June 2011
Dear Sangha and Friends of the Buddha Dharma,
Namdroling
Monastery, in Mysore, India, is the seat of the Palyul Nyingma monastic lineage
and counts among the foremost monasteries and shedras (universities) of the
Nyingma tradition. It is home to the late Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s 4,000 monks
and 1,000 nuns, of whom 1,300 are school children.
Khenchen
Namdrol Rinpoche, founder and heard of Ngagyur Nyingma shedra at Namdroling, is
seeking our assistance in addressing a serious health problem that has emerged
at Namdroling: Hepatitis B, a sometimes chronic or fatal form of hepatitis.
Hepatitis B (‘Hep B’), has already claimed the life of Khenpo Namdrol’s
brother, Kunzang Lama Rinpoche; and Khenpo Dorje, another
important teacher and close friend.
Recently, with the generous support of Rigpa Shedra, all monks and nuns
received blood tests to screen for Hep B. 148 mostly young monks and
nuns were identified as hepatitis B positive. Sadly, if
these renunciates are not given proper medical treatment, many unnecessary
deaths will occur.
How
Hepatitis B Is Contracted
There are 2 types of Hepatitis B - acute and chronic. The
chronic type if left untreated, can develop into liver cancer and is ultimately
fatal. Often there are few symptoms until it is too late. In Asia most people
receive the infection from their mothers as children.
The acute type can be fought without drugs.
The Present Situation
At
this time all new admissions into Namdroling shedra
are required to get medical check-ups including hepatitis screening before
entering the monastic community. Members of the monastery are now being
educated as to how the disease is spread. Due to the diligent efforts of Khen
Rinpoche and others, new measures have been taken to keep the uninfected
robed community healthy. Each monk and nun is receiving their own personal
razors, head shavers, toothbrushes and other items - no sharing is allowed.
This alone is costly.
With the kind and generous assistance of Rigpa Shedra, Khen Rinpoche,
whose greatest wish is to eradicate Hep B from Namdroling, donated a
substantial amount of his own funds to have all residents in the entire
monastery tested. The results of blood tests of all residents
revealed that 148 monks and nuns are positive. Of these, 70 are
chronic and are in critical need of antiviral drugs; the other 78 are
acute and can recover. The 70 identified chronic cases include tulkus, khenpos,
lamas and many young monks and nuns of school age. These are future lamas and
teachers of the spiritual lineage.
The
Need
The antidote is antiviral-drugs that will cost $70,000 over the
next two years. In some more serious cases, a cure could take three years. In
order to save the lives of HH Penor Rinpoche’s young ordained sangha, these
drugs are badly needed. Of the chronic group many are in grave
danger of developing liver cancer.
Treatment of one individual will cost $40/month for an
estimated two years, or $960 ($480/year) per person. With 70 identified
chronic cases to be treated, the program will require approximately $70,000.
over a two-year period. The amount of $70,000.00 actually
represents a 50% reduction from normal cost. That reduced cost was
negotiated between the monastery’s clinic and the hospital in Mysore. We are
very grateful for this kindness.
As you know, the ordained do not have the means to buy their own
medication and as you might imagine, Namdroling has many monthly expenses in
running a monastery of 4,000. Khenpo Namdrol has thus asked his western
students to assist in any way possible to help meet this urgent need.
It is clear why Khenpo Namdrol has placed the highest personal
priority on accomplishing this task. The continued well-being of Namdroling
Monastery, and of our future lamas, teachers, and monks, depends on his
success. Though well aware of the many
good causes to which you are asked to contribute, we hope you will feel moved
to help in whatever way you are able to end this dangerous and urgent
situation, and to save the lives of many future Buddhist teachers of the Palyul
Nyingma lineage.
With much appreciation,
The Heart Essence Sangha
Ways
You Can Help
We are very happy to say that as of mid-June, 2011, we have
raised $17,000. Through a substantial offering from a Hong Kong student, the initial
vaccination costs were paid. One Western donor, very kindly gave $10,000. And
many others have given various large and small amounts. Khenpo Namdrol and
Namdroling Monastery are very grateful to all who have donated.
Below are some options
for contributing (please enclose this filled-out form with your contribution to
indicate your pledge). I WILL:
__ As
an individual, pledge to care for the cure of 1 (one) monk or nun with Hep
B for 2 (two) years at $ 40.00 per month ($480/year; $960/2 years).
__ As
a group, pledge to care for the cure of 1 (one) monk or nun with Hep B for
2 (two) years at $ 40.00 per month.
__ Make
your own terms of contribution according to your time and means (please
specify below or with your contribution).
__ We
welcome “any” amount of contribution. The following can be a monthly,
annual, or one-time offering, Please designate your preference:
__ 1 (0ne) thousand or more (please specify):
______________________________
__ $500.00 one-time / per
year
__ $100.00 one-time / per
year
__ $75.00 one-time / per
year
__ $50.00 one-time / per
year
__ $25.00 one-time / per
year
__ any other amount gratefully accepted.
Or send checks payable to:
Heart Essence Sangha: Namdroling Hep B Fund
C/o Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara St.
Alameda, Ca. 94501
PLEASE
SPECIFY “Namdroling Hep B” on the check notation line. 100% of all funds
will be wired to Khen Rinpoche and used exclusively to purchase medicines Heart
Essence Sangha is a tax-deductible 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Tax
letters will be provided.
MORE INFO/Contacts
Contributors will receive a quarterly update on the healing
progress of these ordained monks and nuns from Heika Wierenga, a resident of
Namdroling who has been asked by Khenpo Namdrol to oversee the communication
for this urgent situation. For more
information, please contact: heikaaaaaa@gmail.com