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Siddhartha School 2008

Given the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture and ethics depends upon Ladakh, a region which for over a millennium has been a stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism. Unfortunately, the traditional culture of Ladakh is also threatened -- largely by the failure of the Ladakhi educational system. In the past, Ladakhi children depended on schools in Tibet for education and training in Buddhist culture and ethics; these educational opportunities no longer exist. Present Ladakhi schools (especially at the village level) are inadequately equipped either to provide quality education in modern fields or to teach children respect for their rich heritage in the face of Westernization.

Students at Siddhartha School

Khen Rinpoche Geshe Kachen Lobzang Tsetan, a Ladakhi Buddhist monk of the Tibetan Gelukpa tradition, and, since July 2005, Khenchen or head abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in southern India. In 1994 he founded the Siddhartha School Project with the two-fold goal of offering a quality modern education while championing the traditional Buddhist culture and language. In June 1995, through the joint efforts of the Siddhartha School Project boards (U.S. and Ladakh) and the local Stok village community, the Siddhartha School was opened in rented quarters with 25 pre-school age children. Since then the school has grown to over 200 students and six buildings.

View the new 2008 Siddhartha School Documentary.

Original School

Original School and Students - 1996

Siddhartha School Today

Siddhartha School - 2007

For the additional news about the project, we invite you to explore the school's newsletters. Our November 2008 edition of Turning the Wheel can be downloaded as a pdf.

To share the flavor of Ladakh, we offer a recipe for momo and chai, a delicious and festive Ladakhi meal.

Many thanks for visiting, friend.

Siddhartha School Students



The Siddhartha School Project
PO Box 524
Freeport, ME 04032-0524
tel. (207) 523-9388

The Siddhartha School Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. (Donate)

site update 04/30/2009
The Siddhartha School Project