Tibetan Nuns Project

Fall 2018 Geshemas Pursue Groundbreaking uuu

Geshemas Pursue Tantric Studies Program Groundbreaking are from other nunneries but are Tantric Studies living at Dolma Ling supported by Program the Tibetan Nuns Project while they pursue their two-year tantric studies. uuu The Geshema nuns attend Updates from the morning classes at Dolma Ling and in Nunneries the afternoons travel to nearby Gyuto Tantric Monastery for classes. We uuu are very grateful to Gyuto for giving The 2018 Geshema our Geshemas the opportunity to Exams and Results attend classes with from South India as well as giving them equal uuu opportunity to attend any teachings and classes given by the Abbot and Our Project Wish List For the first time in the history of , nuns other high lamas. We deeply appreciate their uuu have completed the study of the core Buddhist support of the nuns. philosophical and practice teachings of their So that future Geshemas might have access Nuns Join Youth tradition and have gained the Geshema degree. to these teachings, Venerable Delek Yangdron Interfaith Pilgrimage This degree ( degree for monks) is roughly and Venerable Delek Yangchen of the Nuns’ and Dialogue equivalent to a Ph.D. in Tibetan . Media Section are recording and storing all the uuu However, in order for the Geshemas to be fully teachings by the masters. qualified masters able to teach their tradition, Thanks to all the supporters of this new Laughing Nuns: they must additionally gain an understanding of Tantric Studies Program, especially to the The Story Behind the the principles set forth in the tantric scriptures. Barry Hershey Foundation. The initial two-year Photograph To set up this new education program for program of tantric studies has been funded, but uuu women, a committee of representatives from six the Tibetan Nuns Project is seeking funding for nunneries approached His Holiness the Dalai for the second two-year study program scheduled to The 2018 advice about the curriculum and how to proceed. start in October 2019. Inter-Nunnery Debate His Holiness the Dalai Lama very kindly gave detailed instructions about uuu the treatises to be used, who should Acts of Generosity teach, and the location for classes. He recommended that the Geshema uuu nuns study as a group at Dolma Ling Dorjee Zong Nuns Nunnery & Institute, one of the Visit Dolma Ling institutions founded and supported by the Tibetan Nuns Project, since it uuu has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, Thank You to conducive to intense study. Venerable Lobsang The Geshema nuns who graduated Dechen in 2016 and 2017 attend classes together. Among the 23 students, 16 Updates from the Nunneries Sherab Choeling 63 nuns The head nun from Sherab Choeling, Tibetan Nuns Venerable Bhutit Dolma, made the long journey from Spiti to Tibetan Nuns Project Project headquarters at Dolma Ling in May of this year, after the mountain passes Established in 1987, the opened again. She told us that the nuns Tibetan Nuns Project provides education and support to more than 700 nuns are in good health and their classes are in northern India. The mission of the going well, with no change in teachers. project is to: The most senior nuns have now reached the level of Uma class, equivalent to Educate and empower nuns of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as teachers college level. Of the younger nuns who Sakya College and leaders; are receiving primary education (school education up to Grade 5 or equivalent), Establish, strengthen, and support for Nuns 12 have passed this level and are now educational institutions to preserve the 58 nuns Tibetan religion and culture. being introduced to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. Seven nuns are still in primary Classes at Sakya College are going well Patron school. and the nuns had their annual academic His Holiness the Dalai Lama awards ceremony in March 2018, with chief guest His Eminence Dungse Asanga India Office Vajra Rinpoche attending. Rinchen Khando Choeygal The nuns’ health team at Sakya Founding Director and Special Advisor organized a series of training sessions for the nuns. Doctors from Sakya Hospital Mrs. Nangsa Choedon, Director Ms. Tsering Diki, Assistant Director and a nurse from Rajpur Homes School presented health talks and introduced first U.S. Office aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation Dr. Elizabeth Napper, U.S. Founder (CPR), including how to use an automated and Board Chair external defibrillator (AED). For the first Lisa Farmer, Executive Director time, the nuns grew green leafy vegetables and it was a big success! Sponsorship This past winter the area around Tenzin Dasel, India Office the nunnery did not receive heavy Reebee Martz, U.S. Office snowfall, and now water is scarce. The Many thanks to the following people local administrator has been helping the who contributed to the design, content, nunnery to connect a water line from the and editing of this newsletter: natural water source at their old nunnery to the present one. This year the nuns Tsering Diki, Ven. Lobsang Dechen, grew spinach in their greenhouses, which Tenzin Dasel, Ven. Delek Yangdon, they are finding helps to combat prevalent Ven. Delek Yangchen, Heather Wardle, iron deficiency. Lori Knutson, and Anita Veen

