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Message from the Spiritual Director of
Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta, GA
Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi |
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Dear members and friends, |
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| As you are well aware, we are witnessing an unprecedented situation unfold in our world. The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting each of us as individuals as well as challenging our global community. On behalf of the abbot of Drepung Loseling Monastery, the entire Drepung Loseling sangha in India, and the teachers and staff here in Atlanta, I want to convey our deep concern and let you know that we are offering prayers for the well-being of you and your family. |
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| Likewise, we want to share that we have the same concern for our human family and send our prayers out for the well-being of all. This virus doesn’t discriminate based on race, nationality, ethnicity, political affiliation, socio-economic status or any other difference. No matter how powerful any single person or nation may be, they cannot defeat this invisible assault on their own. It is only through the recognition of our interdependence and common humanity that we can stand together in this time of overwhelming uncertainty. |
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| This kind of adversity has the potential to promote a profound acknowledgement of our interconnectedness and reminds us of the value of cooperation and how it can lead to solutions to the most difficult of problems. Thankfully, challenges like this also tend to awaken our humanity and bring out the best in people as we can see from the incredible outpouring of generosity around the world to assist those in need through medical treatment, material assistance, or simply a comforting word or thoughtful gesture. It is truly inspiring. |
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| It is only natural to feel anxious and insecure when faced with so much uncertainty, but I encourage you to call on your dharma practice and to shift your focus to whatever positive things are happening and to not lose hope. In the past, humanity has often been strengthened by facing adversity, and I’m sure it will be no different this time. It’s important to remember that our practice and our community can help us to have greater resiliency. We cannot fall into despair over the things we cannot control or do, but we can do our best to see what is possible. Steps like small acts of kindness, or reaching out to someone to express our gratitude, concern and love—especially when we’ve been out of touch—will not only support them, but it will increase our own sense of connection and well-being. |
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| Although all of our public events at the center are discontinued at this point, we will continue to stay in touch through various online programs. Please look for announcements via our e-mail newsletters and social media and remember that you are part of a caring community and not alone in facing these challenges. Let’s take advantage of our digital technologies to lean on one another and find reassurance through our practice and our human connection. |
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| Once again, I would like to offer our sincere wishes for the well-being and safety of you and your loved ones, and encourage you to stay abreast of accurate information about the pandemic and steps to take from the CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and WHO: www.who.int/emergen…/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 as well as your department of public health. For those who reside in GA, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health: dph.georgia.gov/. |
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| With sincere wishes for the well-being of all, |
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Lobsang Tenzin Negi. |
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