Friday

Jyekundo Earthquake Photo Essay by Khenpo Tsering

Trungpa XII Rinpoche, Aten Rinpoche and monks from Surmang pray for earthquake victims

Khenpo Tsering has sent photos from the days following the Jyekundo Earthquake, chronicling the wreckage from the quake and relief efforts by the Surmang leadership with funds generously donated by the Shambhala community to the Konchok Foundation. These are published here on the Shambhala Times in a photo essay arranged with captions by Lyndon Comstock based on information provided by Khenpo.

Death and impermanence is an integral part of life. When this kind of disaster strikes, may the power of the natural goodness within all of us provide physical and mental comfort and the courage to start anew.

–17th Gyalwang Karmapa, April 17, 2010

Click on photos to enlarge:

Trungpa XII Rinpoche, Aten Rinpoche and monks from Surmang perform practices on behalf of the people who died at this location. The bodies of seven people who died here are inside the small temporary enclosure, built of rubble, which is directly in front of the monks. Khenpo Tsering got up from practicing with the others to take these photos. Other monks, local Tibetans, and Chinese soldiers continue digging for survivors or bodies. April 17, 2010.

The ruined home of Khenpo Tsering’s uncle, Karma Gyatso, and his family. Fortunately, no one was injured in this home. April 16, 2010.

A devastated neighborhood not far from the home of Khenpo Tsering’s family. Most of the buildings in Jyekundo which did not collapse outright will have to be razed because they are heavily damaged or unstable. Local residents believe that there are still large numbers of bodies buried in the debris of the city. April 16, 2010.

The remains of the shedra at Thrangu Monastery, south of Jyekundo. Approximately twenty-five monks died at the monastery, including a cousin of Aten Rinpoche. April 17, 2010.

The Surmang Dutsi Til leadership meeting with and providing emergency financial aid to families, while a monk takes notes. April 17, 2010.

This photo and the one above depicting emergency relief provided by Surmang leadership were taken with Khenpo Tsering’s camera, presumably by Aten Rinpoche. April 17, 2010.

Monks digging for survivors in the rubble of Jyekundo. April 19, 2010.

Khenpo Tsering’s father (in the blue hat) and sister-in-law (in purple) preparing a meal in front of their home. April 16, 2010.

The trenches near Jyegu monastery where many hundreds of those who died in the earthquake were cremated together. The rebar on which the bodies were laid sagged from the heat of the fire. April 24, 2010.

The daughter of the previous Panchen Lama visited Jyekundo after the earthquake to provide assistance to the local population, which is 98% Tibetan. April 24, 2010.

In the center of Jyekundo, monks preparing tea and food, which were given freely to anyone who was hungry. April 20, 2010.

Read other articles about the Jyekundo quake:

Ongoing Relief Efforts by the Surmang Team
Quake Update – Emergency Aid Reaching Jyekundo
Thousands of Monks in Jyekundo for Quake Relief Efforts
Global Mandala Joins in Prayers for Quake Victims
Earthquake Message from Sakyong
Placing the Earthquake in our Lineage
Joining in with the Bodhisattva Activity in Jyekundo
Tibetan Quake – Resources

How can I help?
Donations may be made to Konchok Foundation for earthquake relief.
Read more news and updates on the earthquake.