, a surgeon, or perhaps more. I don't know.
Case in point however, if we were further along in the project and the nuns were on broadband or satellite (our ultimate goal) we could open the web portal on both sides and an expert such as Dr. Sheryl T. or Elaine or Suzanne -who have all offered their expertise to the monks over the years could offer some support via the internet. Telemedicine!
As it stands now the little nun is now on her way to see an expert woman doctor in the city. I instructed her to get everything in writing so that her written diagnosis or treatment options may be further researched out via the Internet. This concept was completely foreign to the nuns. Taking one's evaluation or diagnosis or condition to the internet for advice, action, treatment options etc.
While many monks in the monastery are onto this already… researching their own conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The nuns had not a clue! The light went on. and I showed them some examples. Now they see it and I have no doubt they will begin to learn.
On Friday we will return to the nunnery for a final session of training moving around some equipment after some electrical work and seeing if the little nun has returned/
Please let the good people of Grass Valley and Nevada City know of this progress.
Next I'll write more on our visit to the Government High School and the progress on the satellite/broadband aspect of this project
Here is some info I wrote last night. Next I will try to load some pictures...
Greetings all.
Again, sorry for the delay. I have made attempts to call my mom now all week. But the STD booths, the phone booths here are brimming over with monks and nuns calling Tibet. I have made many attempts, waited a hour - only to have the power go off as it approached my turn. Such is life in the settlement!
The interruption in power around here causes so many delays life just kind of stops -except for the monks and nuns who put in 18 hours/day praying for all sentient beings.
For those of you who have monks and nuns who communicate via email, I can tell you for them to send even one email from here can be great labor of love. The interruption of power happens daily, and the two "cyber cafes" in the camps are always bubbling over with monks waiting to send emails.
The "cyber cafes" are actually old government buildings with clever partitions and old CRT monitors which appear to be running on one peer to peer server… thus making the already slow dial up even more agonizingly slow. Then as you begin to think your email has been sent, the power craps out and you lose it all.
I realized in my rush to get my activities up on the blog I haven't really taken much time to address the specific issues we have faced or am facing such as this. I have now decided to use the nuns new laptops for the remaining week we are here to get some of these ideas into the cyber stream.
It has been extremely busy and we have worked everyday except today when we went to market day in the village of Mundgod. Monday is market day and the tribal folk from the surrounding jungles bring their wares to market. When I get back I will be posting these images. Villagers, forest and jungle dwellers of all kinds come to town on this day, along with all the monks and some of the nuns who shop in the vegetable market. A mixture of Hindu, Muslims and Buddhist all bargaining and shopping in a ancient market that has been going on this way for thousands of years. The Tibetans obviously infuse the local economy. There is absolutely no feeling of aggression and a great feeling of peace and mutual respect. I never at anytime felt intimidated and have only been approached by maybe one or two beggars or a few Sadus (holy men) with offering bowls.
As westerners, we stand out like sore thumbs so anyone coming here must obtain the special permit or the police will pick you up in a flash. We are obviously the novelty… especially Menlo who looks like some giant Blue-eyed white deity walking among the smaller statutes. All Menlo has to do is smile at these people and they immediately melt into their mutual warmths.
Menlo has been absolutely invaluable in his contribution to this project and is great in documenting this project and has made his own investments and has his own relationships with our many monk and nun friends.
In fact Menlo and the Zong Rinpoche had a very strong connection and Rinpoche expressed with so much grace that he sensed had indeed met before. This is something to consider when one reflects on the previous great Zong Rinpoche. "Rinpoche"is a Tibetan world denoting a lineage guru - an incarnate being, a special being who has chosen to return again and again as spiritual guides. Now this is the young Zong Rinpcohe the twenty-one year old reincarnation of the great master that was only one of 50 that made it out of the initial Ganden holocaust in Tibet in 1959 and was sent here in the 70s to reestablish the monastery in exile.
Perhaps for Menlo this experience has personified the reality of the tragedy that has been waged upon the Tibetan people… as his heart is sprung wide open and being as empathic as he is, he deeply feels what has happened to these people. Especially when being invited the view the remnants of that which they took with them when they fled Tibet… the precious teachings -now stored carefully on shelves in special rooms which smell of moth balls like my grammy's closet.
