About Our Organization

Mission Statement:

Dönden Chöjin Association has been established through the support and inspiration of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in order that all beings attain buddhahood through the generation of bodhichitta and by practicing the six paramitas. Bodhichitta is the altruistic mind that wishes to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings and liberate them from suffering. The six paramitas, or transcendent perfections, are generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative stability, and wisdom. This includes the perfection of three types of generosity: physical, spiritual and dharmic. As Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche said, "When we put our bodhicitta into action, then we are practicing the six paramitas."

Origin:

 In July 2004, a group of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche’s disciples were fortunate enough to accompany him to Qinghai to visit his former monastery in Eastern Tibet. The disciples were touched by the local people’s pure faith and devotion to Buddhist practice, as well as by the incredibly hard life they live. Winter on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is very rough and bitter, and even by midsummer, it is still piercing cold. Moreover, the intense poverty of the Tibetans’ nomadic lifestyle makes ordinary overcoats seem like luxury apparel. In fact, at NonChen area, several monks have to take turns sharing one coat when they go outside in the winter. Therefore, we came up with the idea of starting a not-for-profit organization to benefit sentient beings in circumstances of need, hoping to alleviate sufferings and promote physical and emotional well-being. Rinpoche encourages us to make every effort to manifest acts of generosity through this organization as a precious opportunity to help us cultivate and perfect the six paramitas.

Establishment:

In order to practice generosity and find ways to actively engage our sincere wish to benefit sentient beings, we felt that it would be necessary to form a non-profit organization. In January of 2005, we expressed these wishes to our beloved spiritual teacher, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, who was very happy to hear of the news, and gave our organization the name Dönden Chöjin Tsokba “the community that carries out meaningful offering and assistance.” He has given us detailed guidance in almost every aspect of our plans, from our association's mission statement and logo, to the design of the winter coats that we have been donating, and the rituals and holy substances which have been included in the package that serves the dying. Rinpoche’s endorsement is a great inspiration and we will make every effort to fulfill our teacher's wishes and to carry out his instructions to the best of our abilities.