On 17th November, Tergar School Kathmandu had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, his brother Tsoknyi Rinpoche, sister-in-law Chime la, and mother Mayum Sonam Chödrön to our Tergar School Kathmandu campus.
The Rinpoches were warmly received by the school administration team before beginning their visit across all grade levels. They witnessed joyful dancing and singing in Grade 2, creative arts and crafts in Grade 3, and hands-on science exploration in Grade 4. The outdoor classes for Grade 6, led by Genla Youten, added a refreshing and lively touch to the tour. Along the way, students and teachers shared their projects, answered questions, and delighted in the Rinpoches’ presence.
Following the tour, Grades 5 and 6 participated in a teaching session with the Rinpoches, and a special session was held for teachers and staff. One of the day’s most touching moments came when Grade 6 student Sonam Lama offered a heartfelt message of gratitude on behalf of all students:
“Thank you for providing us a beautiful and wonderful life in Tergar School where we learn, connect, and experience ALCWJ — Awareness, Love, Compassion, Wisdom, and Joy”
Tsoknyi Rinpoche, returning to school after a year, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the school’s growth and the positive changes within the community. He reminded everyone that every effort to cultivate awareness and kindness creates ripples far beyond the classroom.
During the session, the Rinpoches offered reflections that inspired curiosity, reflection, and compassion. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche also shared that the curriculum at Tergar Schools is new and unique, expressing deep appreciation to the teachers for learning new methods and taking an active role in ongoing training. Their thoughtful words touched many teachers, especially as they emphasized gratitude for their service and encouraged them to continue their meaningful work.
The whole community felt truly blessed by their presence. Their visit inspired students, teachers and staff alike to embrace each moment with kindness and care, reminding everyone that Tergar School is far more than academics: it is a living community of mindfulness, compassion, and shared growth. Students’ faces lit up during a simple moment of prayer and teaching, a vivid reminder of the power of presence and care.
In the words of our Learning Leader, Karma Shendon, who captured the spirit of the day with great warmth:
“The gentle and profound wisdom and heartfelt loving compassion of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche do not simply enter my ears or mind, they settle softly into the quiet spaces of my heart. Like a warm light or a gentle rain, their teachings find a place within me, nurturing a seed of understanding and kindness that I feel beginning to grow in my classroom and school.”
The day concluded with a shared lunch, filled with laughter, conversation, and connection. Every interaction carried the Rinpoches’ wisdom and warmth, leaving students, teachers and staff uplifted and inspired to carry awareness, joy, and compassion into their daily lives.
The teachings and blessings shared by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Chime la, and Mayum Sonam Chödrön will continue to guide our community as we grow together with kindness, mindfulness and joy.
