What is Dasain?

What is called Dasain in Nepal, is one of the biggest and longest Hindu festivals celebrated all across the country and by all casts in Nepal. It is a two-week long celebration that symbolizes the triumph of virtue over evil or victory of god over the devil. This festival derives from the Hindu mythology where According to Hindu scriptures, goddess Durga slew the ferocious demon Mahisasura (Mahis + Asura), a demon in the form of a water buffalo, which terrorized people on different parts of the Earth. The almighty Durga in her various manifestations, names and forms is widely celebrated with pujas or worships for freeing mankind from the terror.

Various kinds of activities take place at the household during the Dasain period. A predominant activity that marks Dasain usually is the 8^th day of the Maha Astami, the day of great sacrifice. Each family sacrifices a goat at a Durga temple, but chickens and ducks are slaughtered as well. The reason is that the animals symbolize the human weaknesses. Buffaloes, goats and sheep for instance are said to symbolize anger, lust and stupidity while chickens and ducks symbolize timidity and apathy respectively. Hence, the slaughtering of the animals symbolizes the victory of Durga and virtue over evil and faults.

However, regarding the Buddhist system of values, it seems like the saying that ‘Dasain symbolizes the triumph of virtue’ is a bit ironic as according to Buddhists, taking the life of any sentient being is a great non-virtue, even life in the form of animals like goats, chickens and so forth. Therefore from a Buddhist perspective the 8^th day Maha Astami is marked by a massive accumulation of non-virtue, as it results in the slaughtering of so many sentient beings.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the question of whether the teachings should be interpreted literally or allegorical often asked. I suppose the myth of Durga and the respective teaching in the Hindu tradition is a good example of what happens when one mistakes the allegorical meaning for literal truth…

Taking into account the Buddhist system, then Maha Astami is an occasion that allows the slayers of countless animal to accumulate terrible evil karma. However for the Buddhist practitioners it can be an opportunity to practice the bodhicitta of aspiration by praying for the animals that are being slaughtered. Even the bodhicitta of application is practiced, as it is not uncommon to see Rinpoches, monks and nuns buying goats on that day to save them from the slaughter and spare the animals' lives. Virtue vs. non-virtue…. They are relative… and they all blend together in the world of Kathmandu.

Tibetans liberating condemned goats from the slaughter.

Zeta Koutsokera, Greece

Reflections on My First Year of Study at RYI

My first visit to Nepal was for a pilgrimage to the Great Stupa of Boudhanath. I like to travel, and spending leisure time exploring all the facets of Nepal was a great experience. This time however, it is different. This time I have met a challenge. I have begun studying at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute.

It happened somewhat spontaneously to me. I was interested in learning Tibetan language, but I didn’t know where and how. I didn’t know much about the shedra my fist time in Kathmandu, but had heard about it in Russia. When I first arrived I didn’t know what to expect about the education system in Nepal. But after studying just one month of classical Tibetan we were translating Tibetan texts. I was very surprised! The method of teaching here is very fast and it takes a lot of studying and effort, but the results have been amazing.

Besides language classes we take philosophy classes taught by khenpos in the traditional Tibetan style. In the text we are reading, The Way of the Bodhisattva we have learned about all four schools of Buddhism. Our teacher is endowed with many great qualities such as kindness, intelligence, and the patience to teach us westerners unfamiliar topics in a clear and simple language. So far, I can only say warm words towards all the people who help with the shedra, the teachers, the students, all who have all become like family to me (especially after having to prepare for exams together!), and to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the main abbot of the monastery without whose kindness we would not have such an opportunity to study the Dharma.

It’s not always easy to prepare for all three or four classes. It is quite a challenge actually, and a change from all the leisure time I used to enjoy. But the shedra is teaching me academic discipline. I now spend almost all my free time memorizing words and studying the commentaries of great texts. I find that if I have a serious deep intention to study, I can follow it with enthusiasm.

Of course it is not always easy to live Nepal. It’s a very intense and, at times, a chaotic! Some of the local customs take some getting used to. But I have found a comfortable home with a nice Nepali family near the shedra. It’s a simple lifestyle, but I enjoy it. During the winter holiday I had a great opportunity to stay at Nagi Gompa, which is a nunnery in the mountains overlooking the Kathmandu valley. The vast open sky, clean air and water and warm hearted nuns gave me a nice break from the fast pace of academic studies and city life in Boudha. The nuns were so welcoming to visitors, and most of all they were wonderful friends to practice speaking Tibetan with.

Now I am back in the shedra, let’s see what will come in the new semester here.

