Urgent: Namdroling Hepatitis B Fund

[Pema Rigdzin]

Appeal for Namdroling Monastery Hepatitis B Fund from Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche
Dear Sangha and Friends,
We have received a message that more than 140 monks at Namdroling Monastery in Mysore, India are suffering from a dangerous form of hepatitis. They are in dire need of medicine to treat the disease. One of our western sangha members is now living at the monastery and was requested by Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche to outreach to the western community and help fund-raise.
As many of you know, Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, together with Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche and Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, established and direct the activities of the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute and other activities at Namdroling. Khen Rinpoche has placed the highest personal priority on treating the infected monks and nuns and thus stopping the spread of the disease in the community. Hepatitis has already claimed the life of Khenpo Namdrol’s brother, Kunzang Lama Rinpoche; and Khenpo Dorje, another important teacher and close friend.
Orgyen Dorje Den has agreed to receive and forward donations to Khen Rinpoche’s effort. 100% of all donations will go solely toward the purchase of the needed medicines. If you would like to make a donation towards this important effort, you may send a check to:
"Heart Essence Sangha", c/o Orgyen Dorje Den, 2244 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
Checks should be made payable to: Heart Essence Sangha (Khen Rinpoche’s U.S. non-profit corporation) – “Namdroling Hep B Fund” on the notation line. Or, go to the Paypal link on the project web page at: http://knamdrol.org/Namdroling-Monaster ... ct-01.html
Heart Essence Sangha is a 501 c(3) non-profit corporations. Tax letters will be provided for donations.
For detailed information, pledge and donation forms, Paypal link, and contact information, please go to:
http://knamdrol.org/Namdroling-Monaster ... ct-01.html
With sincere thanks for your help,
Heika Wierenga & the Heart Essence Sangha

[Pema Rigdzin]

*bump

[Dechen Norbu]

Quite sad situation they have over there.

[Pema Rigdzin]

Quite sad situation they have over there.

Yes, but fortunately with some help they can get it under control and help affected monks and nuns regain their health and prevent the spread to those thus far uninfected. They've had a good bit of success so far, but they're gonna need more money to continue the necessary treatments, etc.

[Yontan]

How is Hep B spreading so profusely among celibates?
This is very sad indeed.
OAHVGPSH

[Kunga]

Yontan, Hep B is not only a sexually transmitted disease, and I should venture that the monks do not catch it from sexual contact (of course, there may be individuals who do, but not the majority).

The monks commonly share toothbrushes and razors because they're largely uneducated about such issues as Hep B and general disease prevention - so many types of infection spread very rapidly and widely in monasteries. It is also common in boarding schools here in India for the same reasons.

[Virgo]

How is Hep B spreading so profusely among celibates?
This is very sad indeed.
OAHVGPSH

blood.