Donations

There are many ways which have already been mentioned, that can ensure your behavior has a positive impact. In addition there is an on going effort to raise money in order to support and expand the activities in Tengboche. As more Sherpas are moving to Kathmandu in order to work in the trekking business, fewer donations are made in the mountains directly to monasteries like Tengboche. In addition, Tengboche has a lot of extra expenses due to the large number of visitors. Please bring a donation with you when you visit, a little goes a long way, and a lot goes a very long way! Donations can be given directly to the Monastery and you will get a receipt, or sent to the bank. (see How to Help)

In a more traditional way, people sponsor the monks and nuns and the activities of the monastery believing this creates good conditions and great merit. By making offerings in this way one increases ones karmic connection, or link with the Buddha, Dharma and benefits all beings. Some ways of sharing in this perpetual accumulation of merit and virtue are suggested below.

Sponsoring a monk or Nun

In Sherpa culture it has always been considered an honor to support a member of the family as a monk in the monastery. These days many of the monks do not have families to support them. If you would like to help the monastery by supporting a monk it costs about $700 per year for food and accommodation and would be greatly appreciated.

Offering a Ceremony

It is also possible to support the activities of the monastery in the traditional Sherpa manner. You can sponsor tea for the monks for about $15. You could pay for one day's food for all the monks at the monastery for about $50 or sponsor a whole ceremony to be done for you and your family for $150. This would include all the offerings, butter lamps and beautifully made Tormas sculpted out of barley flour and colored butter. It also includes all a feast offering made for the wellbeing and happiness of all beings.