Buddhists and Buddhist organizations across the world have mobilized to offer assistance to people affected by the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck near Kathmandu at 11.56 a.m. NST on 25 April. Prayers and rituals for the deceased, injured, and displaced have been held in many temples and centers, while major figures from the four main schools of Vajrayana Buddhism have united to provide the afflicted with both material and spiritual aid.
Man crying as he walks past ruins and a Buddha statue in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu Valley. From Reuters
The earthquake is Nepal’s deadliest in 80 years, and over 4,000 people have lost their lives, with more than 6,500 injured. Xinhua reported that Saturday’s earthquake had also affected neighboring Shigatse in Tibet, the location of the seat of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo. CNN has confirmed that nearly 100 people in Tibet and India have been killed so far. Vast numbers of tents have been set up in Kathmandu for the displaced and those afraid or unable to return to their homes, with thousands camping outside for the third night. Many are suffering food and water shortages and electricity blackouts, and outbreaks of disease are feared. A number of aftershocks have also been reported—the latest were recorded on Monday night.
Patheos reported that Karuna Shechen, the humanitarian organization founded by Matthieu Ricard, is already present to assist with mobile clinics and camps and a team of medical professionals. Tzu Chi, perhaps the world’s largest Buddhist humanitarian group, wrote from Taiwan: “Following the devastating Nepal Earthquake, Tzu Chi’s Disaster Survey and Medical Team will set off to the disaster area on April 27, 2015. In addition to providing emergency medical relief, we will, at this first stage, assess the relief items and subsequent assistance needed by the disaster area. Hopefully, we can convey the care and love from the global community to the disaster area in the shortest time possible.”
Cracked top of the Boudhanath stupa. From Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe
The Canadian Engaged Buddhism Association, Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokgyur Lingpa Foundation, Dhammadharini, Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, ROKPA International, and Tsoknyi Nepal Nuns are also appealing for donations. Aside from basic humanitarian assistance, many of the Buddhist groups are looking to address the needs of the orphaned children, women, or nuns they work with or are responsible for. Buddhist Global Relief, founded by Bhikkhu Bodhi, has donated US$10,000 to aid workers in Nepal. The Hong Kong Buddhist Association has also launched a fundraising drive to contribute funds for aid assistance.
Singer Ani Choying Drolma has authorized law firm Jackson Ho and Co. to collect donations on her behalf. Earlier, she had posted that while Arya Tara School and associated schools were not damaged, many from those schools were among those killed.
The earthquake damaged several Buddhist landmarks. Among the many UNESCO-listed heritage sites that have been decimated, the most prominent Buddhist sites to be damaged were the Boudhanath stupa and the Swayambhunath temple complex. Buildings around the Boudhanath stupa have crumbled, and the top of the stupa itself is cracked. At Swayambhunath, one person was killed in the area and nearby houses, shops, and smaller structures were reduced to rubble. The village of Parphing, identified with the holy site of Yangleshö (where Padmasambhava attained the mahamudra vidyadhara, the third of the four vidyadhara levels), is reportedly safe.
Monk inspecting damage at the Swayambhunath stupa. From the BBC
In Boudhanath, empowerments had been taking place at Shechen Monastery (one of the six main centers of the Nyingma School) when the earthquake occurred. Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche posted on his Facebook wall on 25 April, “Today we felt very high earthquake [sic] but with the blessing of guru we all are fine. We have many damages [sic] at the main temple but there is no harm to the people.” He and Dudjom Yangsi Rinpoche have since flown to Bhutan.
Tsoknyi Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of Tsoknyi Nepal Nuns, noted on the organization’s website: “The nuns at my nunneries, the monks at Osel Ling, all the monks and nuns at Ka-Nying and Nagi gonpa, all these people are fine and no one was injured. The structures did suffer some damage; some buildings at Osel Ling were damaged and some structures at Chobar were also damaged.”
Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, abbot of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, released a statement on 27 April extending condolences and prayers to all affected. “Our main monastery, Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, is still standing but the buildings have suffered severe damage: The main temple has sustained major structural damage and will need to be entirely rebuilt. The new monk quarters on the western wing have sustained significant structural damage. There is considerable damage in many other buildings, including flooding,” he wrote. “As for the nunnery at Nagi Gompa, some of the old buildings have collapsed and many buildings have suffered structural damage. But the good news is that nobody was severely hurt or injured.”
The Kongma Sakyong of the Shambhala tradition asked the Shambhala community to “hold Nepalese people in your hearts,” confirming that the Sakyong Wangmo, the lineage holder of the Shambhala tradition (currently Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche), spoke with HE Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, who is in Kathmandu at the Ripa family residence. “The Rigon Tashi Choling monastery in nearby Pharpeng [Parphing] sustained minimal damage and no one in the Ripa family or monastery was injured in any way,” wrote the Kongma Sakyong. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche is the supreme head of the Ripa lineage of the Nyingma tradition and Rigon Tashi Choling in Nepal is a major Ripa temple, conceived in 1976 and completed in November 2005.
The Kongma Sakyong has also advised chanting the Seven Line Supplication to Padmakara and the Shambhala protector practices for the victims. HH Sakya Trizin, the head of the Sakya tradition, has recommended two prayers: The Prayer to Guru Rinpoche that Spontaneously Fulfils All Wishes (Sampa lhundrupma) and The Prayer that Removes All Obstacles from the Path (Barche lamsel).
In an open letter to the Nepalese prime minister, Sushil Koirala, HH the Dalai Lama wrote: “I offer my condolences to you and to those who have lost members of their families, friends and their homes in this tragedy. . . . As a token of solidarity with the people of Nepal, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards rescue and relief efforts.”
Sixty-three-member rescue and medical team from Bhutan, accompanied by prime minister Tshering Tobgay. From His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Facebook
Countries around the world have also sent in teams to assist in humanitarian efforts. On 27 April, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan sent a 63-member medical and rescue team to Kathmandu on a special flight at the request of the king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. The team, which is carrying 12 tons of medicines, medical equipment, and relief materials, including clothing and blankets, comprises a medical team coordinated by the king’s Kidu Mobile Medical Unit and Royal Bhutan Army personnel, medical specialists from the Ministry of Health, and members of the volunteer De-Suung, or “Guardians of Peace.” Also accompanying the flight are 11 top doctors, surgeons, and specialists, led by the king’s own physician.
On the flight was the Bhutanese prime minister, who personally delivered US$1 million as a contribution towards rebuilding efforts. He also expressed solidarity and support on behalf of the king and the people of Bhutan. Meanwhile, the Bhutanese national flag was flown at half-mast to mourn those killed in the earthquake.
Map of the earthquake's radius. From Google
The king and representatives of the Bhutanese government also offered 1,000 butter lamps at the Kuenrey of Tashichho Dzong and offered prayers for the victims of the disaster. Ayya Tathaaloka, on behalf of the Theravada minority living and practicing in Tibet, dedicated a Pali chant of compassion for all beings to be free from suffering. Writing from Nepal, Tsokyni Rinpoche asked that his followers recite The Prayer that Removes All Obstacles from the Path (Barche lamsel). “Please also make prayers of compassion for the people who passed away, and Guru Rinpoche prayers for the people who have survived,” he urged.
The Prayer that Removes All Obstacles from the Path
Guru Rinpoche, Buddha of the Three Times,
lord of all siddhis, embodiment of great bliss,
dispeller of all obstacles, wrathful tamer of Mara,
we supplicate you. Please grant your blessings!
Bless us that outer, inner, and secret obstacles subside,
and our wishes are spontaneously accomplished.