Venerable Rinpoche continued receiving many devotees at the Centre and offered guidance, blessings and prayers.
Many people expressed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Ven. Rinpoche for his humanitarian work benefiting hundreds of vulnerable people in Mongolia for so many years, especially single mothers and children.
Ven. Rinpoche met children from the local district who receive direct support from Ireland through sponsorship and Asral’s Hot Meal Project.
He talked with each child individually about their health, studies and family circumstances. Ven. Rinpoche provided direct assistance to several children in difficult circumstances and distributed clothes donated by his students in Ireland and Mongolia. He then prayed for all the children.
Visit to Lam Rim Monastery
Venerable Bayantsagan, the Abbot of Lamrim Monastery, invited Ven. Rinpoche to his monastery and requested him to give a Dharma teaching. Ven. Rinpoche has been invited to Lamrim Monastery every year since his first trip to Mongolia in 1995. He gave a teaching on Lamrim (the Stages on the Complete Path to Enlightenment) attended by over a hundred people.
Genyen Vows
Ven. Rinpoche also gave Genyen vows (lay vows) to over 50 people at Kunchab Jampa Ling Centre and gave teachings on the importance of committing ourselves to these vows, how these vows benefit one’s own life and the lives of others at the same time.
Asral Board Meeting
The Board Members of Asral/Kunchab Jampa Ling had their annual meeting with Ven. Rinpoche. Burmaa, the Director, gave an annual report on the spiritual and humanitarian activities of the Centre. Ven. Rinpoche thanked the board members and staff for their continued support, hard work and contribution towards the humanitarian projects and the running of the Centre.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Venerable Geshé Jetsun Dorji Lharampa, the Abbot of Gandantegchinlen, a principal Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia, invited Ven. Rinpoche to the monastery and offered lunch. They discussed the current situation of Buddhism in Mongolia and how Buddhism can contribute to the betterment of Mongolian society.
Onderschill
Ondorshill village in the Gobi Desert is approximately 350 kilometres south of Ulaanbaatar. The village recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. The governor came to visit Ven. Rinpoche in Ulaanbaatar to present a medal of honour on behalf of the village in gratitude for his continued support for the village’s residents. Asral charity has
supported this impoverished village for many years, building a maternity wing for the hospital with the support of ElectricAid Ireland to help prevent pregnant women from getting infections.
Asral set up a language lab in the local school enabling 130 children to receive English classes. With support from Ireland and the Dutch Government, Asral installed a well and water purification system, the first of its kind in Mongolia. The system filters hard metals and high salt content and continues to significantly improve the health of the local population. Over 250 families in the village are now benefiting from clean, filtered water.
Visit to Kindergarten
The new school year in Mongolia started on Monday 2nd of September. The director of the kindergarten welcomed Ven. Rinpoche and gave a brief report. This kindergarten currently has 560 children aged up to 5 years. 14 children in difficult circumstances are currently supported by Asral with toiletries and stationeries. Asral has assisted
with the renovation of classrooms and accommodation to enable more children to attend.
Visit to Governor District No. 9
Ven. Rinpoche was received by the governor and the staff of District Number 9. The governor thanked Ven. Rinpoche for his years of continuous support for people who are struggling, especially women and children. Ven. Rinpoche thanked the governor and staff for their warm welcome and gave a brief description of Asral’s work in
Mongolia. He urged them to work with Asral to help alleviate the difficult conditions of the vulnerable sections of society. He offered prayers and blessings to all the staff.
Visit to the Medical Clinic
Ven. Rinpoche was received by the doctor in charge and staff of the Local Clinic of the 9th District, their patients and local people. Asral Charity has worked closely with the clinic for many years and on many levels, including organising presentations and workshops to promote living a healthy, safe and hygienic life. Ven. Rinpoche is committed to continue supporting this vital work. The clinic has organized many presentations and workshops at Asral Centre to promote the importance of living a healthy and hygienic life. Ven. Rinpoche asked them to continue this important work. The doctor reported that the ECG device sponsored by Asral has helped more than 6,000 people so far.
Ven. Rinpoche thanked the doctor for working together with Asral NGO for many years. He said prayers and gave blessings to the staff and the patients in the hospital.
Return to Ireland
Venerable Rinpoche’s 2024 annual trip is ending soon. He will be leaving Mongolia on 4th September.