EDUCATION
LNA is a Non-profit, non-sectarian foundation that supports nuns and nunneries of the Ladakh region. This tree here depicts the various activities and engagements of the LNA. Founded in 1996, the tiny seed of LNA has grown and is strongly growing, spreading its branches in all directions, empowering the nuns and the lay people also with the power of Buddhadharma. Apart from its role in supporting the life of a nun it engages in various other activities that empower not only the nuns but also the community. To name some of its engagements- building nunneries, education for nuns, conducting workshops for nuns and lay persons, training nuns as doctors in Tibetan Medicine, conservation of spiritual studies, local herb collection, education support for children. As you can see LNA has evolved to become a place to Study, Reflect, Meditate, Heal and Serve.
HEALTH CARE AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Health care particularly for nuns and laywomen, is a key concern for the LNA with the AMCHI (Traditional Tibetan Medicine) training project a main focus. In addition, the LNA has supported many workshops on health in Leh and in local villages and has worked with many organizations that have come to Ladakh on a range of health topics and clinics (dental and hygiene, acupuncture and psychosomatic somatic diseases, etc.). During the flood disaster, LNA also operated a mobile clinic to reach out to people and offered emergency relief to affected communities, particularly in remote areas.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Since 1999, Ladakh Nuns Association has sponsored nuns to receive Buddhist and general education in schools and institutions in Ladakh and throughout India (Dharamsala and Dehradun) and Nepal. The number of nuns receiving such assistance has risen steadily each year. LNA currently sponsors 40 nuns training in Buddhist philosophy and modern education. Generous individuals from around the world support the Scholarship Program. Many sponsors visit the nuns they support, and the nuns write letters with periodic updates of their studies and progress. The Scholarship Program for nuns education is greatly contributing to an increasing number of young nuns in Ladakh.
SOCIALLY ENGAGED BUDDHISM
LNA in collaboration with partner organizations and individuals has provided training and workshops on many issues, including Buddhist Philosophy, Socially Engaged Buddhism, Team Building, Leadership, Conflict Transformation, Non-Violent Communication and Peace Building. These courses aim to develop the roles of nuns, youth and lay women in society. LNA and trained nuns have reached out to communities to carry out various socially engaged activities, relating to death and dying; domestic violence; trauma healing; drug and alcohol addiction; childbirth; adolescent problems; cultural preservation; environmental issues; pollution; organic gardening and communal harmony.
MONASTIC AND SECULAR EDUCATION
LNA receives support from sponsors so that the institution can take care of the formal education of 40 young nuns in 3 schools around Leh. Currently, there are 60 nuns studying Buddhist Philosophy throughout India and Nepal. Although most nuns have pursued secular education in schools, they have chosen ethics and spirituality as a way of life. Since the establishment of LNA, 9 nuns have completed their studies in Tibetan Medicine (2009), and an additional 4 nuns gained admission in the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Choglamsar, Ladakh. LNA organizes short courses and training in Dharma and literacy to nuns and lay women who have little access to education in some of the most remote areas.