WEBSITE: www.tnp.org

India: c/o Dolma Ling PO Sidhpur 176057 Dist. Kangra, H.P. Email: [email protected] Phone: (91-9805) 783104

USA: 815 Seattle Blvd. S, Suite 216, Seattle, WA 98134 Email: [email protected] Phone: 206 652 8901 Loseling Monastery in South India, in which monastics are taught the philosophy of science, physics, neuroscience, and biology. The course is presented by faculty members from Emory and other distinguished universities. Students attend classes for six hours a day and are tested on the last day of each course. Classes consist of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments. Every year, nuns from Dolma Ling take part; this year 8 nuns attended. Tilokpur 85 nuns Shugsep The nuns are pursuing their regular studies. Last December, most of the nuns 84 nuns went to the Monlam in Bodh The nuns sat their year-end exams in Gaya and participated in the debate December 2017, after which the nunnery sessions as part of the event. The nuns closed for its winter break. The nuns found that, although they were initially travelled for teachings in Bodh Gaya and nervous, the debates really helped them also attended the Monlam, to gain confidence and faith in their which is an important event each winter. abilities. They had a one-month summer They returned to Shugsep at the break in July during which some visited beginning of March. In April, the nuns their families while others remained at Geden Choeling elected committee members who serve the nunnery. Doctors from the Tibetan 171 nuns year-long terms as chief administrators Medical Institute visit Tilokpur once a of the nunnery. To celebrate the Maha The academic year started smoothly month because it is difficult for the nuns Parinirvana Anniversary of Shugsep Jetsun and the nuns have been sticking to to travel to that clinic for treatment. Rinpoche, the nuns offered a special their routines. A few nuns from the ritual, the Chöd Feast Offering for the nunnery had the opportunity to attend entire day. Every year, the Shugsep nuns science workshops provided by different read the entire Kangyur, the 108 volumes organizations. Two nuns participated of the words of the Buddha, to mark Saga in the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative Dawa, the birth, enlightenment, and workshop for the second consecutive year. paranirvana of the Buddha. On the day While taking the workshop at Drepung of the Maha Parinirvana Anniversary of Loseling Monastery, the nuns were also Mipham Rinpoche, the nuns engaged in taught mathematics. Seven nuns also debate and written competition. participated in a two-week Modern In July, the nuns had the oath-taking Science Workshop organized by the ceremony for the annual summer retreat, Department of Religion and Culture at during which they had another debate the Tibetan Reception Centre. and speech competition. The nuns One of the attending nuns said she completed their mid-term examinations in Dolma Ling was interested in subjects such as physics, the summer and now continue with their 247 nuns biology, and neurobiology. She said, day-to-day studies. Dolma Ling hosted the annual inter- “Science tells how to see reality through nunnery debate, Jang Gonchoe, in the fall wider experiment, and helps us to of 2017. A total of 376 nuns and 14 teachers understand the truth. Quantum physics took part, with 169 of the nuns coming helps us to see that things do not have from other nunneries. In December 2017, independent existence.” She enjoyed the the nuns had their final examinations explanation of biology and the fact that followed by a two-month winter break. we have common ancestors, as in Charles The new academic year began in March. Darwin’s metaphor of the tree of life. In Each summer since 2014, nuns and neurobiology class, she learned much monks have had the opportunity to take about our physical world and health, part in the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, especially about the five senses which help a four-week program held at Drepung us understand how the brain processes information. The 2018 Geshema Exams and Results

