Letter from Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche.
Dear Sangha Members and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and dharma. It is with great joy that I am able to share with you some good news regarding beneficial activities that took place last winter, as a result of our collective efforts.
The Odiyana Health Clinic has finally been completed. We held an auspicious opening ceremony for the clinic on December 4th, 2023. Following this, we offered a free Clinic Health Camp on the 5th and 6th, bringing much benefit to people who were in need of medical attention. For more information on this, please read the report put together by Marilyn Stoner, attached below.
For the joy of many, we held our Annual Public Dharma Events of 2023 at our two temples: Ati Jangchub Choeling and Deden Tashi Choeling with the blessings of His Eminence Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche. For these events, please find more details in the report below by Kyndra Irwin. Currently, the construction of our permanent Ati Jangchub Choeling Temple or monastery is ongoing and scheduled for completion at the end of 2025.
On behalf of the members of our organizations, I would like to sincerely thank all of you who generously helped us with your financial support in making this long held dream come true, and also those of you who simply directed your kind wishes and prayers towards our projects. Due to your support, thus far we were able to complete our first project, the Odiyana Health Clinic, hold our Annual Public Events, and make progress with the ongoing Odiyana Temple construction.
The resident Lamas at our two temples, as well as our beloved noisy young monks, will always remain extremely grateful to all of you. May these virtuous activities continue to bring great benefit to many, at all levels.
With best wishes always,
Tulku Orgyen
Odiyana Health Clinic: Report by Marilyn Stoner
Grand Opening
The Odiyana Health Clinic was officially opened on December 4, 2023, with a ribbon cutting by Namgat Dawa Rinpoche and Orgyen Phuntsok Rinpoche at the gates of Ati Jangchup Choeling, in Ruksin, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The clinic aims to provide primary care to local residents, and boys attending the monastery school (under construction). A large group of volunteers from local communities and members of the Odiyana Institute, Santa Barbara helped to make the health camp an incredible success.
The clinic was coordinated by Marilyn S. Stoner, RN, PhD—healthcare providers, such as nurses from the local community. Oming Tamuk, RN and Gracy Siram, RN provided translation and cultural insights into the families who attended the clinic. Each person completed a health history, vital signs were taken and each person identified the health concern that brought them to the clinic.
A Tibetan doctor Phuntsok Wangdue, from the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute provided additional screening and treatment using traditional medicines. All the acupuncture treatments, herbs, ointments, and incense were all provided by Dr. Wangdue and distributed by his two staff members. The free health camp was held December 5th to 6th. We saw 93 patients, the majority of patients were adults with musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain and gastritis or stomach irritation. Participants were given education on self-care practices to improve their health and the health of their families. All participants received a personal first aid kit from Tulku (Orgyen P’huntsok Rinpoche).The health records collected are being synthesized into a health assessment of attendees, recommendations for future health related services will be made from the data. The plan for the 2024 visit will be derived from this data and local requests for services.
Care and Education of our Young Monks
A second part of the trip was to assess the needs of the first ten boys who have come to live at the center. The boys came from local families with diverse backgrounds (Nepalese, Indian, and Assamese) and needs. The majority are orphans. Some have parents who are divorced, poor or have mental health issues and are unable to care for their children. Each child was assessed for his health status. Their heights, weights, language and other skills were documented. All the children are within the healthy range for height, weight and physical development.
The children were happy and enthusiastically participated in the clinic and in various educational activities. They were taught how to use medical equipment such as an automatic blood pressure cuff. The boys were excited to both learn to use the equipment and practice their English by writing down the blood pressure readings and the names of each other and volunteers.Norbu Kangchen and Claire Woolson from Ojai engaged the children with fun games and activities throughout the stay. The project director for the site, Lama Ngawang, directs the activities of the boys and provides Tibetan language education, in addition to ensuring their ongoing development.
Another sangha member Nurha de Souza, taught yoga to the young monks while she was there, they really enjoyed her classes! She also helped the children with reading books and writing in English. Kyndra Irwin, an education specialist from Texas, worked with the boys on various art projects, and brought some Montessori materials to support their studies and skills in Math and English. She also shared some fun hands-on activities, their favorite of which was blowing bubbles.
Monks at the gate of Deden Tashi Choeling, Pemakod
Participation in the project is open to all. For more information on traveling to The Odiyana Health and Education Center contact Marilyn Stoner at nursestoner@gmail.com.
The project is a collaboration between the Tibetan Aid Foundation (an Ojai-based nonprofit, led by Dorjee Tsewang), the Odiyana Institute (a Tibetan Buddhist center in Santa Barbara, led by Tulku Orgyen), and the Odiyana Charitable Society (an India-based nonprofit, led by Gelek Rabel).
