LNA Newsletter - Summer 1997 

Dear Friends, 

We are proud to announce the official formation of the Ladakh Nuns Association (ex-Ladakhi Nuns Project). Thanks to Aba-le Stobdan's cooperation, we now have a constitution and our Association is in the process of being registered. We are honored to have Most Ven. Sras Rinpoche, Abbot of Redzong Monastery and one of the most highly respected Lamas in Ladakh, as Patron.

In our consitution, we have chosen to focus on several major goals:

▪     To work for the health, happiness and maintenance of the Nuns.

▪     To provide proper monastic education.

▪     To repair, restore and maintain older nunneries whenever necessary.

▪      To organize seminars, workshops, and conferences to further the welfare program of the nuns.

▪     To uplife the social, educational and economic status of Buddhists Women.

▪      To start a bilingual magazine and newsletter of the Association.

▪     To utilize grants and donations for the attainment of the objectives of the Association.

This past year, two educational seminars were conducted in Leh. Due to the success of the first ever Vinaya training offered to Ladakhi nuns at Agling Resort near Leh last September, we organized a second intensive training course this winter. Eighteen young, educated nuns from Mahabodhi, Tingmosgang, and Redzong, gathered together for two months to receive teachings of the "Lam Rim" text. Some of the young nuns found the teachings difficult but their tremendous eagerness for knowledge never slackened. During the first part of June, a 12-day continuation of the teachings took place. We greatly appreciate Aba-le Stobdan's hospitality in hosting us in his family home and for food arrangement by our SECMOL staff.

Looking forward, we already have a full program of events planned for the remainder of 1997. We are in the process of organizing a week-long Vinaya seminar starting July 18 for the nuns of Zangskar. This is the first time in history nuns of this remote region will have the opportunity to receive religious instructions and practice Dharma. Nuns from the eight nunneries in Zangskar have been invited to Karsha Nunnery where the teachings will be given by resident teachers from Leh and Zangskar. The session will conclude with a workshop on traditional herbal medicine covering the prevention of disease and basic hygiene.

Our second big seminar at Agling is scheduled for the second week of September and we anticipate a larger turnout of nuns from the most remote nunneries, as well as those from the Leh area. Though the workshop is directed towards young nuns, sisters of all ages are welcome to participate. Among the invited Geshes, we hope that Most Ven. Sras Rinpoche will conduct these teachings. 

Our newly formed Association has many activities, an important one being the AMCHI Project. Selected nuns will be trained in basic traditional herbal medicine, including herb collection and pharmaceuticals. This will greatly influence the self-sufficiency of health care in nunneries, as well as benefit the local community. By restoring this ancient medicinal art, we hope to raise awareness of its value in Ladakhi society, particularly amongst the youth.

This is a brief summary of the Association's activities for the year. New hopes are shining in Ladakh and the minds of Buddhist sisters are opening and awakening to a spiritual life of true Dharma study and practice. On behalf of the Association, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all, for without the care and contributions of our friends here and abroad, our projects would not be possible

With warm wishes from sunny Ladakh,

Yours in Dharma,

Ven. T. Palmo

(Co-ordinator)