Menlo is now working all the time. It’s a little more then the "Tibetan Road Show" which the cynical little circle babbles on about. You know, those in the peripherals of his life who aren't doing anything authentic in their own life except expanding their hips… so they seek to invalidate his adventure in what they perceive as my scene… -the busy little minds that hate Bill Gates but cannot really say why and still pirate his products for their own personal gain… anyway they have so much to say!
It is extremely gratifying to both of us to be able to offer lend authentic support. Any technical skill is utilized by the plenty here. Many problems they perceive as huge in actuality may be as simple as changing out a connection. Again, I am so thankful we purchased this clever little kit from Fryes for about $50 which contained several USB cords and every kind of connection and adapters in the book. Now nearing the end of this journey all the USBs and most of the serial to USB - or parallel to USB and even Firewire to USB have been distributed amongst the various computers in the monastery, nunnery, government schools, etc.
Here is the answer to some quick questions coming my way via email but there has been no time to answer individual emails.
No, we have NOT been sick, have had not had any stomach disorders -only exhausted and grungy even though we shower many times a day. This place is a dust bowl and the air quality and sun are dangerous. We are literally in a cleared part of the jungle. Yesterday a monkey almost attacked me - leaping about 8 feet out of a tree -were it not for Geshe Donyoe making himself giant sized with his red robes the monkey may have stolen my camera!
Some of the experiences are also emotionally exhausting - and some physically exhausting. Dear Joseph hooked me up with a battery of Ondre supplements, which I have been taking and the Tibetans are so fastidious all of our food is presented with great love and care and the guest house here is really like Club Med. Next time I hope to take a spiritual retreat here which I think is a very different experience. We have been blessed to meet all the high lamas.
Yes, I feel much success in the first step to getting the nuns going with their technology goals and also the help we have rendered aid to the monastery in many forms. I am presently running about $1000 over budget for a number of different reasons including having to purchase additional software, UPS systems (which are pricey and dicey here), electrical stuff, printer and more of the same. $1000 in the Karmic School of Debt is a small price to pay for this project which will have such a huge impact for the nuns.
Leap and the Net Appears
Personally, I also chose to give one of the young nuns -who is deaf and BTW the money to pay travel expenses and medical care to see a specialist doctor in the city. How could I not… you all would have done the same if this particular situation presented itself to you. These are the persoanl challenges in the face humanity… my mind says "you may not have work when you get home…?! Should I give her my rent so she may see a doctor?" So I took the universal leap of faith -because so many people have always shown up for me and I have to trust in this process. This particluar experience (which breaks my heart) - I rather speak about personally or on a one on one basis -if anyone is interested. What I think is needed though is for us to establish a medical fund for the nunnery and some guidance on how to approach health care. The girl didn't ask me for money, I I had to insist she take it. Rather she sought me out to find out if I knew what may be wrong with her. And when I saw what was wrong, my heart broke. She is in pain, suffering and needs a doctor, a surgeon, or perhaps more. I don't know.
Case in point however, if we were further along in the project and the nuns were on broadband or satellite (our ultimate goal) we could open the web portal on both sides and an expert such as Dr. Sheryl T. or Elaine or Suzanne -who have all offered their expertise to the monks over the years could offer some support via the internet. Telemedicine!
As it stands now the little nun is now on her way to see an expert woman doctor in the city. I instructed her to get everything in writing so that her written diagnosis or treatment options may be further researched out via the Internet. This concept was completely foreign to the nuns. Taking one's evaluation or diagnosis or condition to the internet for advice, action, treatment options etc.
While many monks in the monastery are onto this already… researching their own conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The nuns had not a clue! The light went on. and I showed them some examples. Now they see it and I have no doubt they will begin to learn.
On Friday we will return to the nunnery for a final session of training moving around some equipment after some electrical work and seeing if the little nun has returned/
Please let the good people of Grass Valley and Nevada City know of this progress.
Next I'll write more on our visit to the Government High School and the progress on the satellite/broadband aspect of this project
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Needs are so great
Hello again. Man, am I homesick. I am just one of those people that doesn't like to travel much. We are so blessed to live in the land of plenty. Today, this morning I have been working all morning in the numerous office. Yesterday I felt quite depressed as the need here in the manner is vast. But the nuns are very happy. The most important thing to them is our well being. They are very curious about Grass Valley, California, women in the US and what we know about them.