From August 15 to 26, 44 nuns from four taking their first- and nunneries (Geden Choeling, Jangchup second-year exams were Choeling, Kachod Gyakhil Ling, and tested on Perfection of Dolma Ling) sat for the Geshema exams Wisdom (Pharchin) at Dolma Ling Nunnery. The Geshema and Middle Way degree is equivalent to a PhD in Tibetan (Madhyamika), while Buddhism. Until recently, the opportunity third- and fourth-year to earn this highest degree was only open examinees were tested to men. This year 12 nuns took the first on Monastic Discipline round of examinations, 14 the second-year (Vinaya) and Treasury exams, 8 the third-year exams, and 10 the of Knowledge fourth and final year exams. (Abhidharma). All The 11-day examination process is exams were followed extremely rigorous. Each morning, nuns by debate sessions. Six nuns received their Geshema degree in 2017. Ten more will from two of the four levels completed In addition to their receive their degrees in November 2018. written papers from 9 a.m. to noon, while other exams, nuns in nuns from the other two levels underwent years 1-3 were tested on Tibetan grammar the College for Higher Tibetan Studies debate exams. In the afternoons, from 2 to and science. Nuns taking their final year at Sarah. All of the question papers were 6 p.m., the examinees gathered for their exams were tested on science and history. sealed and only opened when the nuns debate sessions in front of the examiners. Each of the final-year candidates also had were seated in the exam hall. Completed Tibetan Buddhist philosophy is one to write, in advance, a 50-page thesis and answer sheets were collected and sent of the major subjects for the Geshema they were examined on their thesis papers back to the various examiner centers. The candidates, but they were examined on during the Geshema exams. secured answer sheets on philosophy were other subjects as well. In philosophy, nuns This year, the philosophy exam checked first at one monastery and then questions were sent to the next to be rechecked. prepared by Geshes The nuns were examined on debating from the Loseling and by four Geshes, one each from Sera Jey, Gomang Colleges of Sera Mey, Ganden Shartse, and Ganden Drepung Monastery Shangtse monasteries, all located in in South India. The South India. There are different examiners science question each year. papers were prepared by staff at the Library 1st year exams: 8 of 12 passed of Tibetan Works and Archives. The 2nd year exams: 11 of 14 passed Tibetan and history 3rd year exams: all 8 passed exam questions were 4th and final year exams: written and marked by all 10 passed Nuns at Dolma Ling eagerly read the 2018 Geshema results

Our Project Wish List

Thank you for educating, empowering, and caring Please help fund these 6 projects: for the nuns and for helping them to become leaders 1. Roof painting at Shugsep Nunnery: $8,462 needed and teachers. 2. The Jang Gonchoe Debate Endowment Fund: We are always looking for more sponsors. $150,000+ needed To sponsor a nun, you can: 3. Maintain the Nunneries: 1. Visit our website at www.tnp.org $14,770 needed 2. Call our office at 1-206-652-8901 4. Media Equipment: 3. Or complete the enclosed form on page 8. $5,550 needed We are extremely grateful to our supporters around the 5. Yangchen Lophel Study world for your help with our wish list of current needs. Center: $940,000 needed Nuns Join Youth Interfaith Pilgrimage and Dialogue

From June 21 to July 7, 2018, two nuns The goal is to celebrate diversity, spiritual centers, studying and exploring took part in the 14th Interfaith Dialogue foster tolerance, build cross-cultural the basic tenets of Christianity, Buddhism, and Pilgrimage and traveled with 16 understanding, and encourage spiritual Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, others to Bengaluru, Shravanbelagola, and enquiry. Among the Tibetan participants Jainism, and other lesser-known faiths. Bylakuppe to receive teachings on various were two nuns from Dolma Ling and The diverse group represented 16 different spiritual traditions. The event was open Shugsep Nunneries, two monks from Sera educational institutes and included Indian to those 18-35 and was organized by The Jey Monastic University, and four Tibetan college students from six different states in Foundation for Universal Responsibility college students. The 18 participants India and a participant each from of His Holiness the . stayed in monasteries, ashrams, and other and Vietnam.

