News - Akasha Academy

Street theater performance – Working with Nepalese communities19th April 2022Getting practical! Last week students of the Akasha Traineeship program conducted their first community activity – to put into practice what they learnt within the last 5 months. After weeks of preparation, a street theater performance took place in Gamcha, a village with a few social challenges which is located close to Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. Pressing current topics Around 70 people, almost the whole village, watched curiously when the students performed their play which combined drama, theater, dance and acrobatics. The students addressed alcoholism, domestic violence and teenage pregnancy which are pressing topics in the community. According to the United Nations Population Fund, 48% of Nepali women say that they have experienced some form of violence at some point in their lives and 15% have experienced a sexual assault. Issues with violence are often also related to alcohol abuse. Also, as a result of inadequate education about sexual and reproductive health and rights, lack of access to services tailored to young people and due to societal pressure Nepal also has high levels of teenage pregnancy. The approach of Forum Theater addresses these subjects of domestic abuse, violence and alcoholism in a creative way. By engaging communities who are concerned with these issues into a theatre play – people involved get the chance to deal with the situations in a different way. Engaging the community After one hour of performance of the play in Gamcha, the community was also able to participate. Many raised their voice and pointed out what they would do in such a situation. It was a big success: both for the young women of the training to experience the positive impact they can have as role models, as well as for the community, who learnt a new approach to these very common issues in Nepal. After the play the trainers were approached and asked for further workshops and activities by the members of the community. Spreading the knowledge The theater performance was a great way for the students of the Akasha Traineeship to develop confidence as role models in their community and empower others on how to face these common challenges. Because of the positive reception and impact, additional street performances are planned within the upcoming weeks in the area of Suntakhan. We’re looking forward to seeing more such inspiring events in the future!...
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Teachings for Times of War: Symptom of imbalance – Way to balance15th March 2022Dharma Teachings with Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche Profound view of cause and effect, an analysis of facts. A practical and universal non-religious approach based on compassion and wisdom. These instructions are offered to help those searching for insight into the symptom of war, to cope with their fear and worry, and perhaps wishing to help others. The teachings are based on the practical experiences of the long-standing Buddhist practitioner of the original Dharma related to (the teachings of) Manjushri – the Yamantaka Yogi TK Rinpoche. The teachings are open to participants with all backgrounds and without previous knowledge. They are donation based and will be held in English. Donations raised trough the event will go to MitOst e.V., an organisation that coordinates support for people in Ukraine as well as Ukrainian refugees of war: www.mitost.org/ukraine/ On site, the event will be hosted according to the 2G rules. Online participation is possible for those, who do not live in Munich or the surrounding area. Please mention this in the registration form. Registration closes on Sunday 2 PM. When:Sunday, March 20th, 8:30 -10 PM Where:Akasha Academy, Stöberlstraße 6880686 München Suggested Donation: 30+Euro Registration:Online RegistrationPhone: 0179 2938952...
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Akasha Workshop – The Art of Balance 25/26 March 202215th March 2022Body and Mind Instructions with Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche About Akasha Training Akasha Training is taught by Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche both as a preparation to an authentic Buddhist path of practice, and for general regenerative purpose. The training includes exercises to connect body and mind, based on ancient Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana) and traditional Daoist and Chinese medicine practices. Holistic methods of western medicine are also essential parts. Akasha Training is therefore helpful for medical purposes as well as for the regeneration of body and mind and also shows whether there is a capacity for learning the original Buddhist path of practice. About the Art of Balance Workshop The focus of this workshop is Unity in Diversity, Universal Ethics – Recalling a common sense in a world of diversity, generating balance between opposing, colliding elements, factors, or interests – beyond religion. Emphasizing fundamental basics of existence to aide to the survival of humanity. TK Rinpoche will teach a view, contemplations, breathing and physical exercises to reconnect with the natural elements, and by this with the outer world, facilitating balance. The workshop will be held in English and be hosted according to the 2G rules. When: Friday, March 25th, 8-10 PM Saturday, March 26th, 7-10 PM Where: Akasha Academy, Stöberlstraße 68 80686 München Costs: 115 EUR Registration: Online Registration Phone: 0179 2938952 Please transfer the workshop contribution to the following account: Akasha Academy / IBAN: DE43 4306 0967 8227 1858 00 BIC: GENODEM1GLS / GLS Bank Please indicate the subject “Akasha Workshop” Cancellation: 30% of the amount will be retained. Cancellations are only possible before the workshop starts. Subsequent cancellations or refunds will not be accepted. Participation in our workshops is at the participant’s own risk. No liability will be accepted for any injury, in particular personal injury, damage to property or financial loss. The workshop is not a therapeutic or medical treatment and cannot replace this. Any relevant chronic or acute illnesses (especially back) should be communicated in advance....