Yesterday I was feeling quite overwhelmed as I have become grossly aware of what a thin thread these Tibetans in exile operate from. Its one thing to do the work at Sierra Friends of Tibet - from our safe home in California. International support is the lifeblood of their survival here - (the support of the International Community that is). Without the help of the International community, I don't know what would happen to them.
On Monday, Geshe Donyoe (many may remember from the 1st Gaden Tour) came and picked us up. We have to be careful as we did not receive the special permit needed to visit this area so we are constantly ducking the local police. From here (the nunnery) which is in Camp #3, we walked to Camp #4. There we visit a small Kagyu monastery - a remnant anyway - and then the Tibetan Government's nursery school. To me it reminds me of the Jewish holocaust where the Eastern European Jews placed their children into the hands of strangers. Same here. The Tibetans will do anything to get their children out of Tibet. We stayed at the nursery school for quite some time. It was very emotional for me - as there was this one tiny child that would not let gp pf me. The Tibetan women caring for them came out of the incursion of 1959 and are holing on to the threads of their culture. I have video of the kids singing their little folk songs and bits of their national anthem.
From there we went to the community center which is an empty shack and a field made to look like a soccer field. They are trying to raise 20,000 rupees to paint the shack. National pride is very important to them. Then onto Geshe Donyoe's, home where his mom had fixed us lunch. Dahl, rice and greens. Geshe Donyoe's mom just sat spinning her prayer wheel all afternoon. From there we went to a sort of small hill where the Tibetans do fire puja every week. We walked all the back roads and paths of the camps - where you can really see what has happened here.
In the late 1960s, the Indian government leased this land 180 acres to the Tibetans in exile to form 9 refugee camps. The Indian government was quite generous giving one acre per Tibetan at that time and constructing government houses which consist of a room probably 12 x 12 feet for a family of 3-5. While I feel the Indian government has done alot, conditions were and still are quite tough. This is jungle land and in the late 60s the Tibetans had to do all the clearing to make the land habitable. It is surrounded by thick jungle. We have seen the monkeys, snakes, there are Tibets, and rogue elephants, etc. Now, 30 years later, the 9 camps or the Settlement is something reminiscent of a Gengis Khan camp. Its is extremely well thought out, the houses, while scantly built are immaculate inside. EVERYONE welcomes us. They share whatever little bit they have in a higher aesthetic form of hospitality. Everyone has a picture, alter or place for the Dalai Lama. The little paths and little gardens are beautiful. Although they have no trash removal and no sense of it. Outside the immaculate fences of their designated camp houses, the trash piles up everywhere. The tibetans themselves are fastidious people. The most important thing to them is their country and their children's education. All the children study very hard. You see them practicing and studying everywhere.
After Geshe Donhyoe' we then went to visit the old folks home. This was very sad to m. All these people came out of "old Tibet". This it nothing like our nursing homes. No smell or death or urine or ill conditions although many of the buildings are barely shacks. Rather everyone is stiing with their prayer wheel, Dalai Lama pictures in their hands, malas and. What a tragedy these people have seen. Many of them hoped to return to Tibet but now feel they may never see their home again. They light up when they tell you about the beauty, the magic and their home villages.
After visiting there we then met the Director of the Government hight school in the camp, The have vocational computer training but no teachers. Again we were asked if we can spend time there helping get their computers in shape. We have had the same request from the government office here so we will be going there for a day to do whatever we can with their computers in a day.
Good news, Geshe Dackung (wwhat I call the Sheriff of Gaden Forest) has just arrived with our permits! Now we cam move about the camps freely with no threat of the Indian police.
This morning we fixed the nuns scanner which will help them tremendously. They have no copier and can really use the scanner!!! All it needed was a USB connection. I am so grateful I bought that universal USB kit from Fryes. So far we have distributed and hooked up over 5 connections using that kit!!!
Got to run. Sorry for the typos but the power is off and I am now on UPS. Here are some more pics... Love to everyone!
Please pass this blog along and post your comments. It is thrilling to them to hear from everyone!