Laughing Nuns: The Story Behind the Photograph

My name is Brian Harris. Over many years, my association with the Tibetan Nuns Almost 30 years ago, in Project has been a two-way relationship resulting in friendships 1989, I travelled to India as and a deep satisfaction in knowing that my photographic gifts a photographer. My journey and project funds have been useful and kindly received. took me to Dharamsala, the Recently, my wife Paula and I have left legacy gifts in our heart of the Tibetan exile wills for the Tibetan Nuns Project as a way of continuing our community and home of His support of the essential role that Tibetan nuns play in the Holiness the Dalai Lama. ongoing transmission of the Buddha’s teaching. It was on this trip that I first encountered the Tibetan Nuns Project. Giving and Receiving One lunchtime, at Geden If you include a gift in your will to the Tibetan Nuns Project Choeling Nunnery, two before the end of March 2019, I will send you signed prints of nuns stepped out of the main both photos as a special thank you. Just contact the Tibetan entrance to the shrine hall. Nuns Project office by emailing [email protected]. As soon as I spotted the lead nun holding a gong in one hand The reciprocal relationship of receiving while giving and a mallet in the other, I realized this might be a good photo that I experience with the Tibetan Nuns Project is, I think, opportunity. I pointed my camera and took one photo. beautifully This was before digital cameras were common, so it was portrayed in almost six months later when I was back in Vancouver and I this image that finally developed the rolls of film from that trip. When I saw I took on my the photograph for the first time, I was stunned by its beauty first trip to and power. It wasn’t the photo I imagined I had taken. I had Tibet in 1987. thought I’d taken an image of a nun banging on a gong. Instead, it was a marvelous display of two nuns in full-bodied, infectious, joyful laughter. Little did I know that it would become an iconic image—one that so many people have come to identify with the Tibetan people’s indomitable spirit and light-hearted, warm character. The 2018 Inter-Nunnery Debate

Your support of the Jang Gonchoe helps to build capacity and equality for the nuns, to We are still fundraising foster the dharma for future generations, and for the Jang Gonchoe to ensure that this precious wisdom tradition continues and grows. We are deeply grateful Endowment Fund to everyone who donated to the 2018 Jang so that the inter- Gonchoe and to our special Jang Gonchoe nunnery debate can Endowment Fund. be self-sustaining. Each year that the nuns take part in the Jang Gonchoe, they grow in confidence and ability. Debating at the Photo credit: Kopan Nunnery Jang Gonchoe gives In October, hundreds of nuns gathered at Kopan the nuns a chance to Nunnery in Nepal for the annual, month-long “up their game” and inter-nunnery debate called the Jang Gonchoe. prepare for taking The nuns came from nine nunneries in India higher degrees such as and Nepal. the Geshema degree. The practice of debate is an essential part of Ultimately, this annual monastic education in the Tibetan tradition and event helps the nuns to joins logical thinking with a deeper under­standing become teachers and of Buddhist philosophy. The inter-nunnery leaders and to preserve debate is a vital educational opportunity. Until the rich Tibetan the 1990s, Tibetan Buddhist nuns were excluded Buddhist culture and from this form and level of education. religion. Photo credit: Kopan Nunnery Acts of Generosity

OLIVIER ADAM JULIE BRITTAIN BARB SPANNAUS French photographer and teacher University professor, Sponsor since 2000 Minnesota donor

Olivier has shared his photos with Julie has left a gift in her will to the Sponsors a nun and gives to nunnery TNP and also sells them through Etsy Tibetan Nuns Project maintenance, including septic repairs to raise funds for the nuns and temple floor repair

