This practical training will help relieve the suffering of entire communities. T wo Jamyang Choling schools are located in the snowy land of Spiti, a desolate region surrounded by high Himalayan peaks. Life is arduous in this frozen climate. D ue to heavy snowfalls, transport and communications to Spiti are impossible much of the year. Economic hardship, particularly disruption of the wool trade from occupied Tibet, has led the men of Spiti to seek jobs in Indian cities.
Women now shoulder a heavy responsibility for both family and livelihood.
The solace of these spiritually-enriching activities helps offset the sufferings of the harsh environment. Women's education and spirituality have also centered around the home. Buddhist culture has flourished here since the 8th century, but there has never been a traditional learning center for women. I n 1985, a group of courageous young women from Pangmo village took the initiative to establish Yangchen Choling, the first school for traditional and contemporary learning especially for women. Originally located in caves above the village, the students are now struggling to build teachers' quarters, classrooms, and student housing with their own hands.