Yesterday I was feeling quite overwhelmed as I have become grossly aware of what a thin thread these Tibetans in exile operate from. Its one thing to do the work at Sierra Friends of Tibet - from our safe home in California. International support is the lifeblood of their survival here - (the support of the International Community that is). Without the help of the International community, I don't know what would happen to them.
On Monday, Geshe Donyoe (many may remember from the 1st Gaden Tour) came and picked us up. We have to be careful as we did not receive the special permit needed to visit this area so we are constantly ducking the local police. From here (the nunnery) which is in Camp #3, we walked to Camp #4. There we visit a small Kagyu monastery - a remnant anyway - and then the Tibetan Government's nursery school. To me it reminds me of the Jewish holocaust where the Eastern European Jews placed their children into the hands of strangers. Same here. The Tibetans will do anything to get their children out of Tibet. We stayed at the nursery school for quite some time. It was very emotional for me - as there was this one tiny child that would not let gp pf me. The Tibetan women caring for them came out of the incursion of 1959 and are holing on to the threads of their culture. I have video of the kids singing their little folk songs and bits of their national anthem.
From there we went to the community center which is an empty shack and a field made to look like a soccer field. They are trying to raise 20,000 rupees to paint the shack. National pride is very important to them. Then onto Geshe Donyoe's, home where his mom had fixed us lunch. Dahl, rice and greens. Geshe Donyoe's mom just sat spinning her prayer wheel all afternoon. From there we went to a sort of small hill where the Tibetans do fire puja every week. We walked all the back roads and paths of the camps - where you can really see what has happened here.
In the late 1960s, the Indian government leased this land 180 acres to the Tibetans in exile to form 9 refugee camps. The Indian government was quite generous giving one acre per Tibetan at that time and constructing government houses which consist of a room probably 12 x 12 feet for a family of 3-5. While I feel the Indian government has done alot, conditions were and still are quite tough. This is jungle land and in the late 60s the Tibetans had to do all the clearing to make the land habitable. It is surrounded by thick jungle. We have seen the monkeys, snakes, there are Tibets, and rogue elephants, etc. Now, 30 years later, the 9 camps or the Settlement is something reminiscent of a Gengis Khan camp. Its is extremely well thought out, the houses, while scantly built are immaculate inside. EVERYONE welcomes us. They share whatever little bit they have in a higher aesthetic form of hospitality. Everyone has a picture, alter or place for the Dalai Lama. The little paths and little gardens are beautiful. Although they have no trash removal and no sense of it. Outside the immaculate fences of their designated camp houses, the trash piles up everywhere. The tibetans themselves are fastidious people. The most important thing to them is their country and their children's education. All the children study very hard. You see them practicing and studying everywhere.
After Geshe Donhyoe' we then went to visit the old folks home. This was very sad to m. All these people came out of "old Tibet". This it nothing like our nursing homes. No smell or death or urine or ill conditions although many of the buildings are barely shacks. Rather everyone is stiing with their prayer wheel, Dalai Lama pictures in their hands, malas and. What a tragedy these people have seen. Many of them hoped to return to Tibet but now feel they may never see their home again. They light up when they tell you about the beauty, the magic and their home villages.
After visiting there we then met the Director of the Government hight school in the camp, The have vocational computer training but no teachers. Again we were asked if we can spend time there helping get their computers in shape. We have had the same request from the government office here so we will be going there for a day to do whatever we can with their computers in a day.
Good news, Geshe Dackung (wwhat I call the Sheriff of Gaden Forest) has just arrived with our permits! Now we cam move about the camps freely with no threat of the Indian police.
This morning we fixed the nuns scanner which will help them tremendously. They have no copier and can really use the scanner!!! All it needed was a USB connection. I am so grateful I bought that universal USB kit from Fryes. So far we have distributed and hooked up over 5 connections using that kit!!!
Got to run. Sorry for the typos but the power is off and I am now on UPS. Here are some more pics... Love to everyone!
Please pass this blog along and post your comments. It is thrilling to them to hear from everyone!
Sorry for the long delay
Hello everyone. So sorry for the long silence and all the typos etc. Everything here is a race against electricity. We have been at the nunnery now for several days. The new computer is running great and
the nuns are VERY excited to have their 2 new computers which I trust they will put to good use.The nuns are very kind and sweet and practice very hard. By no means do they have the resources of the monastery. We are so lucky to be Americans.
