As an official branch of the Nechung Monastery in Dharamsala, India, the Nechung Foundation, NYC Center for Tibetan Buddhism and Culture, was founded in 1994 under the auspices of H.H. the Dalai Lama. In keeping with the goals of the monastery, the Nechung Foundation is dedicated to preserving the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet and sharing it with the rest of the world. The Nechung Foundation, NYC is a 501 (3) (c) not-for-profit organization. The faculty members teach all stages of Tibetan Buddhism, Tibetan language, and all the sacred arts of thangka and sand mandala painting, as well as butter sculpture ("torma"). The foundation holds weekly meditation classes, and training programs; organizes special talks, teachings and initiations by masters of all schools of Tibetan Buddhism; and hosts presentations on the Tibetan art of healing and astrology. Fund-raising efforts are directed toward helping support the Nechung Monastic community in India and creating educational and health-care facilities for Tibetan refugees. A long-term goal of the Nechung Foundation is to establish much-needed medical facilities in the more remote regions of Tibet.