How you can participate:
• Donate to the center activities of health promotion, education or construction
• Volunteer in India
• Share your expertise and insight about health, education or community development.
Stay up to date on all the activities!
Social Media: Facebook: Odiyana Health and Education Project
Instagram: @odiyana_project
H. E. Namgyal Dawa at Deden Tashi Choeling in Pemakod
Annual Public Dharma Events of 2024: Report by Kyndra Irwin
Below is a summary detailing some of the major Odiyana events of 2024 at Ati Jangchub Choeling in Ruksin, and Deden Tashi Choeling in Pemakod.
On December 7th, at Ati Jangchub Choeling in Ruksin, hundreds of devotees gathered from all walks of life for the 25th Dakini Tsok ceremony, receiving the empowerment of longevity from His Eminence Dungsay Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche. This event started in the morning with the practice of Dakini Tsok.
In the afternoon, Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche addressed the large public gathering with a talk announcing the completion of the Odiyana Health Clinic and spoke to the purpose of this health clinic, which is being able to offer free medical treatment to the needy. The clinic was open to the public the entire day and was never without a line of people seeking free services. Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche remarked to the audience about looking forward to future clinic events and opportunities to continue offering free treatment to those in need.
Turning attention to other uses of this land in Ruksin, which the gathering was taking place on, Tulku spoke to his aspiration for the completion of the new temple being built as well as an upcoming school, both of which he hopes will be of benefit to many.
His Eminence Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche gave a teaching, followed by an empowerment of longevity to the devoted crowd. The day was a one of a kind celebration where people not only received free medical treatment, but also a spiritually healing empowerment of longevity. A bag of Tsok, or “blessed substance”, and a picture of Buddha Shakyamuni, along with many other blessed objects were handed out to each of the hundreds of participants.
The day concluded with the two Venerable Rinpoches offering Malas (rosary for the recitation of mantras) to roughly fifty volunteers who helped throughout the whole event.
On December 9th Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche was received with a carefully arranged and very grand reception at Deden Tashi Choeling in Pemakod. The next morning Rinpoche visited the retreat land, Thegchok Osel Choeling adjacent to the temple. Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche showed him the very place where his previous incarnation, known as Phunlung Sangay Rinpoche once lived as well as made an auspicious offering of a small retreat cabin to Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche. The entire atmosphere of the occasion felt like a welcoming home.
Later at a sangha gathering, Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche mentioned that ever since his childhood he had dreamt of a place on a mountain top with many animals, rocks and arranged stones, and the incessant sound of a river from the valley below. He went on to say that now, upon finally reaching here, he recognized that this place he had dreamt of all his life was unmistakably Thegchok Osel Choeling retreat land. After visiting the retreat land, the two Rinpoches then blessed the amazing two stupas recently built behind the temple. These stupas were built in memory of H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche and H.H. Penor Rinpoche, each containing their respective relics.
The morning on December 11th began with the practice of Tsokye Thugthig, Lake Born Vajra. In the afternoon, the public gathered from all corners of Pemakod region and listened to Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche speak about the significance of His Eminence Namgyal Dawa’s presence at the temple and the historical importance of Dudjom lineage’s role for the sacred land of Upper and Lower Pemakod. Thereafter, His Eminence gave an empowerment, followed by dinner and dancing later that evening.
December 12th & 13th Troma Tsok Bum “Hundred Thousand Tsok offering with the practice of Chod” was performed, being led by His Eminence Dungsey Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche, Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche, Tulku Choeje Lingpa, Lama Rigdzin Phuntsok, amongst many other great Lamas, Khenpos, Loppons, and dedicated lay practitioners. Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche said, around six decades ago Troma Tsok Bums were performed by his predecessor and H.E. Namgyal Dawa Rinpoche’s predecessor at the very same temple, and that these two days of Troma Tsok Bum event, being the largest gathering for such a practice at the same temple again, signifies fulfillment of their previous lives’ aspiration. While practice went on in the temple, rainbows appeared and special birds circled the temple, which are all auspicious signs in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The two days gathering concluded with Marme Monlam, “making aspiration with butter lamp in hands”, acknowledging that we have gathered here due to our past karmic connection,and praying that from here on, to never separate and all attain enlightenment within a single mandala.
On December 22nd, Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche and Lama Rigdzin Phuntsok led the Guru Rinpoche Day practice performing the Guru Sadana of Rigdzin Dupa, gathering of all Vidyadharas. Likewise, December 26th, we observed Full Moon Day with the practice of Hundred Dieties, for all beings and those who have passed away. All of these events went auspiciously.
