On the morning of 14th April, when thousands of us were still doing our kora at the Swayambhunath Stupa, I received shocking news of big earthquake in Gyegu or Yushu. I was very worried about the situation, especially I myself had visited this beautiful place in 2007 and had such a wonderful time with the people there. I was first told that Tulku Heruka was missing because he was studying at the Tulku School in Gyegu and there was no news from Kyabje Satrul Rinpoche and his beloved son, our young Kyabje Adeu Rinpoche. Finally, thanks to my friends in Beijing and those who were with Kyabje Lhachok Rinpoche in Malaysia, they called and informed that everyone was safe and none of our monasteries were affected by the earthquake. Some cracks here and there were found, but all our respected masters, monks and nuns were safe.
I would like to send prayers and my condolences to Khenpo Ngawang Lobsang who has sent news of his parents' passing during this tragedy. Many of my friends there also lost their family and beloved ones.
Many injuries and casualties came as a result of this earthquake. Seeing photos of all the damages really made me feel so sad and helpless. I was most sorry for one of Kyabje Traleg Rinpoche's branch gompas, which is more popularly known as Thrangu Gompa. Kyabje Traleg Rinpoche, who is the main master of Thrangu Gompa is my Dharma brother, we grew up together. I was shocked to first receive news that only 10 of the 300 monks managed to get out of the earthquake, the rest could not be found. But I hope by now more survivors are found. Let us all pray for that.
I am so relieved Kyabje Adeu Rinpoche and his entourage were not hurt, that was the first thing came to my mind when I heard about the earthquake. My friends in Beijing were very kind to inform me. I was so relieved to receive good news from them. Even though I shouldn't be saying this, everyone should be treated equally. Anyway, I am deeply very happy to know that Kyabje Adeu Rinpoche is safe, and it is so certainly because of his own blessing. My prayers are always there, I am trying to help a little bit, although compared to the help from government, my help is like a drop in the ocean. Thanks to the central and local government, everyone is being looked after very nicely. Over here, we are joining all of our spirits together to pray and to send all of our good wishes from every corner of the world.
I am thinking that just as an expression of our love to raise funds for our friends who are suffering a lot in Gyegu as a Live To Love project, not only fundraising, but also giving some help, if there is any way possible. And also, I will also organise several prayers at my different monasteries and nunneries to pray for the well being of all the victims and survivors.
This uncommon and hostile weather conditions are giving us hints that if we don't start to live mindfully and take care of our earth, the damage that we are doing is not only to the earth, karma will befall us, and when it happens, it will be too late. I was telling everyone not to use plastic or non-biodegradable cups, plates and all these kinds of things during ADC and also after ADC, still many naughty people did not listen. Everywhere I went, I still saw all the plastic wastes everywhere, especially for Tsok, why do we have to offer so many unhealthy food for Tsok. I will leave this to the managers to sort out this and I think we better change our offering style and stop buying unhealthy food packed in plastics for Tsok and do our bit as a responsible earth citizen.
