Lama Teunsang’s state of health
In the previous « Nouvelles de KML », we explained at length Lama Teunsang’s medical situation, which overall remains unchanged. Lama is in a fairly stable phase and less exhausted than a few months ago. The people who are in daily contact with him say that he is doing « not so bad », he is a bit more energetic than previously.
From a medical point of view, he recently received an immunity boosting treatment. The result of this therapeutic trial remains to be evaluated, it will be established in the near future by serological tests.
Situation in Montchardon
The Centre is closed since December 24th. This confinement situation linked to the covid epidemic is still due to the same imperative reason: protect Lama Teunsang’s health.
Although sanitary conditions are gradually improving in our country, the situation remains the same in Montchardon: the Omicron variant, though less virulent, is very contagious, which makes it all the more dangerous for Lama Teunsang. The doctor reminded us recently that the Lama’s very low immunity would not allow him to bear this infection. Therefore, we have to be even more rigorous than before to avoid viral contagion in Montchardon.
The situation in March
Given previous considerations, we will maintain confinement until at least mid-March, if not longer, until conditions improve. It is with great regret that we announce that March courses will be cancelled and postponed to a later date. We are thinking of setting up a replacement program by video conference, we will keep you informed.
The main session in March was the annual 8 Nyung Ne retreat of the first Tibetan month. Since we will start a 100 Nyung Ne retreat in October, we propose to postpone this practice to the fall.
Gutor – the great Mahakala ritual
For the next few days, the Gutor – the great Mahakala ritual – will take place from Friday February 25th to Tuesday March 1st. follow this link You can follow the practice on KML Gompa TV on Youtube. Here are the schedules: in the morning from 5am to 8am, then from 9am to 12pm; in the afternoon from 2pm to 5pm, then 5:30pm to 7pm and finally from 8pm to the end of the text.
The Tchilu ritual will take place on Wednesday March 2nd around 5pm, preceded by the daily puja of Mahakala, starting around 4pm. These rituals will be broadcast by video on the same channel. follow this link
On Thursday March 3rd, Tibetan New Year’s Day, the annual ceremony in the temple will not be open to the public but will be broadcasted on KML Gompa TV from 9:30 am on.
During the 5 days of Mahakala, people who wish to continue to follow the daily morning and evening practices can do so by watching previously recorded daily rituals available by following this link.
Individual retreats are possible, starting March 4th
In spite of the confinement of the center, as of March 4th, you can come to Montchardon for retreats lasting a minimum of one week, provided that you strictly follow all health guidelines below:
– To be sure that you are not contagious while asymptomatic, a PCR or antigenic test of less than 24 hours is requested upon arrival, then a self-test on the 2nd and 4th days.
– Until the 4th day, people pick up a food tray in the refectory and eat in their room. If your test of the 4th day is negative, you can come and eat in the dining hall with the others. As you are in retreat, you should not have direct contact with people from outside and should remain at the Center.
– As long as the vaccination pass is imposed in the dining hall, we are required by law to follow this rule, so you should wear a mask at all times in the dining hall – as long as you are not seated, and even if you had a negative test on the 4th day.
– During their stay, people can participate in the collective practices in the temple. Nevertheless, during the first 4 days, they must stay at the back of the temple, away from other people and especially from Lama Teunsang (no handing over of katas), respecting, of course, the barrier measures and following all instructions.
This is the situation for the time being. We are aware that this forced confinement is painful for those who wish to return to the Centre. But this is the price to pay to protect Lama Teunsang.
We hope that this epidemic will quickly stop so that Montchardon can reopen as soon as possible, and we dearly hope to see you soon.
The program for the next few months is currently being elaborated (in constant readjustment due last months’ cancellations). We will send it in March.
With warm regards,
The team of Montchardon