As I write this letter to you, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the Tibetan Buddhist nuns and for your support of them.
In these challenging times, we can all derive comfort from knowing that the nuns are praying every day for the health and happiness of all beings.
Thank you for bringing positivity to the world by helping the nuns.
I know that you have many choices about charitable gifts. We are so grateful for your commitment to these brave, dedicated women who have devoted their lives to end the suffering of all beings.
The world needs the nuns’ wisdom and compassion, now more than ever. The nuns are direct lineage holders of a wisdom tradition dating back 2,600 years to the Buddha.
In this letter, I’d like to update you on the nuns’ situation in India and tell you what we’re working on.
As we told you in our annual newsletter, the nuns have mainly stayed safe and healthy. There were small outbreaks at two of the seven nunneries, but the good news is that they nuns are OK and those over 18 are now double vaccinated.
Unfortunately, the Geshema exams and the Jang Gonchoe inter-nunnery debate had to be cancelled again this year. The nuns continue to study and practice within their own nunneries and we hope that both events can be safely held in 2022.
Our major project this year is the Geshema Endowment Fund. We hope to raise $200,000 to make the Geshema program sustainable so that more nuns can complete the final steps to reach this highest-level degree. The Frederick Family Fund has kindly offered to match all gifts up to a total of $20,000 and another donor has offered to match gifts up to $1,500. Donate and you will double the impact of your gift!
Teachers’ salaries are another major focus. The annual cost of one teacher’s salary ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the nunnery location and the teacher’s skills. The ultimate goal is to empower the nuns to become teachers and leaders in their own right.
I fear that, with increasingly severe monsoons, the nunneries may face big maintenance costs. With the pandemic, outside workers haven’t been allowed into the nunneries and the nuns have been doing what they can to maintain all the buildings. I’m waiting to hear what projects may be necessary in 2022 and donations to the Area of Greatest Need allow us to respond with maximum flexibility.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE NUNS:
- SUPPORT A CURRENT NEED
Donate to the Geshema Endowment Fund, Teachers’ Salaries, or to the Area of Greatest Need. - BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR OR SPONSOR A NUN
Our sponsorship program currently sustains over 800 nuns in seven different nunneries as well as numerous nuns living on their own. Just $1 a day helps provide her with food, shelter, education, and health care. Or become a monthly donor at any amount you wish. - LEAVE A LEGACY OF COMPASSION
By including a gift in your will to the Tibetan Nuns Project, you can leave a legacy of compassion that will have a ripple effect for generations to come. - GIVE A GIFT IN HONOR OF SOMEONE
Celebrate a loved one this holiday season, thank a spiritual teacher, or honor the memory of someone with a gift. When you make a tribute gift, we can send a beautiful card to the person being honored. - SHOP IN OUR ONLINE STORE
We have a range of products available at tnp.org including our 2022 calendar, malas, prayer flags, TNP hoodies, and more. - DONATE SECURITIES
By donating securities directly to the Tibetan Nuns Project as opposed to selling them and donating the proceeds, you can also save on taxes.
You are part of a community of compassionate people who care deeply about providing equal access to education for ordained Buddhist women and about preserving Tibet’s unique culture.
At this time, with the worsening human rights situation in Tibet and severe restrictions on religious and educational freedoms, we celebrate the Tibetan Buddhist nuns in India who, thanks to you, have the opportunity to embrace these freedoms fully.
Thank you for bringing light and compassion to the world.
With warmest wishes,
Lisa M. Farmer, M.Ed.
Executive Director
P.S. The nuns are a quiet and steady force for good in the world. Thank you for supporting them!