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Yoga bag production to support women in Nepal28th February 2022Our new cooperation with Muya Yoga in Poland shows how successful cooperation can happen across different continents: Special yoga bags handmade in Nepal, with assistance of a German and a Nepalese NGO are sold in Poland to support the women in Nepal who produced them. What started in 2018 with a 6-months training in sewing and tailoring for women in Suntakhan, was continued in 2019 with another course for 14 women from Kathmandu. The program was conducted by the Akasha Academy NGO and supported by the German NGO Long Yang e.V. As women in Nepal are usually taking care of household and family, it is not easy for them to pursue further studies or a vocational training. Therefore, they are mostly financially dependent on their husbands. With the sewing training, they got a chance to lay the foundation for financial independence and a professional future as seamstresses. Women in Nepal producing the yoga bags for Muya Yoga. These lovingly handmade and unique yoga bags are empowering women in Nepal. The Akasha Handmade label stands for fair trade, fair wages and fair working conditions. When Karo from Muya Yoga heard about the sewing project and the vision of Akasha Academy, she wanted to support it by producing her own yoga bags. Some of our volunteers were managing the project both remotely as well as in Nepal: they searched for the perfect fabric, spoke to the trainer of the seamstresses, had a sample created and communicated across different time zones. Some months later, Karo received the new bags made of a unique fabric with detailed mandalas. She is now offering her new collection of yoga bags to her customers in Poland. She supported women to gain an income in challenging times and is giving them a perspective of a regular production. It is planned to develop a social business, which offers women a regular income. By buying one of these yoga bags with Muya Yoga you are not just getting a beautiful handmade product, but are also empowering women in Nepal. Thank you! One of the new yoga bags in use. Are you also interested in cooperating with us to support the projects of Akasha Academy? We are looking forward to hearing from you!...
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Clean the path for whales19th February 2022“We all breathe the same air, we all drink the same water, we all walk on the same planet.” TK Rinpoche When the Akasha Research Network became aware of the vital role of whales for the whole system of Earth, we immediately engaged in this topic researching the interdependencies between everything connected with them. On World Whale Day 2022, we finally start to reach out and support those who are already active in protecting whales and the oceans – and by this our planet. Whales – an essential part of the ecosystem and the planetary system as a whole Oceans are the source of life on Earth. They produce more than half of the world’s oxygen while at the same time taking up vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In fact, every other breath we take comes from the oceans. In addition, because they absorb most of the heat on the planet, oceans are essential for climate regulation. In fact, without this oceanic buffering system the effects of climate change would be even more severe than they are now (NASA Science, 2022; Schmitt, 2018). Source: Grid-Arendal, 2021: The role of whales in the oceanic carbon cycle In recent years it has become clear that whales play a key role in this oceanic life-supporting system. Researchers have found that with their poop whales enrich the water with essential nutrients for phytoplankton, plant-like microorganisms that transform atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen via photosynthesis. In addition, their bodies store substantial amounts of carbon over their lifespans. In case of a natural death, this carbon is taken to the bottom of the sea, where it is safely locked away in sediments providing deep sea organisms with habitats and essential nutrients (Lutz and Martin, 2014). Whales are also important for the integrity of the marine ecosystem and its biodiversity. By fertilizing phytoplankton, they lay the foundation for the marine food chain: Phytoplankton is the main food source for myriad marine creatures such as crustaceans and fish, which are in turn prey animals for larger species including whales themselves (NOAA, 2019). Considering these mechanisms alone, it becomes clear that whales have vital implications for the entire planetary system, on whose stability all living beings on this planet critically depend. The situation of whales and what’s threatening them Given their importance for life on Earth, it is all the more worrying that due to commercial whaling in the 20th century, whale populations around the globe have dwindled dramatically. Although it is banned in most countries today, a few states are still actively engaged in killing whales, mostly for the purpose of selling their meat and other body parts. Nowadays, climate change, pollution, ship strikes, entanglement in abandoned fishing gear as well as overexploitation of fishing grounds pose increasing dangers making it difficult for whale populations to recover. Some species even stand at the verge of extinction (Safe the