“It’s so easy for me to support this “I am inspired by the devotion of these wonderful project. It’s a privilege to “The dedication of the nuns is nuns. The Tibetan Nuns Project is doing be a part of it.” critical to maintain the Tibetan culture, a wonderful job in educating nuns, language, and Tibetan Buddhist not only in Buddhist studies, but in all traditions.” aspects of education that a woman will need in this life.” Dorjee Zong Nuns Visit Dolma Ling

Last winter, Venerable Lobsang Palmo, with nuns from other nunneries. one of the head nuns at the remote The nuns lived at Thosamling nunnery of Dorjee Zong in Zanskar Nunnery from mid-November brought nine young nuns to Dharamsala. 2017 till mid-May 2018. She explained that, because most of the The young nuns enjoyed nuns’ family members are uneducated, their stay in Dharamsala. when the nuns return home for the Unfortunately, during that holidays, they forget most of the things time, seven of the nine nuns that they were taught in class. contracted chicken pox. Thanks Determined to foster the nuns’ to immediate medical treatment, learning, Ven. Lobsang Palmo got all of them recovered within permission from their parents to bring two weeks. them to Dharamsala. The parents were During their six-month stay Nuns meeting Rinchen Khando Choeygal. very happy that their daughters would at Thosamling Nunnery, the Photo by Nuns’ Media Team avoid the harsh winter in Zanskar and, young nuns had regular classes at the same time, gain experience living All the nuns at Dorjee Zong Nunnery in Buddhist philosophy, and in Tibetan are now in good health. At their nunnery, and English languages. Venerable they grow barley and vegetables such as Lobsang Tsewang, a senior monk from green peas, carrots, radishes, leafy greens, the Buddhist School of Dialectics in potatoes, cabbages, and cauliflower. Dharamsala, taught the nuns Buddhist These all grow very well in the nunnery philosophy and Tibetan. Ven. Lobsang garden and the nuns use their produce Palmo had asked Ven. Lobsang Tsewang year round. to teach the nuns because he is also from In Zanskar, schools usually close Zanskar and could explain things to the around mid-November so that the nuns in their own language whenever teachers who are not from the area can needed. This really increased their leave before the roads become blocked Nine nuns from Dorjee Zong receive understanding. The nuns also studied by snow. Schools usually re-open around donated knitwear from Wool-Aid. The Wizard of Oz in English with an March, with the teachers being brought Photo by Nuns’ Media Team Indian teacher, Ms. Meenakshi. in by helicopter from the city of Leh.

Thank You to Venerable Lobsang Dechen

Venerable Lobsang Dechen, advance its efforts to make educational she has seen the nuns graduate with Co-Director of the Tibetan Nuns opportunities available for nuns the Geshema Degree (Geshe for Project, is retiring after working on throughout the Tibetan Buddhist monks), a great milestone in the history behalf of Tibetan Buddhist nuns for tradition. Since then, she has helped to of Tibet. Though we would have liked almost three decades. establish a system in which nuns could her to continue working with the A nun from the age of 13, Venerable be nurtured into educated, confident Tibetan Nuns Project, we wish her all Lobsang Dechen studied at the young women. the best in life. Tibetan Children’s Village (TVC) Because Venerable Lobsang in Dharamsala until Class 10, before Dechen is a nun, her work completing her schooling at the Central towards the betterment of nuns School for Tibetans in Mussoorie. has been very encouraging for She then attended St. Bede’s College, the nuns. We will always be a women’s college in Shimla, and very grateful for her hard work, received her B.A. Degree followed by a patience, dedication, and B.Ed. Degree from Pubjab University teamwork. She has personally in Chandigarh. With her teaching seen the nuns grow mentally credentials, she returned to Lower TCV and emotionally into stronger where she taught English and geography women, and move beyond the from 1984 to 1991. unthinkable situations they In 1992, she left her teaching career had faced in Tibet. After years Venerable Lobsang Dechen speaking to the to join the Tibetan Nuns Project to of effort, it is wonderful that Geshemas in 2016. Photo courtesy of Olivier Adam NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO 681

USA: 815 Seattle Blvd. S, Suite 216, Seattle, WA 98134 Email: [email protected] Phone: 206 652 8901 www.tnp.org

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