On the sacred occasion of Buddha Jayanti, a day that honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha, something truly beautiful unfolded in the Himalayan region of Dolpo. In a gesture of shared learning and heartfelt connection, Grade 6 students from Tergar Schools led a gentle and inspiring meditation workshop for the students and teachers of Crystal Mountain School.
Supported with care by their teacher, Karma Shendon, the young facilitators guided their peers through a practice rooted in awareness, compassion, and inner stillness. Far from the usual dynamic of adults teaching children, this was a moment where children were empowered to share with their peers —and did so with presence, clarity, and warmth.
A Student-Led Offering
This workshop was a continuation of a growing relationship between the two schools—one nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, the other high in the mountains of Dolpo. Though separated by geography, both schools are united in a shared commitment to holistic, values-based education.
On this occasion, Tergar School Kathmandu students guided a session of Awareness Meditation based on The Three Noble Principles of Buddhism. The practice included:
Settle Space – Sitting comfortably and allowing the breath to flow naturally.
Refuge and Bodhichitta – Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and generating the aspiration for wisdom and compassion to awaken in all beings.
Mandala Offering – Visualizing the offering of the entire universe—its beauty, joy, and goodness—to the awakened mind.
Body Sensation Awareness – Bringing gentle attention to bodily sensations, both tight and loose.
Sound Meditation – Listening to sounds and hearing them like echoes in space.
Dedication – Dedicating any positivity from the practice to the well-being of all beings.
Watching the Grade 6 students step into leadership on such a meaningful day was a reminder of how deeply these practices take root when nurtured with care. Their confidence, kindness, and clarity reflected both the strength of their education and the spirit of the occasion.
A Meeting of Mountains and Minds
As they sat together—Tergar Schools students inside the classroom, and the students of Crystal Mountain School gathered outside on the school grounds, surrounded by the breathtaking embrace of the mountains and hills—it was clear that something special was taking place. This wasn’t just about learning meditation. It was a meeting of hearts across Himalayan valleys, a moment of shared stillness bridging distance and difference. With one group leading from within and the other receiving under open skies, it became a quiet testament to the transformative power of young minds, deep presence, and meaningful connection.