Mentioned above you will find the most relevant major events of the Odiyana Charitable Society in 2024, needless to say countless minor events occur all throughout the year, not necessary to mention but valuable nonetheless.
Public Gathering at Deden Tashi Choeling in Pemakod
Empowerment at Ati Jangchub Choeling in Ruksin
May All Beings Benefit!
Recent Report of 2024
Completion:
1. The Odiyana Clinic is now completed due to your generous support. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on December 4, 2023 and health care was provided led by the Tibetan doctor Phuntsok Wangdue, along with Marillyn S Stoner, RN and four other local assistant nurses. Free distribution of Tibetan medicines were made for all patients in need.
2. Construction has been completed for a Prayer Wheel House with three large prayerwheels which contain millions of various sacred mantras. Ever since residents and visitors alike enjoy turning the Dharma Wheel while sitting and doing their Dharma practice. The Dharma Wheel House with its 20 + sitting capacity has been a sacred space particularly for elder community members.
Ongoing Construction Works:
1. Monks’ quarters: As a part of Odiyana Children’s School, construction on a young monks’ quarter began earlier this year. This three story building holds a capacity of 50+ student residents. It is scheduled to complete sometime early next year, if not sooner.
2. The construction of the Odiyana temple, Ati Jangchub Choeling began on the auspicious day of November 15th, 2023, and it is currently under construction. After its full completion, the temple will facilitate large gatherings of all local Buddhist communities, and visitors alike.
Activities on the Land:
1. Everyday: Young monks at the Odiyana Children’s school study reading, writing, art and rituals in Tibetan. They also engage in all other sorts of Dharma activities including prayers and meditation. Students follow a well established schedule, starting from 6 in the morning till 8PM led by the head teacher Loppon Phurpa Dorjee from Namdrolling Monastery and our resident teachers: Lama Ngawang, Lama Jurmey and other visiting teachers.
2. Monthly: Since the first ceremony, held in February of 2022, monthly Dharma events such as Guru Rinpoche Day, Dakini Day, and Full Moon days, which are led by Lama Rigdzin Phuntsok, are celebrated. Other visiting Lamas have also graced the land and engaged in Dharma activities. All these have been a great benefit for the local Buddhist communities and visitors alike.
3.Our project site has been a much visited and favorable place for many people in the region, including regional public leaders, and other local officials.
Upcoming Events:
1. In early January of 2025, Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche will visit the land along with Dharma practitioners from different countries and Dharma events will be held. During this time, free distribution of medicines and other health care will be provided to the general public at the Odiyana Clinic.
2.There will also be winter activities aimed at connecting with new generations in the Buddhist community. These include a Tibetan New Year celebration and other public events.
Welcoming your Expertise:
Members of the Odiyana Charitable Society in India welcome you to visit the land in order to share your knowledge and expertise. Perhaps you may be able to teach your language or skills to the young monks at Odiyana Children’s School or to other youth in the area. Maybe you have experience in healing work or other medical fields, or you are able to contribute medical supplies. Anything of this nature will be highly appreciated.
Report in 2023
Since the inauguration of our projects last February 2022 until now, much progress has been made on the land in Ruskin, Pasighat. Several buildings have been constructed, and ongoing events and dharma activities are happening regularly.
The Ati Jangchub Choeling Temple, a small but well-facilitated temple, was built towards the end of last February 2022 by the retreatants from Deden Tashi Choeling Temple, Pemakod. Ever since its completion, bimonthly Tsok practices and all other Dharma practices have been held here. This smaller temple will continue to function until the larger temple we have envisioned, with a greater capacity for participants, is completed.
Additionally, last summer, a public kitchen featuring a large dining room was built in the simple style of the local Assamese architecture. It has been the gathering center for all of the events that take place on the land.
A traditional, Adi bamboo house was also completed last summer. This house has been loved by visitors from near and far, who are able to enjoy its unique structure for the day or who spend the night here, rather than relying on the availability of local hotels.
A basic storage facility with two rooms has been built for the land. One is used for day to day needs and the other for items required less frequently.
As done in India and particularly in this region, a durable wall around the land has almost been completed. This wall will serve as a boundary, and is important for the safety of the school in particular.
Report 2022
Our celebration on February 16th 2022 was the first official gathering on the land. The event was graced by many government dignitaries as well as spiritual heads. Around six hundred people were gathered from all walks of life. To the joy of all participants, Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche announced his aspiration for the benefit of many with the means of three projects for generations to come. Ever since, gatherings have been held twice every month and occasional holy days have also been celebrated.
OCS 