“To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”  -Buddha

This has been a dream of the senior monks at Segyu Monastery for many years. A playground and fitness area on-site will clearly change the lives of the mini-monks, as well as the older monks, who live, study, and play here. In monasteries throughout the world, health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure plague older monks who, from a young age, spend much of their time sitting in lengthy prayer and class sessions and lack not only adequate physical exercise but also the proper space for said exercise. Sound physical fitness habits (just like any learned skill) developed in childhood have the best chance of sticking around into adulthood. Such is the hope that with a dedicated play and fitness space, we will be setting Segyu’s mini-monks up for future success and health well into adulthood, as well as increasing day-to-day happiness.

We want to work together to raise funds for the costs related to preparing the location for playground construction, buying the equipment, and installing it. Any money raised over our goal will be used for further health and fitness improvements at the monastery such as bike safety equipment (helmets, pads, etc.), new footballs (soccer balls) and goals, and proper shoes for these activities for the mini-monks.

Our hope is that this is a cause that you can get behind, not only as a friend of the monastery and in support of the kids, but also through the understanding of how important physical fitness is for a healthy life. Many children (and people in general) in more developed areas of the world have nearly unlimited access to gyms, home fitness equipment, and expert-led fitness classes, not to mention organized sports of limitless variety. In addition to the availability, the pleasure derived from getting your heart-rate up in most parts of the world is an essential part of life.

Now imagine you’re a kid growing up away from your family, away from home, and you have energy to burn...but no place to burn it. Also imagine being a kid without a playground, and without the associated memories. Well together, we can solve this problem by raising money for a playground at Segyu Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Appropriate playground equipment in Nepal costs between $3,000 and $15,000. Our hope is to purchase a high-quality product to maximize sustainability and safety for many years to come, while also allowing for proper land preparations to enable a smooth construction. Our goal is to finish this fundraiser by March 1st, 2019, which will help us complete the playground during Losar, the Tibetan New Year, and before the monsoon season begins in Nepal. 

We appreciate your time and more than appreciate any contributions you can generously make. All contributions will go directly to Sumati, Inc., the US-based charity that supports the monastery.

For more information about the monastery you can visit their website at http://segyugadenphodrang.org/

and visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Segyu/

Namaste.