GIVING BACK FROM WHERE ONE HAS DRAWN: An unforgettable experience

http://www.speakingtree.in/spiritual-blogs/seekers/science-of-spirituality/giving-back-from-where-one-has-drawn-an-unforgettable-experience   [14.07.2015]
The Speaking Tree, 19.07.2015, F.Page
A quiet revolution is taking place at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in south India. Realizing the dire need to hone their English skills, a sprightly group of ordained monks and nuns go about diligently learning the language. Leading this revolution is Khenpo (Professor) Sonam Tsewang, a precious and learned teacher-translator monk in his mid 40’s. Two years ago Khenpo Sonam realized that in order to make accessible the enormous wisdom of Sakyamuni Buddha’s teachings to westerners and Indian followers of the faith, it was extremely necessary to develop a group of translators from Tibetan to English and vice versa. Afterall, not only were several texts and prayers of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibetan, but also because Buddhism as a way of life had already assumed the status of becoming the fastest growing religion in the world, given its appeal of logic, self-analysis and scientific base. Painstakingly Khenpo Sonam identified a group of monks and nuns who could one day become potential translators. He provided the set up for a classroom with the latest computers for them from his own resources and generous donors. 

It must be borne in mind that of the three root vehicles, Vajrayana or Diamond Vehicle was sparsely taught by the Buddha, given its requirement of high intellectual capacity of the recipient. Also, most of the valuable texts of this vehicle were passaged off to Tibet for safe-keeping from whatever remained after mindless destruction by Muslim invaders. The other two root vehicles are Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) and Mahayana (Greater Vehicle), both of which have their important place in the vast width of Buddha’s teachings.

The institution where this revolution is going on is the Namdroling Monastery near Mysore, Karnataka. Popularly known at the Golden Temple of the South, this monastery is the seat of the Palyul lineage of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in India.  The Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (NNI) and the Ngagyur Nyingma Nunnery Institute (NNNI) are colleges of higher Buddhist studies attached to this monastery which together have a whopping 4000 monks and 600 nuns as enrolled students engaged in study and practice of Abhidharma, Vinaya, Pramana, Sutra and Tantra.

One warm summer evening after i was just back from a month long retreat, the phone rang. It was Khenpo Sonam at the other end of the line. We have known each other since four years and share a friendly teacher-student relationship. After initial exchange of pleasantries and updates of activities he pointedly asked me: “Since our American monk-teacher has had to leave due to visa related issues, would it be possible for you to come and take English lessons for our translation group?”. Giving it no more than a quick thought i heard myself reply: “Sure, i’d be glad to, Khenpo la!”. (‘la’ is used often by Tibetans in communicating with each other as it conveys affinity towards the other indicating ‘dear’). After assuring him that i would revert back with convenient dates and duration, we hung up. 

That’s when reality struck. I had no previous experience of teaching the English language! The only qualifications Khenpo may have trusted of my capability to deliver were my ability to communicate well and my forty odd contributions to The Speaking Tree over the past seven years, which he had been reading off and on. Surely, it did help that i’ve been a diligent student having done several month long retreats. It was decided that i’d take lessons over two weeks beginning June end.

In right earnest i got down to self study over the internet. Over a fortnight of data mining I identified two most critical areas needed by translators: grammar and writing. Proof reading could be for later, i thought. For good measure i also incorporated Public Speaking as a module given that most monks and nuns i had met over the years found difficulty communicating in English.

The two weeks passed off in a blink. Classes for three groups had to be covered every day. I was taking six hour sessions each day on the trot! In addition i had to single-handedly correct over 300 essays. It was tough, but enjoyable too. Indeed, it was a hit!

We covered writing bursts, essays, extensive grammar, public speaking and public reading. Topics ranged from creative fun to Buddhist philosophy, from the importance of Tibetan festivals and special days to the general. Teaching was such fun and so was the learning process. “The class was energetic and the joy of learning was always present. Really can’t thank you enough for your kind help”, remarked graduate nun Karma Sangmo, a student herself who is also on the editorial board of the nunnery’s in-house magazine. “Writing burst and public speaking were really extremely helpful. We hadn’t done anything quite like this before”, gushed graduate monk Pema Wangdak, also the class captain of the senior group. “So sweet of you to have organized prizes as a motivator. I appreciate your kindness and concern for our students. The students are so happy with your easy and friendly teaching style. You have exceeded all my expectations!” said Khenpo Sonam, in appreciation. 

For me the experience was unforgettable. One of unparalleled joy of simply giving back to where i’ve drawn so much over the past five years. On collective demand i’ve been requested to visit again. I’m scheduled to return in October with some more learning tricks. And in the process, give back some more.

 Above: Monks English Learning Group (I'm with a white scarf)

 Above: Nuns English Learning Group

 Above: Khenpo Sonam felicitating me

 Above: What the group wrote on the white-board the last day summarizes it all!