Taipei: Office of Tibet, Taiwan in collaboration with Taiwan-based Tibetan Association, Phingtong Gosok Kunphenling and Yunling Gosok Jangchubling monasteries organised a three-day Summer Tibetan Culture Programme for Tibetan children aged 3-18 years old in Taiwan from 18-20 August 2023.
A total of 21 children took part in the programme aged 4-16 years old from which there were 12 boys and 9 girls.
Office of Tibet, Taiwan’s Buddhist philosophy teacher Tenzin Namdol Rinpoche and Gosok Kunphenling monastery’s Chugpo Rinpoche explained to the children the basics of Buddhism such as offering the deities water, incense, butter lamp, and prostrations. Parents and staff taught children how to make Tibetan dish momo and apply their learnings into practice which brought much cheer.
On the second day of the programme, children were allowed to make offerings to deities and were taken on a tour of the monastery, followed by a visit to Gosok Jangchubling where they were welcomed by the Geshes who provided lunch. After a brief rest, parents and children gathered in the assembly hall to listen to Geshe Lo Tenzin’s address who spoke about the significance of preserving Tibetan religion and culture, followed by Representative of Office of Tibet’s address who thanked the monasteries and others for their support.
Office of Tibet, Taiwan’s Buddhist philosophy teacher Tenzin Namdol Rinpoche and Gosok Kunphenling monastery’s Chugpo Rinpoche continued to provide tour of the monastery and introduced the statues, stupas, and mandalas in Chinese. The duo also answered the queries of the children on the Potala painting behind the monastery. The second day concluded with Tibetan gorshey or circle dance.
The third day saw Chugpo Rinpoche speak on Buddhist philosophy and the children listened to him with interest.
The objective of this programme is to leave an impression on the children about Tibetan religion, culture and language.
While the children expressed their joy, parents strongly urged for the programme to be continued.
–Filed by the Office of Tibet, Taiwan