Purpose of the Sponsorship ProgramThe purpose of the monk sponsorship program is to provide for a monk's basic necessities during his life at the monastery. The sponsorship monies pay for the costs of food, housing, clothing, study materials, health care and other basic necessities for the monks in the monasteries of H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche. This small amount of money, US$300.00, per year enables the monk to pursue his practice and dedication to serving others without the distraction of having to pay for food, clothing, and shelter.
Use of the Sponsorship FundsThe money donated to the monk sponsorship program is not "spending money" nor is it given directly to the monk to manage. The money goes to the monastery. When the monks need something, they get it. They do not have to worry about the "balance" or a separate accounting for each monk. That unnecessary work would distract the monks from their true purpose: to serve other beings and the Dharma.
The Importance of The Monastery Life in the Tibetan CommunityThe monastery is a community, in its truest and most pure form. The monastery is there solely for the benefit of other beings and for the community it serves. The people rely on the monastery not only for spiritual support, but the monastery and the monks make a higher representation that all the people of the community are joined by one central belief, one family, connected. The monastery serves as the hub, the monks the spokes, and the community the base of the wheel. The monks are an integral part of the community. Their work is invaluable. They are seen as the leaders and future lamas of the community. When a monk speaks in a public situation, as infrequently as they do, their word is respected and obeyed. When a monk speaks to a child, they are treated with the utmost respect and honor. Although the monks seem quite content and smile and bow, do not mistake their dedication and the importance the Dharma plays in their life and their role in the community. The Monks are of vital importance to the progress of Buddhism. The monks are the major source and labor behind the preservation of the Tibetan Language, culture, dance rituals, prayers and practices, written language (Sanskrit) and holy traditions and transmissions brought from India by the most excellent master Padmasambhava.
What Sponsorship Shows His EminenceThe support of the Monastery and the monks shows several positive and auspicious actions to H.E. Namkha Drimed Rinpoche, Terton; that the students in the West:
Benefits of Sponsorship to the SponsorThe benefits of supporting a monk are much deeper than just the good karma earned by helping a monk. Your support of a monk is like dropping a stone in calm water. The ripple effect is exponential. Through your generosity a monk is able to enter and stay in the monastery. You are now responsible for the support of a person who's entire life is dedicated to the Dharma and serving others. When you support a monk you not only create good karma for yourself but you now have support from a monk. The monks take sponsorship very seriously. As their sponsor, they will pray for you, when a puja is needed for you personally they will be involved and if qualified might even lead the puja. You now have a direct link with the community and the monastery. Think about it this way, you will have a part of you in the monastery.
Code of ConductWrite to the Monk as often as possible. The monk is kind of in a "spiritual military" so it's good for them to hear of all the good things that are happening in your life due to his prayers and work for the Dharma. These precious and compassionate beings are motivated by seeing the Dharma progress in the world and by helping other beings ease their suffering. Their compassion is immeasurable, by frequently contacting them to encourage them that their work is not in vain, you force them to practice their English (which Rinpoche wants) you also increase your bond with your Spiritual Brother. This is a most special bond that you will feel immediately and also will affect you in most profound ways. Also getting a letter from the monk you support is a great feeling, especially when you know how difficult it is for them to write in English.
Gifts to the MonkGiving small gifts is acceptable. Do not give gifts of VCR's, computers, expensive clothing, large amounts of cash (over $100, unless there is an emergency), complex electronic devices, cellular phones, etc. The reasoning is best explained in an example given by Jigme Rinpoche. Jigme Rinpoche told the story of a monk who received a VCR and movies from his sponsor. Every night, instead of practice all the monks were gathered in the room of the monk with the VCR to watch movies. Any gift that might distract them from their studies and duties in inappropriate. Be careful with the complexity of a gift.
Giving CashIt is ok to give small amounts of cash to the monk for spending money, but it is best not to make it a habit. Receiving money is a very uncomfortable act for them. Since they are not used to having personal money they are not sure what to do with it. They do not seek to acquire possessions and there aren't any restaurants in Orissa. The monastery takes care of all their personal needs.
EmergenciesIt is completely appropriate to help pay for medical expenses for the Monk whom you sponsor. Most of the routine medical expenses are covered by funds from the monastery for the socialized medicine system in India and Nepal. But on special occasions if there is an emergency and they need an expensive operation or treatment, it is completely appropriate to help defer the medical costs. There is no obligation for a monk sponsor to do this, but some sponsors enjoy getting involved and can afford the cost.
If a Monk leaves the MonasteryThe most important rule of being a sponsor is that if the monk you sponsor "disrobes" or leaves the monkhood, then you are immediately required to stop any and all contact with the monk. No matter how long you have known him or supported him. Stop any and all contact with his family. Under no circumstances are you ever to send any gifts or money to the monk. For a monk to "break his vow" is a most serious act. As his sponsor you should encourage him to rethink his decision and encourage him to go back to the monastery immediately and let him know that if he leaves the monastery you will be unable to contact or support him. Why so harsh? Because, it sends a message, to the monk and to the family of the monk. If the family believes that they will receive financial support from abroad, they will encourage their sons and daughters to enter the monastery just to get the financial support and then ask them to leave so the money could be used to help the family. It also sends a message that we as Western practitioners respect and honor the office of the Monk and when the monk leaves, it is a disgrace and he has wasted our support and prayers. Think of it this way. If you put a young-adult through college, paid for tuition, books, clothing, food, etc. then he/she drops out of school and decides not to pursue a degree, wouldn't you be upset? Now magnetize the ramifications 100 times. No only has the monk dishonored the sponsor, the monastery and all his teachers but he has done a great disservice to the community. A monk to disavow is a tragic act, it shakes the confidence of the people and the community becomes disturbed. All this creates incredibly bad karma for the monk and by continually contacting and sending financial support to him encourages the act. This may lead to other monks disrobing knowing that you had a hand directly or indirectly due to your attachment to the monk, will also create horribly bad karma for the sponsor as well.
Today's SituationAs of now, there are a number of Rinpoche's monks in India who do not have sponsors. We would like to encourage you to sponsor a monk. And soon there will be over 100 monks at the new monastery in Pharping, Nepal, as well - at Rigon Tashi Choeling. These monks also will need to be sponsored. They plan to begin with 10 monks but considering how quickly the project is progressing, that number may escalate very quickly. Sponsorship of a monk is $300 per year. (Ripa Ladrang can now accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and it is possible to send the donation on a quarterly or monthly basis).
How to Arrange To Sponsor A MonkPlease send an email or letter to Ripa Ladrang Foundation advising us of your desire to sponsor a monk. Please email Ripa Ladrang at monksponsorship@ripaladrang.org or write the Foundation at 333 Mamaroneck Avenue, #203, White Plains, NY 10605. Advise us how many monks you would like to sponsor and how you wish to send in your donation: annual, quarterly, monthly. And whether you will be sending a check or money or wish to charge to a credit card (Visa or Mastercard). We would need your mailing address and phone and email, if you have one. Once the arrangement is made, a specific monk (or monks) will be assigned to you. And the monastery will maintain a record of this relationship. Thank you very much for your generosity and compassion in this regard.
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