Here are some pictures as I am again racing against the power. Tomorrow we return to Gaden for a week of teaching computer in the Shartse school. In that school they have 11 computers and no teacher.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Delivered nuns computers
Hi everyone. I have to write very quickly as it is always a race to beat the electricity cut off.
At this time I am in the Education Office with our friend Geshe Jangchup Choeden, fizing virus problems on his laptop.
Yesterday, the entire 2005 Tour, Chuni Rinpoche, Phuntso, Tengye, Geshe Kalsang, Menlo and I all piled into a maroon truck and they took us to Hubli where we bought the nuns computer. The monks were so helpful in fulfilling my long term dream. This adventure was reminiscent of some ancient tribal Himalayan adventure. Menlo and I were in the car with all these Tibetans, we didn't understand a word they said -but then again we ddn't have to.
Today, Phuntsho took us to the nunnery and we delivered the new computers... their long time dream!!! The pictures will say it all... and as soon a I can get them loaded into this blog I will.
Yesterday too we visited the Tibetan Doctor, and the existing diagnostic center. This hospital project is really important. I have the specifics and will place them up as soon as I can. What would be great is to find a hospital who would like to engage in a Sister-Hospital relationship here. There have been offers of donations of diagnostic equiptment, etc. but Cutoms & Duties precludes bringing most things into the country. Therefore funding would help these folks with their hospital the most.
For those of you there in NC and Grass Valley with the monks now, please share the information on this blog and please encourageeveryone to read this blog and post some comments. Because we have hosted som many Tours, there is an extreme connection with our home. Every monk on all 7 tours run down the list of wanting to know in detail how people are... i.e. "How is your mother, how is Joseph, Susan & David, Sandy?, Jacobsens?, April & Alysse, Adele, Glenda, nancy & Jean, Dieno & Jobekah.. Bill Lee, Sarah, Andrea, Ezra, etc. etc. They have never forgotten anone in our community, all the many people who have been kind to them.
One final note, yesterday we visited the administrative office. On the wall, the monastery has lovingly and carefully framed and laminated preciously all the letters, keys to the City, Mayoral invitations, etc. which the Tours have acquired. When I saw this I was overcome with emotion- because it demonstrated to me just how important our relationship is to these peopl. The connection they have to us is so precious to them. The money and support which comes their way is secondary to their motive. The is pristine clear to me.
At this time I am in the Education Office with our friend Geshe Jangchup Choeden, fizing virus problems on his laptop.
Yesterday, the entire 2005 Tour, Chuni Rinpoche, Phuntso, Tengye, Geshe Kalsang, Menlo and I all piled into a maroon truck and they took us to Hubli where we bought the nuns computer. The monks were so helpful in fulfilling my long term dream. This adventure was reminiscent of some ancient tribal Himalayan adventure. Menlo and I were in the car with all these Tibetans, we didn't understand a word they said -but then again we ddn't have to.
Today, Phuntsho took us to the nunnery and we delivered the new computers... their long time dream!!! The pictures will say it all... and as soon a I can get them loaded into this blog I will.
Yesterday too we visited the Tibetan Doctor, and the existing diagnostic center. This hospital project is really important. I have the specifics and will place them up as soon as I can. What would be great is to find a hospital who would like to engage in a Sister-Hospital relationship here. There have been offers of donations of diagnostic equiptment, etc. but Cutoms & Duties precludes bringing most things into the country. Therefore funding would help these folks with their hospital the most.
For those of you there in NC and Grass Valley with the monks now, please share the information on this blog and please encourageeveryone to read this blog and post some comments. Because we have hosted som many Tours, there is an extreme connection with our home. Every monk on all 7 tours run down the list of wanting to know in detail how people are... i.e. "How is your mother, how is Joseph, Susan & David, Sandy?, Jacobsens?, April & Alysse, Adele, Glenda, nancy & Jean, Dieno & Jobekah.. Bill Lee, Sarah, Andrea, Ezra, etc. etc. They have never forgotten anone in our community, all the many people who have been kind to them.