Anya, Translator Training Program from Russia

Student Society Sponsors a Child

The 2008-2009 R.Y.I. Student Society utilized $140 from their yearly budget to sponsor Washna Phelwar in Grade School, Class I. The sponsorship will cover her school fees, uniform, books, and other school supplies for one year. Washna lives in the beggar village south of Boudha and this is the first time she has ever been able to attend school. James Hopkins, the creator of the Quilts for Kids project that made sponsoring Washna possible, says she is very excited to begin school.
Washna’s little brother is now very curious about school and would like to attend as well. If you know anyone who would like to sponsor him or another child from the Boudha begging village, please email either StudentServices@shedra.org or James Hopkins at lookingforjames@yahoo.com.

Poetry Night

Tuesday April 7, witnessed the fourth in an ongoing series of poetry gatherings in Kathmandu. Long-term Shedra associate and poet James Hopkins, author of several books of original poetry (most recently A Sleeping Tiger Dreams of Manhattan) teamed with Shedra student/poet Zack Beer and friend Matteo Pistono to share their love for this endangered art-form at a café in Thamel. This time, they combined forces with a visiting singer and banjo extraordinaire, Olivia Varela, and a local sarangi player, Shyam Nepal, in an experiment in blending melody and spoken word that also sparked the entrance of a Mexican guitarrista and a German trombone player. The poets read pieces inspired by their experiences in Asia and by mice.

This is the fourth time the haphazard team has assembled since 2005. Past events have included readings of poetry in translation from the Tibetan by Erik Pema Kunzang, as well as original poetry by Wayne Amtzis. They have been held in a hotel, a restaurant, and a public garden. They have happened more often than not when there was no electricity.

The trio of poets is now working on a book of their combined work to memorialize these chance occasions that keep repeating themselves, so stay tuned…

Thanks everyone who joined us!

Studying With Children

Many people might think that studying when one has children is not an easy feat; that it is a life filled with lots of difficulty and stress. Add to that the complication of studying in a third-world country and the challenges that this presents, and it almost seems like an impossible dream. However, for some who have a family and yet wish to continue their studies, Nepal is a dream destination. Life in Nepal can be very relaxing and set a different pace for the family, and with a little bit of planning, bringing one’s family over can be hassle-free.

In many ways, Nepal offers something different that is not always present in other developed countries. The openness of people’s hearts and the way they interact, integrate and care for children in everyday life is very uncomplicated and relaxed. Boudha, in particular, seems like its own little village, with its own customs and rhythm, though it is also not too far from the city. Here, everybody knows each other, which gives one a sense of familiarity, making everyday life with children safe and easy.

Furthermore, living in Boudha can be very cheap, and with just a little bit more money, one can have all the comforts that one desires. There are a lot of beautiful flats and houses available for rent. These can range from studios to 2-3 bedroom apartments that include kitchens, living and dining rooms, etc. One can choose a rooftop apartment that has a view of the stupa or houses that have beautiful gardens. In other words, one can easily find the ideal living place for a family, and RYI is always of great help in finding a suitable place around Boudha.

A crucial feature in balancing family life and one’s studies is the "didi", a house keeper, who can take over many of the chores in the house such as cleaning, cooking, bringing the kids to and from school, etc. Nepalis in general and the women in particular are wonderful in their relationship with children. They are very friendly, open, and full of energy and happiness.

I myself am a second year BA student, living here with my two little daughters. Compared to the time, energy and effort it takes in the West to study and raise my two girls, I was amazed at how much easier life is here for me. I have a greater support system with my didi, my classmates and the greater community of RYI and in Boudha.


Below, I would like to share with you some addresses that are helpful as you make the transition from your country to Nepal and the Shedra:

Doctors:

Kopila, the Well Baby Clinic. Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Opp. Lalitpur Municipality.
Tel: 55 42767, 55 51109
www.kopilaclinic.com

CIWEC Clinic, Lazimpat,
Tel: 44 24 111

Playgroups/Kindergarten/Grade Schools:

Wonderland International Preschool
Kapan Marg, Narayangopal Chowk,
(at Maharajgunj, Chakrapat) 20 min. from Boudha
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 4371919 or 2080658

The director of the school is Mrs. Maya Rana from Mauritius, who is a qualified educationist with 25 years of teaching. The school is run in English with French language optional. It is a very sweet, little school, similar to what we have in Europe with lot of toys, fun activities and lot of freedom. It is conceived for kids from the age of 18 months to 6 years. They have a nice garden and a school bus which picks up the kids at Boudha gate.

