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Coorain is happily involved in visiting and supporting Karma Chokor Dechen Nunnery in Rumtek, Sikkim. We also make regular trips to Rumtek and have close practice links with the nuns.
At the same time we maintain our relationship with HH 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje and his community. Our friendship and support extends back to the previous Karmapa (over 40 years).
At the same time we maintain our relationship with HH 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje and his community. Our friendship and support extends back to the previous Karmapa (over 40 years).
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This is a beautiful and moving portrayal of everyday life at the Rumtek Nunnery. Em edited and produced this gorgeous HD film from footage she took during her stay in 2016. Please also have a look at the 'Zines produced by the Nuns as well as videos of traditional Pujas (also shot by Em), which you will find on the Online Offerings page.
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Support for the Rumtek Nunnery
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We aim to support the genuine independence of these women and girls and to support the efforts of the present order to a more enlightened relationship with gender in the world. Supporting the nuns supports these principles and maintains our growing lineage network. As of May11th, 2014 we have pledged $11,800 each year for the next three years to the Rumtek Nunnery, whose operating costs per year are $15,000.
Members of the Coorain community visit Sikkim twice a year. People can apply to join. All inquiries through Chime at Coorain (08) 9764 1275. The nuns can really use teaching in English proficiency and English as a second language teaching. 
Fine Tibetan medicinal incense made by our dear friend, Mr. Jigme Tsarong is purchased and sold on. No one takes a profit and all money raised goes to support the nuns in a very practical way. Over the years these funds have provided much support in the way of domestic infrastructure and we are often involved in the direct provision of goods and services.
If you can sell this incense or would like to purchase some, please contact Anne at Coorain (08) 9764 1275 or origins@iinet.net.au Coorain organises these projects and over many years of involvement has strengthened a valued relationship with our Tibetan friends in India.
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Front Row: Karma Tsultrim, Karma Minjur
2nd Row: Dhelha, Tsundu, Karma, Karma Jangchub, Randol, Jingpa, Sangmo
3rd Row: Rinchen, Tsomo, Dolma, Tsudol, Karma Chosang, Karma Lhazom, Sonam
Back Row: Wangmo, Tsupal, Sherab Choden, Samten, Karma Dechen
Back Row: Tsundu, Samten, Rangdol Back Row: Wangmo, Karma, Tsomo
Front Row: Dolma, Sangmo, Jingpa Front Row: Rinchen, Dhela
Richard, Gaby and Em visited the nuns in late October 2017. The nuns were wonderful, generous hosts, as usual. Richard ran a health check clinic to establish a sense of the nuns' health needs, and taught a class on Refuge; Em taught some karate (at the small nuns' request); investigations into computer facilities were made with a view to setting up online education options. Five new nuns have entered the fold, ranging from teens to mid-40s, and are already settled well. The mood was positive and welcoming all round.
The nuns rooms have been renovated to reduce damp and improve health, they look great. The greenhouse is producing plenty of chillis, squash and spinach, and the nuns enjoy the garden work. Requests are being made about repairs to the gompa, which must go through official processes - it is possible the gompa will require complete replacement, which is not a simple request as specialist monastic builders must be employed. Ani Tsultrim is investigating the way forward with this. Ani Dechen (one of the senior nuns) is on 18 month meditation retreat at present, this may enable more advanced teaching in future. The nuns also took us to visit Ani Minjurla's cremation site near the old Rumtek monastery. It is a beautiful, peaceful site in juniper forest. We were also shown through several decades of Ani Minjurla's personal photo collection, which included old photos of meetings with the 16th Karmapa, Shamar Rinpoche, the past and also present Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, and many other famous and historical teachers, as well as her beloved young charges, many cats, and her hat collection(!). It was a lovely gift to share in the memories and connections. ~Em Harper |
All money in this account is held in trust for the nuns and is transferred monthly.
If you have any inquiries about pledges or once up donations please contact Anne at Coorain (08) 9764 1275 or origins@iinet.net.au
If you have any inquiries about pledges or once up donations please contact Anne at Coorain (08) 9764 1275 or origins@iinet.net.au