buddhist nuns & monks

Ngoenga School

This is a selection of photos chosen from my assignments in Nepal for the American Himalayan Foundation.

Buddhism is the lifeblood of the Himalaya. The monasteries, nunneries, and temples are centers of worship and learning that connect Tibetans, Lobas, and Sherpas to both their heritage and daily life. They are homes for monastics, students, and scripture, and the strength of these institutions contributes directly to the well-being of the community both in times of crisis and celebration. AHF supports monasteries, nunneries and temples from Mustang to Tibet, from the Khumbu to Kathmandu.

On the other hand, although they are an equally essential part of the fabric that binds Buddhist communities, nuns typically receive less support than their monk peers, often forcing them to take months away from their practice to beg for alms. AHF supports nuns so they can fully devote themselves to the dharma, and have a home and a safe place to study, sleep, and pray.