School students often get less opportunity to participate in religious events once schools open. To help students receive blessings and learn about Buddhism, the Lam Neten of Pema Gatshel Rabdey visited schools in the district for a month. During his visit, he gave Baza Guru and Jampelyang oral transmissions and other teachings on Buddhism. The school administrations has found the visit beneficial and requested that it become an annual programme.
For nearly four hours, the students and teachers gathered to receive Baza Guru and Jampelyang empowerment from the Lam Neten.
During the month-long programme, the Lam Neten visited more than 20 schools in the district.
“Students spend most of their time studying, so praying to Jampelyang is important. Thus, the programme initiated by the district and rabdey was to empower students with the Jambayang lung and wang,” said Ngawang Sithub, Lam Neten, Pema Gatshel.
The visit of Lam Neten brought joy to both students and the school administration. They expressed deep respect and appreciation for introducing such a meaningful programme to their schools.
“These days, it is not just about teaching and learning but also important to foster harmony in the minds of students. That is why the programme initiated by the district and the rabdey has been very significant for us,” said Namgay Lhundup, assistant principal at Yurung Central School.
“As students, we are devoted to the dharma. However, without the transmission, our efforts felt incomplete. Now that we have received the of Baza Guru transmission, it will help us accumulate merit moving forward. This visit has also deepened our devotion to the dharma,” said Tenzin Dema, a student at Yelchen Central School.
“The Lam Neten told us that chanting Baza Guru and praying to Manjushri will enhance our knowledge. We are grateful for the opportunity to receive the blessing and transmission of Baza Guru,” said Sangay Tenzin, a student at Yurung Central School.
Moreover, teachers and students added that having such a programme in schools helps them maintain a positive mindset, ensuring a smooth academic year without obstacles.
“We recite prayers in the morning and evening. However, understanding their meaning helps us gain more merit than simply reciting them,” said Khandu Wangchuk, a teacher at Yelchen Central School.
“Receiving these transmissions makes it easier for us to learn and understand when teachers instruct us. This kind of teaching also helps to eliminate the five defilements of the mind,” said Namgay Lhamo, a student at Yurung Central School.
“The Dharma helps us change our minds. Today’s programme was very beneficial and we would be grateful if similar programmes could be coordinated more often. It helps increase our devotion and respect,” said Cheten Wangchuk, a student at Yelchen Central School.
The Lam Neten said that starting next year, the rabdey will prioritise this programme at the beginning of the academic session.
The month-long programme, organised by the rabdey and the district administration, concluded on Friday at the Nangkor Central School.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
