News Akasha Training – Spinal Power Workshop: August 12 and 13, 202225th July 2022Body and Mind Instructions with Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche space 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 Spinal Power “Spinal Power” is the first part of a series of workshops. Each workshop has a specific focus and includes an introduction into Universal Ethics which are the foundation of the training – recalling a common sense in a world of diversity to aid to the survival of humanity. The Spinal Power Workshop will focus on exercises for strengthening the upper part of the body and the spine. During two evenings TK Rinpoche will teach a view, breathing and physical exercises to reconnect with the natural elements. No prior knowledge is needed. The Workshop will be held in English language. WHEN: Friday, August 12, 2022, 20:00 – 22:00 (8-10 pm) Saturday, August 13, 2022, 19:00 – 22:00 (7-10 pm) VENUE: Akasha Academy, Stöberlstrasse 68 80686 München Participation Fee: 115 EUR Registration: Visit Long Yang website for Online Registration Phone: 089 12416086 In order to ensure a safe event for everyone, we organize the workshop based on current infection control regulations as well as regulations referring to distance, ventilation and masks. The number of places is therefore limited. Registration is binding, after payment is received on the following account: Akasha Academy / IBAN: DE43 4306 0967 8227 1858 00 BIC: GENODEM1GLS / GLS Bank Subject “Spinal Power Workshop” Cancellation: 30% of the amount will be retained. Cancellations are only possible before the start of the workshop, subsequent cancellations or refunds will not be accepted. Participating in our workshops is at your own risk. No liability is assumed for any injury, especially on persons, property or financial damage. The workshop is not a therapy nor medical treatment and cannot replace this. Any relevant chronic or acute illnesses (particularly spine-related) should be reported in advance.... read moreTshethar Ritual 22nd July 202213th July 2022Offering the Gift of Life Ritual with Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche In Tibetan Tshethar means “giving freedom” and is formed by the syllables “Tshe” – life and “Thar” – liberation. In the Buddhist Mahayana tradition, offering sentient beings the gift of life in freedom is an act of generosity. This requires compassion and wisdom. It is said that when you give beings / animals back their life in freedom, your own life force is also strengthened. By helping others, one helps oneself. With this motivation, animals threatened with death – in this case brown trout – are bought from local fish farmers and released into freedom. Also this year the Tshethar Ritual will take place in the beautiful surrounding of the Gautinger Schlosspark. During the ceremony Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche will recite special Mantras and Dharanis, which serve the life force of the liberated animals. Through the power of the ceremony, the brown trout receive the blessing for their new life in freedom. These recitations also have a vitalizing effect on visitors, especially those who contribute to the liberation. We invite you to participate with the whole family in a very special Buddhist puja in the midst of nature and experience the benefits of this ancient ritual. The blessed fish are then released into their new life in the little river Würm. Guests have the opportunity to participate actively by purchasing a desired number of fish. The purchase is possible in advance or directly on site. The fish are bred locally and transported species-appropriate. If you are unable to attend the ritual in person, we will be happy to release the fish for you. Participation is only possible with registration and the number of places is limited. You will receive further information about the ritual and the purchase with the registration via the registration form. WHEN:Freitag, 22th July 6.00 pmEntrance open from 5 pmRegistration until 19th July 2022 WHERE:Park Schloss FußbergAm Schlosspark, 82131 Gauting Organizer: Long Yang e. V. Registration:Phone: 089-12416086or visit https://www.long-yang.org/registration-tshethar-ritual/?lang=en... read moreEqual Opportunities and Positive Impact through Education9th July 2022As the first year of our Akasha Traineeship program is coming to completion, it is a good time to reflect on the positive development and all that has happened during the last months. The Akasha Traineeship started in December 2021 to educate young women about general health, social and environmental challenges in Nepal and to provide a safe space and orientation for them to discover their skills and possibilities for future. We offered practical knowledge, skills and solutions to prepare the participants for their future educational and career paths, and empowered them to become change-makers in their communities. It has been an inspiring journey to see how much the women have developed during the traineeship. We see a lot of potential to tackle social and environmental challenges and to create a positive impact through education. The challenges in Nepal Educating and empowering women in Nepal is important for many reasons. In Nepal, women are facing many disadvantages and discrimination. Especially those living in rural areas and coming from underprivileged families often do not have the opportunity to decide over their own future. Getting married at an early age is often the only option they have. Furthermore, we realized that many talented young women who would be eager to learn, cannot continue their education due to abusive family situations or a lack of financial resources. That’s why it is very important to provide them a safe space to learn and to offer them orientation so they may discover their abilities and especially their freedom of choice. Also, environmental destruction such as air and water pollution or deforestation is a big challenge and is negatively impacting millions of lives in Nepal. Additionally, social issues like poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence and a lack of access to medical services are big challenges in many communities. Therefore, today – more than ever – young people need to be educated about these challenges to be able to make a change. Positive development When the students started the program, most of them had little to no knowledge about basic health topics or sustainability. Also, many of them were very shy. Now, after 7 months of training, 6 days a week, the changes are remarkable. Their English skills have improved significantly through the intensive classes. They also have acquired basic medical knowledge by learning from doctors and nurses and are ready to start working as health counselors and sharing their knowledge with others. They have learned about sustainability through several workshops, for example on composting, gardening and planting trees. And most of all, they have gained strength and confidence through physical exercises, self-defense classes and acrobatics. This became visible in community theater and acrobatic performances with a social message – in front of some hundred participants: It seemed like they had been doing this all their lives. Students learning about tree planting with a local organic agriculture expert. Students performing a community theater play in Gamcha. Students showing their strength after a self-defense class. Asking the students how their life has changed through the traineeship, many said that they learned about many different topics they didn’t know about before. Some were more interested in topics like menstrual health and others about making a change through social theater and other community work. But all of them said that they have become much more confident and want to share with others what they have learned. Supporting the communities In the last two months, the students have already been able to put into practice the skills they have learned within their training. They have performed theater plays addressing some pressing social topics in the communities, such as the stigma around menstruation, domestic violence, and gender inequality. They have also been present in a Health Camp where locals can get free medical services. There they talked to other women and offered them support through counseling. A drama created by the traineeship students about breaking the silence and removing the stigma around menstruation was performed in Kathmandu in May 2022. Applying directly what they have learned from various experts during the program, the students themselves now have become role models in their community. It has been inspiring to see how they have been able to help others and the very positive feedback they received from the community. Foundation The Akasha Traineeship is a part of a larger vision: The Akasha Academy follows the vision of Tulku Khyungdor Rinpoche, a Master practitioner of an ancient Buddhist practice path, to create pathways for the future of our planet, based on universal ethics. “We all breathe the same air, we all drink the same water, we all walk on the same earth”~ TK Rinpoche Therefore, we all need to take on the responsibility to take care of it. Understanding the impact, we have on each other and on the planet, and finding a common sense to protect it beyond nationality, religion, or color of skin, is necessary for the survival of our planet. The Akasha Traineeship has been established on this foundation – to create conditions for Freedom of Choice and a space to learn, train and apply Universal Ethics.... read moreStreet 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!... read moreTeachings 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... read moreAkasha 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.... read moreYoga 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!... read moreClean 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/... read moreThe 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.... read more
