Dawa Sonam

I am deeply grateful to my second home, MDBLC.

Tashi Delek! 

I am Dawa Sonam Tamang, from Thuman, Rasuwa, Nepal.

I was ordained by His Eminence Drubthob Rinpoche, who named me Ngawang Nyima, and I was admitted in 2007 to Drubthob Rinpoche’s monastery, the Manjushri Di-Chen Buddhist Learning Center in Pharping.

This center is not just a place where I received my education and was raised. It is my second home, the place where I grew, learned, and became the person I am today. It provided me with not just free education, but also free healthcare, shelter, clothing, and everything I needed to thrive. More importantly, it guided me at every step of my life with compassion and love, shaping my values and worldview.

Reflecting on my time at MDBLC, I realize that I have spent more years here than in my birthplace. This makes it not just a center of learning but a true home, filled with kind teachers, helpful classmates, pure-hearted children, and honest staff. When I look back on those days, my heart fills with immense gratitude and joyous memories, reminding me of the warmth and support I found within those walls.In 2016, I completed my eighth-grade examination, marking a significant milestone in my journey. I also had the honor of finishing the approved 7-year course of study on the Perfection of Wisdom teachings (Abhisamaya-Alankara) in 2022, a profound achievement that deepened my understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice.

As I continued on this path, I was delighted to learn that Lumbini Buddhist University was offering a remarkable opportunity – a chance for monks and nuns with 12 years of monastic education to pursue a Bachelor’s in Bhot Buddhist Studies. Recognizing the importance of this chance to broaden my knowledge, I joined this university in 2023. Currently, I am in my fourth semester, studying four major foundational texts – Paramita, Abhidharmakosha, Pramana, and Madhyamaka – alongside one year of Nepali and four years of English.

Throughout this journey, I have been incredibly fortunate to receive ongoing support from Manjushri Di-Chen Buddhist Learning Center, which has generously covered my university expenses, including food, fees, transportation and medical care. I am deeply thankful for their unwavering support, which has made my educational dreams possible.

For me, success is not just about achieving high goals or prestigious positions. It is about becoming a good human being and extending a helping hand to others, values that MDBLC has deeply implanted in me. I consider my opportunity to study at a university a significant achievement, one that would not have been possible without the nurturing foundation provided by my second home, MDBLC.

Looking to the future, I am determined to give back. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will return to MDBLC and contribute in every way I can. No matter how far life takes me, MDBLC will always be a part of my heart, and I will forever be in debt to this remarkable place.

Thank you, MDBLC, for everything.

With love and respect,

Dawa Sonam

Dawa who is pursuing his bachelor in Lumbini University