Shechen’s trained monks are restocking the supplies of disaster relief materials and dealing with the drastic Nepal fuel shortage.

The Eco Group and Emergency Team members  met several times  to discuss the lessons they learned from the earthquakes and its aftermath. Resulting from these exchanges, action is taking place to improve supplies, training, and best practices.

The earthquake storeroom has been cleaned and reorganized. Where needed, its supplies are being restocked. This includes tools, emergency gear, food, water, medicines and bandages, as well as supplies of torches, batteries, megaphones, clothing and blankets, all depleted during the disasters of April/May. Our friend and supporter, Toronto fire station captain and rescue worker, Chris Wilvert, is gathering more specialized emergency items for Shechen that are not available in Nepal, including work boots, hard hats, more suitable work clothes for emergency workers (monastic robes were very difficult to work in!), and will be shipping them to us in the near future.

The Eco Group is also continuing the work of creating a garden in the monastery compound to grow organic vegetables for the monks.

Fuel Shortage

In view of the on-going political unrest in the country, lack of fuel continues to be a serious concern, affecting everything from the cost of preparing food to the inability to run the monastery’s generators. The monastery buildings are sometimes in complete darkness. Monks often study by candle and torchlight. Attention is turning to the need for guaranteed alternative sources of energy for the monastery.

If finances can be found, it is hoped that Shechen can soon become energy self-sufficient by running on solar energy. The monastery is also looking into restoring the bio-gas plant which would fuel a small bio-gas stove for the kitchen. In the meantime, firewood is being procured and stored in case it is needed for cooking. Thanks to the resourcefulness of Khenpos and others in-charge, so far the monastery has been able to obtain urgently needed gas bottles from Lumbini and other places. Kitchens have been able to remain open both at the Shechen Guest House (for a limited menu) and the monastery.