One final note, yesterday we visited the administrative office. On the wall, the monastery has lovingly and carefully framed and laminated preciously all the letters, keys to the City, Mayoral invitations, etc. which the Tours have acquired. When I saw this I was overcome with emotion- because it demonstrated to me just how important our relationship is to these peopl. The connection they have to us is so precious to them. The money and support which comes their way is secondary to their motive. The is pristine clear to me.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Hospital Needs at Gaden Sharste
I have to write quick as the power goes off often. The Monks have taken VERY good care of us and love us all so much. I cannot convey enough what it is to live in such a special place as Nevada County. When I see the houses and buildings all of our good effort has contributed to, it makes the other things seem so small.
It was only twenty years ago that the Tibetans came here to this jungle. All the work they did here to create this little Shangrai-la they did themselves.
Today we toured the hospital and Tibetan doctor and also Geshe Sangye's school. Today we will travel to Hubil to pick up monks returning from Sera and there I will buy the nuns computer. We will also be purchasing a computer for the new hospital. As soon as I get time I will post pictures. Please hold it in your mind about the Gaden Hospital project - which is really crucial at this point.
Last night Phuntsho took us for dinner down in Camp #3 at a Tibetan "Restaurant" which is really an outbuilding where a darling Tibetan woman serves food and then we walked back. You have to see the pics to see what its all about.
Has anyone seen the series DEADWOOD? These camps look like that - many people are down trodden - its very sad. The monastery's are doing well and are beautiful Lotus flowers in these refuge camps.
Yesterday the nuns showed up and are SOOOOOOO excited about their computers!
It was only twenty years ago that the Tibetans came here to this jungle. All the work they did here to create this little Shangrai-la they did themselves.
Today we toured the hospital and Tibetan doctor and also Geshe Sangye's school. Today we will travel to Hubil to pick up monks returning from Sera and there I will buy the nuns computer. We will also be purchasing a computer for the new hospital. As soon as I get time I will post pictures. Please hold it in your mind about the Gaden Hospital project - which is really crucial at this point.
Last night Phuntsho took us for dinner down in Camp #3 at a Tibetan "Restaurant" which is really an outbuilding where a darling Tibetan woman serves food and then we walked back. You have to see the pics to see what its all about.
Has anyone seen the series DEADWOOD? These camps look like that - many people are down trodden - its very sad. The monastery's are doing well and are beautiful Lotus flowers in these refuge camps.
Yesterday the nuns showed up and are SOOOOOOO excited about their computers!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Safe & Well at Gaden
Hi everyone.
Just to let you know we have arrived safe and well at the Gaden Monastery.
All the monks are so happy to hear about everyone in Grass Valley.
Yesterday we visited the hospital they just built. It is an empty building at this point as there are no funds for equipment and staffing the hospital. This is a project that needs alot of attention.
We'll be going over to the nunnery at the end of this week. Almost half the monks and nuns are just now returning from HH teachings. I'll be posting my pictures to the blog as soon as I get time.
Today, now I am working in the monastery office fixing the desktop. Please forward this to anyone interested.
While the monastery is very beautiful, the settlement - or camp is just that - a Refugee camp. There are 8 camps in the settlement. It is very tragic what has happened to these Tibetans. All they really care about is our well being and understanding of non violence and compassion.
This is a dualistic reality. On one hand it is very beautiful -all the monks and the monastery which has been recreated from the dust and destruction of what they took out of Tibet. On the other hand they are really hanging on by a thread. Very threatened...
Just to let you know we have arrived safe and well at the Gaden Monastery.
All the monks are so happy to hear about everyone in Grass Valley.
Yesterday we visited the hospital they just built. It is an empty building at this point as there are no funds for equipment and staffing the hospital. This is a project that needs alot of attention.
We'll be going over to the nunnery at the end of this week. Almost half the monks and nuns are just now returning from HH teachings. I'll be posting my pictures to the blog as soon as I get time.
Today, now I am working in the monastery office fixing the desktop. Please forward this to anyone interested.
While the monastery is very beautiful, the settlement - or camp is just that - a Refugee camp. There are 8 camps in the settlement. It is very tragic what has happened to these Tibetans. All they really care about is our well being and understanding of non violence and compassion.