Whales, 2022; IUCN, 2019). One of the endangered whale species is the Southern Right Whale that lives in the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, migrating between feeding areas in higher latitudes and breeding grounds in regions closer to the equator (NOAA, 2022). “During August and September, it is very common to see whales swimming in pods towards the south. Living close to the shore, it was always a beautiful experience to watch these animals gently swim by.”, says Juan Pablo Rebuffone, an Argentinean environmentalist who grew up close to the sea and as a surfer developed a deep connection to the ocean. Underwater noise – a growing concern Although it is reported that the Southern Right Whale population in Argentinean and Brazilian waters is slowly recovering (IWC, 2022), Juan is concerned about the fact that whales and other species are increasingly exposed to loud underwater noise from seismic surveys executed by oil companies to locate oil and gas resources offshore: “The dangers posed by seismic surveys are very hard to calculate, but we know that the sound of these blasts can travel up to 4,000 km and cause behavioral changes, disorientation and in many cases death. It disrupts normal biological functions of several different species, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and birds.” Source: Hannes Grobe (Alfred-Wegener-Institute): Equipment used for seismic surveying: An array of air guns produce sound waves, which are reflected by different sediment layers on the ocean floor and recorded by hydrophones integrated in the streamer Fortunately, these undertakings do not remain unseen. “More recently, the plans to start seismic surveys in Argentinean waters by several companies have found great resistance from local people. The protests have gathered thousands on the streets. In the public hearing around this issue over 90% of the 500 orators showed a great amount of concern”, Juan reports. What needs to be done to bring about positive change To give marine ecosystems the chance to recover and whales to safely breed and migrate, at least 30% of the world’s oceans must be transformed into marine protected areas (IUCN, 2017). Currently, less than 7% of the world’s oceans are under official protection and only around 2% are declared as no-take areas where no human interventions are allowed (IUCN, 2017). The fact that more and more people realize the need to act and raise their voices against harmful actions as described, however, gives reason for hope. Today, numerous conservationist groups and organizations around the globe are pushing their governments to take bolder action for the protection of marine ecosystems – measures against maritime pollution being just one part of it. The Akasha Research Network is determined to support individuals and organizations from around the world in their aspiration to achieve stricter regulations to protect whales and their habitats. Given the critical state of the planet’s ecosystems and the little time we have left for their protection, the goal is to strengthen the common ground between all actors and to make the global network of supporters as strong as possible to have greater impact. By regularly sharing insights from ocean experts and conservationists with the wider public in the future, we wish to contribute to a holistic view on the life below water and show why saving whales and the oceans is key to safeguarding planetary health. With his words, Juan reminds us of the most important fact: “We are all part of nature and not separate from it. Therefore, protecting the oceans should be in everyone’s best interest. Nature has a great ability to return to its lost balance, if we just learn to love it and leave it alone.” Everything is interconnected and each of our actions has an effect on our surrounding. So, let’s make it a positive one – and clean the path for whales! References NASA Science, Climate Variability | Science Mission Directorate. Science.nasa.gov. (2022). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/oceanography/ocean-earth-system/climate-variability. Schmitt, R. (2018). The Ocean’s Role in Climate. Oceanography, 31(2). Retrieved 19 February 2022, https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2018.225 Lutz, S. J., & Martin, A. H. (2014). Fish Carbon: Exploring Marine Vertebrate Carbon Services. Aquatic food webs | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Noaa.gov. (2022). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://bit.ly/3sThQrP Threatened and Endangered – Save The Whales. Save The Whales. (2022). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://savethewhales.org/threatened-and-endagered/. Status of the World’s Cetaceans – IUCN – SSC Cetacean Specialist Group. Iucn-csg.org. (2019). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://iucn-csg.org/status-of-the-worlds-cetaceans/. Southern Right Whale. NOAA. (2022). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/southern-right-whale#overview.Right whale. Iwc.int. (2022). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://iwc.int/right-whale. Marine protected areas and climate change. IUCN. (2017). Retrieved 15 February 2022, Available from https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/marine-protected-areas-and-climate-change. Read more: www.akasha-academy.org/akasha-research/...
