Nepal Flood Relief: A Direct Way to Help

Many of you have heard about the devastating disaster that recently struck Nepal.

Our dear friend Lopen-la is a Buddhist monk from Nepal and a dear friend of Sifu and me. He is also a beloved member of the Tibetan Buddhist community we are part of. We know him as an extraordinarily kind and compassionate human being—someone who quietly offers friendship, encouragement, and support wherever he goes.

Today, Lopen-la and his community need our support.

On August 26, a catastrophic glacial collapse in the Himalayas sent a wall of water, mud, and debris through the Nepal-Tibet border region. Rasuwa District, including Syaphrubesi, where Lopen-la’s brother and extended family are from, was devastated. Across Nepal, more than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead and thousands remain missing.

For Lopen-la, these are not statistics. They are family, friends, and neighbors.

His brother was extraordinarily fortunate—he happened to be away when the disaster struck. But his wife, relatives, friends, and many people they have known throughout their lives were caught in the devastation.

Lopen-la has now returned to Nepal to be with his family and community, offering comfort, support, and whatever practical help he can.

A Chance to Help Directly

None of us can rebuild an entire region.

But we can help a family rebuild a home. We can help replace essential belongings. We can help provide food, temporary shelter, clothing, medicine, and other immediate needs.

Because we have a direct connection through Lopen-la, our help can reach people personally.

Every penny we collect will be sent directly to Lopen-la’s bank account in Nepal so he can distribute the funds to family, friends, and others in his community who are most in need.

We may not be able to change the scale of this disaster, but for one person or family, what we do together can make a real difference.

The Children Who Remain

Another heartbreaking consequence of this disaster will continue long after the floodwaters have receded.

Many children have lost parents, relatives, and homes. Some will need long-term care, stability, and education.

This is especially close to Lopen-la’s heart.

He is a teacher at the Manjushri Buddhist Learning Center in Nepal, which provides children in need, including orphans, with free education, food, housing, guidance, and a safe place to grow.

The Center cares for and educates the children while they are young, allowing them to choose their own path when they reach adulthood.

Some of the children affected by this disaster may eventually need the kind of care and support that places like Manjushri provide.

Lopen-la has devoted much of his life to Buddhist study, teaching, and service. Our sangha is currently sponsoring his continued Buddhist education as he pursues his Ph.D. studies in Korea. For now, he has returned home to Nepal to help his family and community.

Please Help Us Help Them

This is a moment when compassion can become something tangible:

A meal.
A roof.
Warm clothing.
Medicine.
School supplies.
A helping hand to begin rebuilding.

There is no donation too small. Please give whatever amount feels right for you.

To Contribute

Venmo: @Rachel_Jensen_88
Note: Nepal Flood Support

100% of the funds collected will be transferred to Lopen-la in Nepal for direct relief to people within his affected family and community.

Together, our small acts can become meaningful help for people who desperately need it right now.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity in supporting Lopen-la and the people of Nepal.