This is a dualistic reality. On one hand it is very beautiful -all the monks and the monastery which has been recreated from the dust and destruction of what they took out of Tibet. On the other hand they are really hanging on by a thread. Very threatened...
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Off to India to Teach Computers
No more excuses about not writing in this blog. Its been over one year since I have created any entries and many people are asking me what I have been doing.
This past year I have been focusing on an up and coming trip I have planned to India. Mundgod to be more specific, to meet my teachers and friends at the Gaden Monastery and also to help purchase computers for the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery.
This project has been in the works for more then 3 years and now I am less then 2 weeks away. The general goal of this project it to make a formal meeting with the Gaden Shartse Monastery -with whom I have worked with on their Sacred Earth and HEaling Arts of Tibet Tours since 2001. My companion Menlo and I will be staying as guests of the monastery for the first 1-2 weeks where I will offer my computer skills to the education department of the monastery, access their needs and formulate a plan of action in accordance with the monastery's desire to further their use and development in the applications of technology.
From there, we will go to the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, whom I became acquainted with six years ago and have maintained e-contact with the administration and many of the nuns over the years. At the nunnery we will define their needs and then off to Hubli to purchase computers for their learning lab.
So this entry is the first of many I hope to post along the way of this project as it comes to life here. The ultimate goal of this project and visit is to eventually open a web portal between Sierra Friends of Tibet and the monastery and nunnery through Internet Satellite I hope to acquire throught my non profit Tibetech.org.
Please learn more about the nunneru project at www.tibetech.org .
Tahsi Delek:)
This past year I have been focusing on an up and coming trip I have planned to India. Mundgod to be more specific, to meet my teachers and friends at the Gaden Monastery and also to help purchase computers for the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery.
This project has been in the works for more then 3 years and now I am less then 2 weeks away. The general goal of this project it to make a formal meeting with the Gaden Shartse Monastery -with whom I have worked with on their Sacred Earth and HEaling Arts of Tibet Tours since 2001. My companion Menlo and I will be staying as guests of the monastery for the first 1-2 weeks where I will offer my computer skills to the education department of the monastery, access their needs and formulate a plan of action in accordance with the monastery's desire to further their use and development in the applications of technology.
From there, we will go to the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery, whom I became acquainted with six years ago and have maintained e-contact with the administration and many of the nuns over the years. At the nunnery we will define their needs and then off to Hubli to purchase computers for their learning lab.
So this entry is the first of many I hope to post along the way of this project as it comes to life here. The ultimate goal of this project and visit is to eventually open a web portal between Sierra Friends of Tibet and the monastery and nunnery through Internet Satellite I hope to acquire throught my non profit Tibetech.org.
Please learn more about the nunneru project at www.tibetech.org .
Tahsi Delek:)
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Anything worth doing is worth OVER doing...
The Gaden Monastic Tour hit Sacramento the first
of October for a Sand Mandala Construction and Dissolution in the Unitarian Church.
A few of them escaped up to us for an evening of revelry and of website review. Tibetech.org manages the site for the Tour and is looking at other ways to further support the Gaden Monastery and the Tour's. Their site www.gadensahrtsetour.org receives more traffic and feedback then any other thing we do. After dinner and reconnection with members of Sierra Friends of Tibet www.sierrafriendsoftibet.org we all went through the site and the myriad of inquiries and comments the site generates. It is so gratifying to receive so much positive feedback from the folks who have experienced the monks. Whereever these guys go - Bliss follows. Yes for all you skeptics... BLISS..! The only way to know for sure is to check them out...
of October for a Sand Mandala Construction and Dissolution in the Unitarian Church.
A few of them escaped up to us for an evening of revelry and of website review. Tibetech.org manages the site for the Tour and is looking at other ways to further support the Gaden Monastery and the Tour's. Their site www.gadensahrtsetour.org receives more traffic and feedback then any other thing we do. After dinner and reconnection with members of Sierra Friends of Tibet www.sierrafriendsoftibet.org we all went through the site and the myriad of inquiries and comments the site generates. It is so gratifying to receive so much positive feedback from the folks who have experienced the monks. Whereever these guys go - Bliss follows. Yes for all you skeptics... BLISS..! The only way to know for sure is to check them out...
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