The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

During the winter of 2001, two Tibetan monks living in exile in the southern Indian state of Karnakata, were traveling in the United States, and ended up visiting the midcoast of Maine. The monks stayed with host families. Contact and conversation between the host community and the monks began to grow, and in time, the discussion turned into the feasibility of the monks return and extended stay. This possibility then evolved into logistics being arranged for the two monks, Wangchen Dorje and Dawa Gyalsen, to come to Maine and help establish a center in Camden that would have the purpose of studying Buddhism and other aspects of Tibetan culture.

The small group that arranged for the two Tibetan monks’ extended stay in Maine formed a non-profit organization, concentrating on two goals: 1) Providing the Tibetans an opportunity to preserve and teach others about their culture while they are in exile and 2) Exploring the cross-cultural exchange between the Tibetan monks and the people of Maine.

The process of bringing the monks to Maine and assisting in their transition has been aided by the Windhorse Project (http://www.windhorseproject.org/), a Maine-based non-profit that raises scholarship money for Buddhist teachers to study English in Maine. Wangchen Dorje and Dawa Gyalsen have been able utilize the resources of the Windhorse Project.

Mission

from website...
“The Namgyal Ling Peace Center primarily sees itself as a creative bridge between the cultures of West and East, in particular that of Tibet, with hopes of encouraging the ongoing philosophical, religious and cultural dialogue which has, in many places, proven to be of significant and mutual benefit. Also, in recognition of the unyielding threat which Tibetan culture has endured for well over 50 years, on the one hand, and the unique contribution it has made to world culture as a living expression of the Buddhist faith, on the other, the Center seeks to assist Tibetan monks, now living in exile, gain necessary language and modern communication skills as they attempt to both preserve and promulgate their unique religion and culture. The Tibetan world-view is one which places great emphasis on peaceful coexistence and interdependence, the very issues that a sustainable future for the planet now clearly hinges upon.”

Description

The community started small with only 5 members. With the arrival of the monks, and continued interest in the newly established center, the community has grown to 32 members. While they are looking for a shrine to call their own, they are currently meeting in a local yoga center for Sunday gatherings.

Since a key component to the Namgyal Ling Peace Center is learning about and preserving Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism, the community is working with the monks to assist them in learning English, along with web development and desktop video production so that the monks can communicate more broadly about their culture.

Teachers

To pursue their religious studies, Wangchen Dorje and Dawa Gyaltsen escaped from Tibet to southern India in their early teens, as was the way for many of Tibet’s great masters. Wangchen has trained as a monk for over 12 years, and Dawa has trained for over 18 years. Both monks are now in Camden, Maine to help establish the Namgyal Ling Peace Center.

As a part of their new role in Camden, the monks have been meeting with terminally ill patients, and have created a sand mandala for parents who have lost their children.

Activities and Schedule

Meditation and teachings are held at the Yoga Barn on Molyneaux Rd, just South of Rt. 105. Sunday sessions include a 30 minute meditation starting at 3:10 p.m. Another session begins at 4:00 p.m. which consists of chanting, a fifteen minute meditation with instruction, a recording and an open discussion. All are welcome to attend.

Classes

The community is planning to arrange several classes and educational programs. Below are some of the proposed opportunities. Check the website for more detailed information.
• Mandala sand-painting
• Tibetan language
• Buddhist philosophy and metaphysics
• Teachings of the Buddha
• Videos of talks by H.H. the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist masters

Growing their collection of resources for their library, community members are able to donate books or other resources related to Buddhist studies.