Every year, the birthday of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a special time for the global Tergar community. This November, as Rinpoche celebrated his 49th birthday, the students of Tergar Schools Kathmandu transformed their celebration into a powerful, living tribute; turning the principles of awareness and compassion into meaningful action.
A Two-Day Celebration of Awareness and Service
The festivities and service began a day early, demonstrating how Tergar students are embodying Rinpoche’s teachings in the wider community:
- Sharing Mindfulness (November 19th): The celebration kicked off when two of our Grade 6 students; Karma Hisey and Karma Thapse; along with Learning Leader Genla Karma Shenden, led a meditation workshop on awareness at the nearby Aanandkuti Vidhyapith School in Swayambhu. This heartfelt offering allowed our students to share the foundational principles of Rinpoche’s teachings with their peers.
- The Main Day (November 20th): On Rinpoche’s birthday, the entire school joined the joyous gathering at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery before dedicating the afternoon to a unique school-wide service initiative.
Mindfulness in Action: A Class-by-Class Tribute
Divided by age, each class embraced a meaningful way to honor Rinpoche’s teachings; showcasing how every act, big or small, can be an act of compassion.
| Grade Level | Activity | Core Teaching Embodied |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 & 2 (Youngest) | Gardening and Planting Our students carefully nurtured seeds and saplings, practicing patience and connection with the earth under the guidance of teachers Miss Jyotsana, Miss Lhakpa, Miss Laxmi and support staff Sunita. This reminded them that mindfulness begins with an awareness of life in all its forms. | Patience and Connection |
| Grade 3 | Preparing and Sharing Sweet Balls Students prepared and shared sweet treats with their peers. Guided by volunteer Ms. Marmura Ghattasova, Miss Karma, and Ghenla Shenden, they experienced the pure happiness of giving, reflecting Rinpoche’s wisdom that kindness is at the heart of every celebration. | Generosity and Joy |
| Grade 4 | Feeding Local Street Dogs Students explored compassion in action: spending time feeding the street dogs in Sitapaila. Guided by Miss Anula, Sanjay Sir, Miss Nimmi, and a caregiver, they learned that every living being is worthy of attention and care. | Compassion for All Beings |
| Grade 5 & 6 (Eldest) | Distributing Warm Clothes in Swayambhu The older students went a step further and organised a distribution of warm clothing to those in need. Organized by Karma Sir, Ghenla Shenga, Samit Sir, Rinchen Ghenla, Ghenla Yonden, and a caregiver, this effort exemplified the transformative power of service; a principle Rinpoche has embodied throughout his life. | Transformative Power of Service |
A Heartfelt Conclusion
Through these varied and practical activities, the day became more than a birthday celebration; it was a practical reflection of Rinpoche’s wisdom. Every planted seed, shared treat, and act of care became a heartfelt offering, allowing the students to honor Rinpoche in the truest sense: by living the wisdom he inspires.
The day concluded with a whole-school long-life puja in the shrine room, as students and teachers joined together to express their deep gratitude and wishes for Rinpoche’s continued guidance and good health.
By bringing awareness, compassion, and joy into their daily lives and the wider community, our students truly embodied the teachings of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.
