Thrangu Monastery: A post-earthquake update and how to help by Michele Martin
Thrangu Monastery in Tibet was near the epicenter of the devastating quake of April 14. It was almost completely destroyed and many of the monks were killed or are missing. Over many years, the monastery had been rebuilt through the hard work of the monks and local people. They built and rebuilt many structures, including new temples, an institute for higher Buddhist studies, and traditional retreat center. The quake destroyed everything—all these plus the monks’ dwellings and the smaller temples as well. All that was left standing was one temple and a kitchen, and their condition is uncertain. The local village, which has supported the monastery for generations, was also devastated and thousands of people died or were injured.
The response in Tibet has been heartfelt and immediate. [Details, including links for how you can help and a personal note from Thrangu Rinpoche, after the jump.] Thousands of monks from monasteries belonging to all traditions have come to the area to help. The surviving monks from the monastery are saying prayers day and night for the dead and injured. On April 17th, with broken wood from the collapsed structures, many bodies of the lay people were cremated on the mountain near the monastery and those of the monks on the next day. Thrangu Rinpoche is sending twelve senior lamas, who head his centers around the world. They will help people and start the long process of rehabilitation and rebuilding.
At the great stupa in Boudhanath, Nepal, prayers were said by monks from all the Kagyu monasteries on the 15th and by Thrangu Rinpoche’s monks and nuns on the 16th. Pujas are continuing from early morning throughout the day, and on the 18th, the Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinle Dorje sponsored a day’s puja for all those who passed away. Students and centers from all over the world are organizing prayer services and collecting donations to help the relief efforts.
In speaking of the tragedy, Thrangu Rinpoche said that the monastery was devastated:
“Now there has been the terrible earthquake in Jyekundo, Qinghai, and these structures have all been ruined. Additionally, many monks have passed away in the earthquake. This is a great tragedy and a great obstacle. Please think of this and make good prayers on the behalf of all those who passed away. If you gather merit by helping with the relief and restoration, it will be helpful for the world in general and in particular prevent the Dharma from disappearing. It is important that the lineage of teaching and practice not wane: Without a lineage of teaching and practice, the Dharma would perish.”
The people and the monastery are in great need of help. Many are seriously injured, and all are homeless in the high altitude’s cold weather. Donating now will give them hope and make a big difference in their lives. The quickest way to help Thrangu Monastery is to donate directly to Lodro Nyima Rinpoche’s (Abbot of Thrangu Monastery) foundation account in Hong Kong. He can then withdraw funds directly from inside the disaster area. In particular, they desperately need rice and flour to feed the survivors. Here’s the wire transfer info:
Bank Name: The Bank of East Asia, Limited
Branch: Queen’s Road Central Branch
Account Name: Lodroe Nyima Charity Foundation Limited
Account No.: 015-187-25-00453-6
SWIFT Code: BEASHKHHBranch telephone No.: +852 2805-2206
Branch Address: Shop A-C, G/F. Wah Ying Cheong Central Building, 158-164 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong.
You can also make direct, tax-deductible donations to the efforts at Thrangu Monastery by going to the following websites:
Organized by Thrangu House, Oxford, U.K.
Accepts payment by cheque, bank draft, PayPal, and major credit cards.A US-based charity that supports Thrangu Monastery in Tibet as well as Thrangu Monastery in Nepal and related projects. Accepts online donations.
A registered Canadian Charity for the Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche’s projects. Accepts online donations.
Accepts donation by check or bank draft. See their website for details.