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The first weeks of Akasha Traineeship2nd January 2022After months of preparation and a whole bunch of challenges the story of „Educate. Enable. Empower“ finally took off on sunny December 6th with 16 students being welcomed by officials from Suntakhan and board and staff members of the Akasha Academy NGO. The unique program of this traineeship contains learning about current global and local challenges related to health and environment, improving one’s English skills and gaining insights into possible career paths to create overall positive change. One special feature of the traineeship is to provide a space for the young girls to find and develop their potentials. All around the world, but in Nepal especially young people struggle with finding their own path apart from their family’s choices and pressure of society. Within the next 8-9 Month the girls will have the possibility to find what they are good at and how they want to shape their own future. The first weeks started with a general introduction into the topics awaiting the students such as health and medicine, environment and sustainability, society and community engagement and universal ethics. Additionally, students will learn to develop skills in communication and organization, self-confidence and physical training and gain practical experiences as a trainer by conducting first own community activities. Through the network of partner NGOs and companies, the students will participate in workshops, gain insights and first job experiences through internships and projects and have support in job or study orientation and furthermore application.Mornings start out with English lessons. The day continues with a revision of topics from the day before to reflect and repeat what has been heard. Within the first days, basic medical health education has already started with teachers Bardia von Beust (Naturopath) from Long Yang e.V. and Sangay Chultrim Sherpa (Physician), consisting of basic knowledge of medical topics, such as anatomy and physiology, followed by diseases and solutions/treatment. Students learn to decipher between acute and chronical diseases and how to detect and diagnose them in the various systems of the body (digestive system, respiratory system etc.). Classes on hygiene and environmental issues have begun as well. Ladies learn about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness as well as the link between hygiene and disease. Topics such as plastic pollution and other challenges regarding environment and sustainability in Nepal and all over the world. Last week, the team also started first practical workshops: a handicraft session and a workshop on bio-composting in order to familiarize the students with the land and the potentials of this eco-friendly technique. In the next few weeks, there will be workshops on planting and acrobatics. The students will also soon receive their first session career counselling. We are excited to see the student’s development over the next months. We will give frequent updates here and on our social media channels....
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Akasha Traineeship “Educate, Enable, Empower” – Apply now15th October 2021Akasha Academy currently admits applications for the education program “Akasha Traineeship” for women. The program will start in December 2021 and will take place in the newly constructed training center at Suntakhan, Gokarneshwor. “Training at Akasha Academy offers conditions to make your own choice and to find your place in the world.”TK Rinpoche Under the theme “Educate, Enable, Empower”, you will get the chance to learn about current global and local challenges related to health and environment, improve your English skills and gain insights into possible career paths through practical internships. As graduates of this program, you can use your newly acquired skills and experience to either start working in community engagement or continue your education – THE CHOICE IS YOURS! Apply here PLEASE NOTE: The date of birth in the application form must be submitted according to the Western calendar and not according to the Nepalese calendar. KEY FACTS Unique interdisciplinary vocational training including projects & internships Our Aim: Empower you to create a positive change withing yourself and others Duration: 8-9 months (Dec. 2021 until July/Aug. 2022 – depending on situation due to pandemic) Working times: 6 hrs./day, 6 days a week (public holidays) Location: Akasha Academy Suntakhan, Gokarneshwor Costs: Tuition adjusted to your possibilities, scholarships available The Program Learn about current problems in communities & figure out practical solutions to create a positive change. Interactive Trainings on: Health & medicineEnvironment & sustainabilitySociety & community engagementUniversal ethics Skill Developement: Train to become a trainer – Acquire relevant skills and knowledge to work as a trainer for community engagement after graduation: Skills in communication & organizationSelf-confidence & physical trainingPractical experiences as a trainer (conducting first own community activities during training) Practical Job Orientation: Get access to our huge network of our partner NGOs & companies during various workshopsGet insights & first job experiences through internships & projects within our trainingGet support in job/study orientation & application Why apply? Benefit from a high-quality education program: International certification of Akasha AcademyIntensive English course with certification (IELTS)Internships with a range of partnersDirect job opportunities through our network Graduates will be able to… Advise local people, government and schools on basic health and environmental issues: hygiene, nutrition, women’s health, waste management, and more Provide qualified health- and environment related training and consultingWork for local schools, government organizations, NGOs and others How to apply You can apply, if… You are interested in topics like medicine, health, environmental protection, community engagementYou have successfully graduated class 12You have good grades (esp. in English)You want to increase your job opportunitiesYou are an open-minded young lady Admission and further InformationIf you are interested and wish to receive further information or want to register, please contact the Akasha Academy program management:Email: education@akasha-academy.orgPhone: 981 8915 392 PLEASE NOTE: The date of birth in the application form must be submitted according to the Western calendar and not according to the Nepalese calendar. Apply now We are very much looking forward to hearing from you!...
