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!
