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THE SNOW LION NEWSLETTER
Re-establishing Buddhism in Mongolia
| For many centuries Buddhism was an integral part of Mongolian culture.
Prior to 1921 and the advent of communism in Mongolia, Tibet and Mongolia
had strong historic links. They both followed similar Buddhist lineages
and there was an interchange of scholars and monks between the two
countries. |
Panchen Otrul (front, far left) with Mongolian Buddhists
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The monastery of Drepung Gomang facilitated the training of young monks from
Mongolia. This has recently begun again and young Mongolians monks are
travelling to the re-established Gomang Monastery in India in order to study
Dharma in the traditional way.
In 1991, when Mongolia became a democratic state, it was to the
re-established Tibetan monasteries in India that Mongolian Buddhists turned to
for help with the re-establishment of their monasteries. Most of these had been
destroyed during the communist purges in the 1930's and the monks forced to join
the army or to marry, sent to Siberia or killed. Consequently they had no
teachers.
Panchen Otrul Rinpoche's Work in Mongolia
Panchen
Otrul Rinpoche, a lama born in Kham (Panchen
Otrul Rinpoche's biography), has especially close links with Mongolia.
His first teacher was a Mongolian scholar. Rinpoche has a strong wish to
repay the kindness of his first teacher by now helping the Mongolian
people in the desire to re-establish their spiritual heritage. |
The Buddhism of Mongolia is exactly the same as the Buddhism of Tibet
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Since 1995, he has traveled extensively to remote areas of the country as
well as working in Ulaanbaatar. Traveling in Mongolia is a long and arduous
task, but with great enthusiasm and dedication Rinpoche fulfils as many
invitations as he can each year. He is one of the very few visiting Lamas who is
able to ordain monks and give refuge and initiations. He teaches both monks and
lay people at every opportunity. He visits the prisons, the Mongolian orphanage,
children's camps, nomadic families in their gers (tent homes), and settlements
in the Gobi. He teaches increasingly to lay people who bring their children for
his blessing. They view this as a vital step overcoming the many problems they
have. In 1997, Rinpoche's requested two of his Tibetan monks to settle in
Ulaanbaatar in order that this work could be ongoing throughout the year.
It is obvious as he travels in Mongolia that many Mongolians need help even
to survive, and poverty governs the lives of most. Responding to these needs,
Rinpoche now assists Mongolians in whatever way he can. The problems and the
needs are great but this does not deter him from helping. One is reminded of
Shantideva's words: "For as long as space endures and for as long as beings
remain, until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world."
| Initially, sponsorships were established for children and families in
need. While continuing this program, the present focus of Rinpoche's
projects is to provide opportunities for people to develop self-sustaining
activities which will give long-term financial security. |
Rinpoche in 2001 with two girls
whose mother now earns enough for the to be financially secure through the
help of Asral Charity
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His Mongolian "Asral Charity" was established in 2001 and is now committed to
helping two rural settlements, as well as individuals in Ulaanbaatar. The
Management Committee is made up of five of Rinpoche's Mongolian students who
offer the benefit of their local knowledge and wisdom. In 2002 selected families
are being helped to grow their own vegetables organically as a means of
improving their diet. Even with these major achievements, it has become obvious
that in order to sustain and develop this work Rinpoche needs a firm base from
which his Tibetan monks, and Mongolian and Western students can work.
Please Help
Tibetan Buddhism and the
culture of the Tibetan people hang by a thread. The future of Buddhism in
Mongolia is very closely linked with the future of Tibetan Buddhism. Mongolia
could well become the only country embracing the Tibetan form of Buddhism both
culturally and spiritually in the future. This is why His Holiness the Dalai
Lama has given his full support to the work of Panchen Otrul Rinpoche in
Mongolia. His Holiness will also be visiting Mongolia again this August, which
underlines the importance he attaches to it.
| The construction of a facility in Ulaanbaatar is urgently needed to
provide a firm foundation for Rinpoche's Mongolia Project, which is a
long-term undertaking and will need continuing effort. |
Panchen Otrul Rinpoche's New Centre will provide a firm
foundation for his work.
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We have raised half the money necessary to complete the building but need a
further $130,000 to complete this stage of the program. The facility will be
used for teaching and will incorporate small meeting rooms, administration
offices and lodgings for Rinpoche and his two permanent staff. Rinpoche's
Western students and other visitors who bring their skills to Mongolia will also
be based here.
Maitreya Charity
Maitreya Charity is
a non-profit corporation established in 2001 to support the work of Ven. Lama
Panchen Otrul Rinpoche. It is based in Seattle, Washington, USA, with a Board of
five members and has Federal tax exemption. Its purpose is to raise funds for
the work of the Venerable Lama and to facilitate his teachings in the USA. We
would be most grateful for any help you can give Ven. Panchen Otrul Rinpoche.
The Trustees of the Maitreya Charity hope to send the required balance of money
with him when he travels to Mongolia in August 2002. That is our immediate
target.
Please send your tax-exempt gifts, with checks made payable to:
Maitreya Charity
Sally Taylor, President
4817 91st Ave. SE
Mercer
Island, WA 98040
www.mongolianow.org
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