Embroidery

Embroidery is a fine art that is rich in the process. As our students pick canvases and needles, they are physically and mentally engaged in a process that is enriching with values, discipline, and achievements. The painstaking steps involved in the process bring students’ attention to focus on the minute details of the design, shapes and patterns that they are working on. Of course, the whole process is time and attention-demanding for our students. Perhaps, such demanding help our students to become more resilient physically, mentally and emotionally.

Paddy

Along the valley, the farmers of Selmothang harvest their last remaining paddy, a yield of their hard work and endurance. We made it to be a part of this final process, to help collect paddy for a humble family.

What we consume, where it comes from and the processes involved with its production are significant chains to identify because through this, we begin to recognize and appreciate that the animals have suffered, people have worked hard, insects have sacrificed their lives, and many more.

Meditation!

Amid a flowing river, dense vegetation, rocks and sands, we tried, to pay attention to our minds. It apparently is only a powerful hope in the midst of uncertainty.

Birding

Bird watching is a great way to get out into nature and to keep in touch with the mystery of the natural world. While we are birding, we get fresh air, exercise and to learn more about the areas we visit. Seeing the wildflowers, trees, shrubs, butterflies, rivers, and other plants that share the birds’ environment, helps us to appreciate how all the living things INTERDEPENDENTLY exist in harmony. This is a great way to teach conservation of animal habitat, trees, animals, plants, water resources, and traditional ecological wisdom in the locality.

Here are some photos of birds from our recent Field Trip to Bhangtar with our students.

Special thanks to Mr Karma Tenzin (Lee Tenzin) for your kind support and help during our entire trip!

Book Reading

We rejoice with Mrs Melam Zangmo, a resident of Deothang who has completed reading the book "Living is Dying" by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.

If you are interested to grab this book and others, let us know (this is for those residing within Deothang and Samdrup Jongkhar Throm)

Mask Project for students

In the mask-making project, students undertook a rigorous process to craft their ideas using shape, size, design and colour. As a part of the Buddhist art and culture unit, the aim of the project was to augment the students’ creative imaginations, to give them hands-on experiences, and to enhance social interactions, while emphasizing the importance of process-oriented learning.

Great work all the artists!

Book Reading for community people

Mr Pema Dorji, a health worker at Dewathang hospital has completed reading the book “Living Is Dying”. He is into his second book.

Here is a short reflection from his first book,

“A book by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche is insightful teaching about death and dying. To face the very inevitable process of life’s so-called death; Rinpoche explains the practical advice and preparations for the "BARDO" (intermediate state). Through question and answer, Rinpoche informs people about Buddhist take on suicide, abortions, death of loved ones, as well as the useful practices like Phowa, Tonglen and Tagdrol. Welcoming death as a universal milestone, this book, on how to prepare for death and beyond will transform your life and soul.” - Pema Dorji

Anyone in Dewathang, if you are interested in reading Rinpoche’s books and other Buddhist books let us know. We are ready to lend those books available in our mini-library. Please DM us!

Deuri River Trip

The Deuri River is an integral diverse system that is home to plants, animals, birds, and butterflies, as well as a natural therapeutic place for humans, that is cautiously fashioned with the reality of interdependence. This neighbouring ecosystem is a pristine bio-network for our students to be engross in various learning experiences to develop a broader understanding of the world around them, as well as their inner world. Thus, this trip is a humble program to promote positive attitudes and sustainable mindful actions towards achieving greater conservation goals.

To all the inhabitants, adjacent to Dewathang and SamdrupJongkhar: A modest plea, next time when you take a trip to Deuri; please assure not to take junk food (Maggie, Koka, fizzy drinks etc) and plastic-packaged food.

Wakefulness Two Video

Here is a short video from our second Group Wakefulness Retreat program.

Check the high-resolution video on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthj718B-6RAEYQOo1W3Tjg

‘‘In this materialistic time just to have little interest to look inside, contemplate inside, not getting distracted by outside and really looking inside is very important. It's worthwhile to spend our time and energy in it.’’ --- Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche