Annual Review 2023
January 2, 2024
As 2023 has come to an end, we want to thank you for making it a successful year through your support, interest, and financial contributions.
Whether opening a bakery, establishing a model farm for regenerative agriculture or offering educational workshops for kids, each initiative contributes to Rinpoche’s vision of protecting the elements of life and empowering people to make their own decisions. We are happy that in 2023 together with you, we could create many new ways to achieve this goal.
Willy the whale and the elements of nature
As a preparation to open our first Akasha Kindergarten, we have successfully started with education programs for children in Germany this year. Willy the Whale interactive story, and workshops about the elements of nature showed children that everything in life is interconnected and how important it is to protect nature for our survival.
Reconnecting to nature and finding clarity – Ancient rituals
In 2023, TK Rinpoche performed two rituals in Munich: Tshethar Ritual and Yamantaka Ritual – to make the wisdom of an ancient Buddhist practise path accessible for people from all backgrounds.
In July, over two thousand trouts were released into the river Würm at the Schlosspark Gauting during the Tshethar ritual. Despite the thunder, around a hundred visitors came to experience this unique, ancient practice and helped the fish find their way into freedom.
In August, TK Rinpoche performed the Yamantaka ritual for the first time in three years. Especially in the current times of ongoing challenges, this ritual is beneficial to find clarity and confidence.
Growing and producing nutritious food
How to grow food and regenerate the soil at the same? This year, we started to explore the method of biointensive farming on our newly rented land next to the Akasha Academy headquarters in Nepal. Together with Shyam Phyakurel, a Nepalese agriculture expert, we established a model farm which serves as an example for sustainable food production. We are happy that with this project, we not only educate the community about sustainable agriculture but also offer job opportunities to locals.
Job opportunities are also generated through the newly established Artisan Bakery social business. Four ladies from the second cohort of Akasha Traineeship work as bakers, in administration and marketing to make the social business a success and raise awareness for healthy nutrition. Since its opening in November, many muffins, breads and cinnamon rolls have been baked and received well among Nepalese and expats alike.
Finding confidence and acting for the benefit of others
In September, 15 Akasha Traineeship students in Nepal happily received their graduation certificates. During the 10-month vocational training, they could already spark a positive change in the community by taking part in our reforestation project, raising awareness about healthy nutrition at the health camp in Okhreni and addressing social problems in theatre performances in front of school classes and communities.
The traineeship has helped the young women find confidence to choose their own path in life. Many of them have already found a job which gives them financial freedom and independence. Akasha Traineeship is now running into its third year with a new batch of young, motivated students.
Empowering young women requires role models who serve as an example and give guidance. Therefore, we are also working to give our team in Nepal the opportunity to broaden their horizon. Sushmita Sharma who is the education program manager at Akasha Academy Nepal had a unique chance to travel to Europe this year and meet with many politicians, entrepreneurs and NGO members.
Providing school uniforms for 950 pupils and making education possible
With your support, we were able to raise a record amount of funds for winter school uniforms this year. School uniforms are required for children to attend school in Nepal. Therefore, providing them with these pieces of clothing also means giving access to education. 950 pupils received their new uniforms along with some healthy snacks from Akasha Artisan Bakery.
Setting an example for sustainable building
The headquarters in Nepal has grown by a new building this year. The bamboo pavilion can be seen from afar – a truly radiant example of sustainable building and architecture. Together with Green Bamboo Architects, we have developed a building that reflects traditional Nepalese architecture and uses sustainable local resources such as bamboo and clay. In June, Rinpoche performed a Lungta ritual offering his blessing to the place and visitors which is helpful for good fortune.
Learn more and experience
In Germany, we organized more events and held presentations this year than ever – from kid’s educational programs to Nepal bazaars, fairs, sustainability conferences and of course, Akasha Training Workshops which are organized regularly at Akasha Academy Munich. For 2024, we look forward to offering just as many opportunities for exchange and getting to know our work and its foundation, Universal Ethics. The meaning of Universal Ethics and its practical application through Akasha Training can be experienced at the Spinal Power Workshop on 26th and 27th of January. We hope to see you there and wish you all a very successful new year!
