Rokpa Himalayan Trek 2005
Rokpa is a world -wide charitable non-political organisation, working to improve the quality of life in the developed and developing world. Its aim is to help people in need and promote self-sufficiency, regardless of their background.
The Trek
In Feb-Mar 2005, LShift MD, Andy Wilson, will take part in a ten day trek into the foothills of the Himalayas, setting out from Kathmandu and exploring the sacred Valleys of Helambu and the Caves at Melamchi Goan in Nepal. There, the first Tibetan teacher to bring Buddhism to Tibet, Guru Rinpoche, and later the great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa lived and meditated. Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche, President of Rokpa will be joining this part of the trek. The route takes in the Monastery of 100 Horses, the Stupas of Boudnath, Kathmandu and Swayambu and the sacred mountain of Ama Yangri. Along the way there are plenty of opportunities to see some of the projects run by Rokpa
Rokpa
'Rokpa' means 'help' in Tibetan and the aims of the organisation are to help people in three areas of need: emotional, spiritual and material. The constitution of the Rokpa Trust in the UK identifies the aims as follows:
- To engender peace and happiness through fostering greater awareness of the need for compassion and understanding in all areas of human activity
- To contribute to the spiritual welfare of our times
- To give shelter, support and help wherever possible to all those in need
- To preserve the religious tradition and culture of Tibet
Therapeutic activities are organised by Tara Rokpa, which runs workshops world-wide and has a Tibetan Medicine course in the UK.
Rokpa's spiritual centre at Samye Ling, which is open to all for rest and retreat, has inspired a number of other centres in several parts of the world including Europe and South Africa.
Humanitarian activities include: soup kitchens offering food, clothing and medical aid in cities in Europe, Africa and Asia; support for people with AIDS in Africa; and educational, health, environmental and cultural projects in Nepal and Tibet.
Rokpa is non-political, non-sectarian and run almost entirely by volunteers.
Fund-raising for projects is carried out by 14 Rokpa Branches in Europe and America. The funds raised are distributed through Rokpa International from its headquarters in Switzerland. Lea Wyler is Vice President of Rokpa International and Director of projects in Nepal.
Donate
We will be accepting sponsorship through until the end of March 2005. After that date, please make donations directly to Rokpa. Please make cheques payable to AJ Wilson Charity Trek Account and post to: fao Rokpa Charity Trek, LShift Limited, 1st Floor Office, 6 Rufus Street, London N1 6PE
To make a donation by bank transfer, please contact Elaine Lynch at elaine@lshift.net for details. Similarly, if you require a receipt for your donation please advise Elaine at the LShift address above or by email and she will forward one to you.