Varada Effort

The 4th day after we have left home:-

The morning of 5 Aug, being an auspicious day, we woke up early to do the smoke offering and the raising of the flags up on the hill behind our guesthouse.

The smoke offering puja is meant for beings in other realms who have problem in consuming food. May they have peace and no more suffering after this

The dharchor after being blessed is ready to be mounted onto the poles

The children, the French and German residents of the guesthouse, the helpers, the villagers, together with the monks and our group members gathered to take a picture for memory after the ceremony. May we be freed from obstacles from now on

Such a magnificent sight to behold with all the flags flying high

Meanwhile the medical camp is all ready to start

Business was brisk during the first hour

We have two rooms available with enough beds for Men and Women section

Meanwhile the new participants who are first timers to Lhadak went on to their first sight seeing visit to Hemis Monastery where Naropa did his retreat in the cave. This monastery is 45 kms towards the south east of Leh. Tilopa and Naropa already have connection with this monastery since the 11th century. Today it is being taken care of by HH the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa of the Drukpa sect.

Gen Yeshi who is the guide, even gave a bonus treat to our group by showing them Shey Monastery on their way back. This was not planned in the itinerary. The group did short meditation and circumambulation in the Monastery.

Evening after dinner, we have a short First Aid workshop for the staff, senior students and monks who are taking care of the children in the Institute and Mahabodhi School. Basic knowledge of helping the injured during emergency situations were taught. 2 sets plus 1 set of First Aid Kits were given to Ngari Institute and Mahabodhi School respectively after the workshop.

Demonstration and explanation followed by actual practice session as taught by Dr Neo

These are part of the 18 First Aid kits which Varada effort has purchased for the distribution to TCV, Ngari Institute and Mahabodhi school

6th Aug morning our tour group will proceed to visit Stok Palace Museum. This museum holds a rich collection of jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns of the King. Most of the collections of thangkas and paintings date back to 450 years ago.

Meanwhile Medical Camp continues, and through the word of mouth the crowd is getting more and more.

We are having a good size queue here

Both rooms are fully occupied

In the afternoon, Dr.Neo went to TCV campus to do a First Aid Workshop for the school nurses, the caretakers of hostels, the teachers, the school bus driver and also the more senior students. The kits were distributed to various departments. Our new tour participants were shown around the campus where they house 1,600 children and was one of the first stops of arrival when the Tibetans crossed the Himalayas to come into India. Much enthusiasm was shown by the students.