House of Children:
Boudha, Kathmandu
Tel: 44 79 535

Pre-school for kids from 2 to 6. It is a well established kindergarten, which works with the Montessori methods. It has been very popular among westerners to send there kids there especially if they are only here for a semester or a year.

Tashi Waldorf School:
PO Box 8975
EPC No. 4218
Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 4373428
Email: info@childrenofnepal.org, Website: http://www.childrenofnepal.org/index.htm

Beautiful school which works with the Rudolf Steiner Principle. For kids from 3 to 9 years.

English-Tibetan or English-Nepali High Schools in Boudha:

Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School
P.O. Box No. 1609
Boudha, Tinchuli, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: 977-1-470122
Fax: 977-1-496501
Email: srongtsen@wlink.com.np, Website: http://www.srongtsen.edu.np/

Himalayan Int’l Model Higher Secondary School
http://www.himsschool.com

International schools (These are nice schools if one can afford them):

Lincoln School
PO Box 2673
Rabi Bhawan
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1427 0482 Fax: +977 1427 2685
Website: http://www.lsnepal.com/

The British School
Tel: +977 1552 1794
Fax No: +977 1552 2012
Email: tbs@tbs.edu.np, Website: http://www.tbskathmandu.org/

Ecole Francaise Internationale, Lazimpat
PO Box 452, Katmandou, Nepal
Tel/Fax : (977 1) 44 11 203
Email : ecolefk@wlink.com.np, Website: http://www.ecolefrancaise.edu.np/lecole.htm

Restaurants with special facilities for kids (cafés which provide a playful environment for kids):

U cafe: a Japanese Restaurant with a nice garden, playground, baby chairs...and excellent food!

Bakery Café: is a chain of restaurants spread around Kathmandu, which especially focuses on kids…

Another MA Graduate!

Congratulations to Morten Ostensen for passing his MA thesis defense on December 11! The title of his thesis is: In the Presence of the Dharmakaya: Dzogchen Practice According to Khangsar Tenpe Wangchug’s Notes on Dza Paltrul’s Extraordinary Teaching of the Wise and Glorious King (mkhas pa shri rgyal po’i khyad chos). The thesis supervisor was Dr. Douglas Duckworth and the External Reader was Dr. John Dunne. We are all so proud of you, Mort! So, what's next on your horizon?

A Traditional Wedding in Nepal

Saturday morning, at Buddhanilkantha next to the 5m-long Sleeping Vishnu statue in a pond, under a colorful tent, a traditional Nepali wedding took place between my English friend from the summer course and his Nepali sweetheart. We were so excited that we would be invited to witness a traditional wedding ceremony, and I personally was joyful I was finally wearing my sari, which until then had been waiting two and a half years in my closet to be worn (Putting on a sari is hard work!). The mother of the bride welcomed us and we were seated in front of a smoky fire pit along with much burning of incense. The pit was totally encircled by orange flower garlands, and loads of trays with both small and large items that were part of the rituals…plenty of green leafed bowls, filled with different kinds of substances, colored powders, rice, oils, yogurt, flower petals, etc. were completing the altar scene.

In contrast with the weddings in the West, the bride wore a red sari, and was astoundingly adorned with various heavy golden ornaments, hanging from all limbs, neck, and even face. Unlike in the West, the bride was the one was waiting for the groom at the altar and not the groom as we are used too! The groom arrived dressed in a traditional Nepali costume, with a topi (a traditional Nepali hat) and a kukuri (a traditional knife) in his belt, escorted but numerous musicians while playing loud and festive-joyful music with large and sometimes funny musical instruments.

The wedding ceremony was the longest I have ever been to. It lasted four hours because the ceremony includes numerous ritual performances, one after the other in endless succession. The priest and the family members gave tikka to the bride and groom again and again, the couple walked together holding a bed-seat around the fire, the family washed their hands and feet and drank pouring water… What impressed me a lot was that the bride is not supposed to smile or make gestures of jubilation, but instead is supposed to look sad and humble because she is going to be separated from her family. One of the many customs that amused and impressed me was when two groups, one of boys and one of girls, tore apart the two edges of a bed sheet while the couple was seated underneath. The winning camp signified the sex of the couple’s future baby.

I am very pleased I had the chance to witness such a beautiful wedding. Not only was I amazed by the sensory stimulus, like the variety of ritual items, the colorful mosaic of the women’s saris, the pleasing fragrances in the air and the cheerful music, but also I could sense that a holy union was taking place between a man and a woman. It was definitely the most exciting wedding ceremony I’ve had the privilege to see.

Wishing heaps of happiness to the couple!

Zeta Koutsokera of Greece