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Healing the Wound on our Land in Suntakhan28th May 2021As part of the collaboration with Sustainable Mountain Architecture (SMA), the work in Suntakhan continues towards the realization of Akasha Academy. One crucial aspect is the overall stabilization and preparation of the land for future constructions. Before the next monsoon starts, it is especially urgent to stabilize the area where a landslide occurred in 2020. What is a monsoon? Nepal, as well as Asia overall, is affected by a period of heavy rainfalls once a year, which can have a great impact on the structure and appearance of land. Monsoon is essential for the local ecosystem, watering of plants, and for clearing of dust accumulated in the months before. However, it is often a cause of landslides, especially in hilly and sandy areas such as ours. Landslide 2020 In 2020, a landslide occurred at an especially vulnerable spot on the land. This happened due to the cutting of trees and plants in the past, which would have kept the land stable and prevented waterflow from causing damage. Lack thereof allowed for the land to simply slip away. Therefore, stabilization is most urgently needed in this area before the next monsoon to prevent further harm. Redirecting monsoon rain Working on stabilizing the land is one of the most interesting and intense parts of the collaboration with SMA. While there are many ways to stabilize, together with the help of SMA and their expertise, we found an option which is not only practical, but goes according to our values to respect nature. To stabilize the 2020 landslide area, constructions are currently ongoing in order to build three gabion walls on top of each other. Each gabion construction is about 8 meters long, consisting of wire baskets filled with stones (see picture). These walls function as natural steps, allowing plantation between them and can redirect as well as slow down the water streams. It takes 3-5 monsoons for this part to be fully stabilized. During this time, nature will grow through and around the walls, enhancing the stabilization process. After this time, some of the stones can even be removed and reused....
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Youth program “Akasha Trainees” in Suntakhan20th March 2021One of the main goals of Akasha Academy is to offer holistic education based on universal ethics. With a focus on healthy living for people and nature, the Basic Health Counsellor Training has been developed. During the pandemic, an interim “Covid-19 Health Advisor” training was offered to pupils of Suntakhan. With Akasha Academy NGO being a member of Nepal’s Menstrual Health and Hygiene Alliance, a workshop on menstrual health took place in cooperation with GIZ Nepal. The students exchanged their experiences with the actress and MHM Goodwill Ambassador Keki Adhikari, while broadcasting the session online. As we realized that continuous interaction is important for girls and young women in the region, Akasha Academy NGO is now setting up a youth program called “Akasha Trainees” under the motto “Hands and Hearts for Community”. The contents shall again be transferred to the community through multipliers. They will learn among other things about healthy living, women’s rights, how to protect the environment, and how to become change-agents. The participants thus learn to make a difference in their surroundings – on the one hand by sharing their newly acquired knowledge, and on the other hand by being an example for others with a new kind of seeing and doing things. Besides, the program aims at advancing the participants’ self-security and self-responsibility and inspire them to act for the benefit of others. We hope to offer workshops at least once a month and to build a strong community of motivated youth, willing to take over responsibility to initiate change....
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