Dear Friends,
At this time of Thanksgiving and much dislocation in the world at large, we wanted to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors — and also provide an update on the nunneries and projects supported by Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives. Without all of you, our mission of supporting Tibetan Buddhist female monastic communities would not be possible.
We are happy to report that all of our nunneries have been able to provide a safe enclave for the nuns, and none have been adversely affected by the virus. For many of us, the pandemic has provided the impetus to reflect and cultivate spiritual practice, as well as offer support to others in need. We received numerous prayer requests this year, enabling many donors to feel buttressed. Our nuns have undertaken the requested pujas and prayers with great joy and reverence.
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With a significant uptick in followers on our various social media platforms this year, we were able disseminate Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s teachings and inspirational quotes to a larger audience. We are grateful to the volunteers who oversee our social media and the other volunteers who work in various ways to bring the mission of DGL Initiatives into form.
We are very pleased to be able to report the receipt of a number of grants, including from the Tides Foundation, RSF in partnership with Mobius, and the John Brockway Huntington Foundation. The latter is earmarked for the Yushu Orphans Study Fund (part of the Gebchak Gonpa community) for school tuition fees. A brief report on each nunnery/project follows.
Photo: Despite being in lockdown, the nuns continue their studies at DGL Nunnery in India.
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Nuns are full of gratitude after receiving a disbursement of donors' kindness (through Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives). Tayul Gonpa nuns shared their donations with these nuns from Peukar in the Gahar Valley.
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Dongyu Gatsal Ling (DGL) Nunnery: While DGL has been closed to all visitors since March, the nuns have been able to continue with their studies and spiritual practices. The pandemic circumstances enabled the nuns to begin their summer retreat earlier this year and for Jetsunma to also do a month-long retreat. See the latest DGL newsletter, Gatsal, for more information. Enjoy an album of photos here.
Tayul Gonpa: Many of the nuns at Tayul are elderly, a number in the 80s, but remain strong in spirit. They are extremely grateful for your donations, which also help to cover their medical care. They have chosen to share their funds with other nuns in the Gahar valley, i.e., Lama Gonpa and Lapchang Gonpa, and the nuns from Peukar village. Enjoy an album of photos here.
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Laphag Nunnery: The main event this year was the completion of the temple. The nuns are extremely happy to be able to perform pujas and practice there.
Enjoy an album of photos and a video of Laphag Nunnery here.
Photo: Interior shot of the beautiful new temple.
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Gebchak Gonpa: Donations support the nuns’ food and healthcare expenses, though they are able to grow some vegetables in the summer months. This enabled them to undertake 19 annual drubchens — extended group sadhana practices. The nuns continue their intensive yogic practices with the aspiration that all beings experience inner peace and wellbeing. Enjoy an album of photos and videos here.
As you can see, the nuns supported by Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives are flourishing and have been able to continue their dharma activities this year. We hope that you and the extended Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives community enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We are very grateful for your support.
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With heartfelt gratitude,
Linda, Caterina, Chrysanne, May Ling and Lindsay
DGL Initiatives Board of Directors
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JETSUNMA'S TEACHINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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Sharing the Dharma is such a blessing in these times! We have made a concerted effort to post Jetsunma's teachings (video and text) on our social media platforms. Please continue to support us by sharing, liking and following Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo's teachings and updates on our nunnery projects on these social media platforms. |
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The nuns at DGL Nunnery and Gebchak Gonpa continue to receive your prayer requests for those who have recently passed away or for the removal of obstacles and the pacification of negativities.
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Detail from a stained glass window of Green Tara at
DGL Nunnery.
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Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the United States. For USA residents your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
DGL Initiatives supports the mission of our Spiritual Director, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. We are dedicated to improving the education standards and living conditions of Tibetan Buddhist female monastics and their communities.
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We'd love to hear from highly skilled volunteers in the USA willing to help in areas such as online administration, digital design, publicity and technology-related initiatives. If you're interested, please fill out the online application form below: |
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You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives, Inc. and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo's various projects. If at any time you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please use the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails, and your data will be deleted in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation.
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