The Odiyana Project - A Tibetan Orphanage in India. 

This podcast episode features an interview with Tulka and Dorjee about the Odiyana Project, a Tibetan orphanage, school, and clinic located in Arunachal Pradesh, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The project represents a beacon of hope, compassion, and healing in challenging times.

Key Project Details

Location & Background

• Location: Arunachal Pradesh, India (foothills of the Himalayas)
• Timeline: Initiated 4-5 years ago by Tulka
• Land: 3-acre site gifted by the local community
• Project Components: Orphanage, school, clinic, and temple

Mission & Purpose

The Odiyana Project serves the most disadvantaged children in the Himalayan region by providing:

• Shelter and housing for underprivileged children
• Comprehensive education with emphasis on compassion
• Healthcare services through periodic clinic operations
• Buddhist principles teaching compassion and wisdom

What Makes This Project Unique

Educational Philosophy

• Primary Focus: Teaching compassion as the foundation for becoming good human beings
• Holistic Approach: Inside-out development (inner compassion + outer education)
• Inclusive: Accepts children regardless of religious background
• Future Vision: Equipping children to help others when they grow up

Community Integration

• Local Support: Enthusiastic participation from local population
• Government Backing: Local officials contribute to the project
• Infrastructure Support: Government funded retention wall for flood protection and road paving
• Volunteer Network: Business people and officials actively contribute

Current Needs & Opportunities

Financial Requirements

• Target Goal: Approximately $200,000 to complete the entire project
• Funding Sources: Monthly donations from general public and US contributors
• Local Contributions: Ongoing support from Indian community

Volunteer Opportunities

The project welcomes volunteers who can contribute:

• Teaching expertise (school teachers particularly needed)
• Medical background for healthcare services
• Construction assistance
• Cultural exchange programs

Accommodations for Volunteers

• Room and board provided at project site
• Shelter facilities available
• Shower and housing amenities
• Food provided to volunteers

Living Conditions Context

Local Community Challenges

• Families living in tiny bamboo houses
• Limited access to quality education
• Remote location near natural borders
• Simple lifestyle with happy people but limited resources
• Lack of access to Tibetan medicine and healthcare

Contrast with Western Life

The podcast highlights the stark difference between children in Northeast India (whole families in small bamboo structures with minimal possessions) versus children in the United States (individual bedrooms, closets, multiple pairs of shoes).

How to Get Involved

Contact Information

• Website: odiyanainstitute.org
• Organization: Tibetan Aid Foundation.org
• Direct Contact: Through hosts Jill and Fiona, or Tibetan Aid Foundation

Ways to Participate

1. Financial donations (monthly or one-time)
2. Volunteer teaching (2-3 people have already volunteered successfully)
3. Medical volunteer work for clinic operations
4. Construction assistance
5. Student exchange programs (bringing classes from other schools)

Key Themes & Messages

Hope in Dark Times

The project serves as a source of light and hope during challenging global periods, demonstrating how focusing on compassion and service to others can provide meaning and peace.

Buddhist Philosophy in Action

The integration of Buddhist principles of compassion and wisdom with practical education and healthcare demonstrates how spiritual values can address real-world needs.

Community Collaboration

The project showcases successful collaboration between:

• International donors (particularly from the US)
• Local Indian communities
• Government officials
• Religious and secular participants

Sustainable Impact

Rather than temporary aid, the project focuses on long-term development by:

• Educating children to become compassionate leaders
• Building permanent infrastructure
• Creating ongoing healthcare services
• Fostering community ownership and participation

Notable Quotes & Insights

"The first thing we teach them is compassion... to grow up as good human beings - that's the most fundamental emphasis."

"Those children compared to our children here in the United States... whole families live under tiny bamboo houses with nothing available to them."

"Helping others is the key to bringing peace to the world basically."

Project Timeline & Progress

Past Achievements (5 years)

• Started from empty 3-acre land
• Built shelter and residential facilities
• Established ongoing school operations
• Conducted periodic medical clinics
• Gained local government and community support

Current Status

• School operating under construction
• Ongoing building and development
• Regular volunteer and donation intake
• Active community participation

Future Vision

• Complete construction with $200,000 funding goal
• Expand educational and healthcare services
• Graduate compassionate, well-educated children
• Serve as model for similar projects

Let It Wash Over You: Finding Adventure in Life's Detours. 

Join us for a conversation about transforming life's unexpected challenges into adventures. From missed trains to cold showers, discover how relaxing into uncertainty opens doors to new experiences and more profound understanding, including practical tips for listening across language barriers and accents. 

Key Themes & Discussion Points: 

Accepting Life's Unexpected Turns

• The importance of not fighting what's happening when things go wrong
• How anger and frustration cut off our ability to choose our response
• Personal story: Taking the wrong train in Munich and finding it led to an adventure
• The cold shower experience as a metaphor for accepting the unexpected

The Adventure Mindset

• Reframing unexpected events as "part of the adventure"
• How acceptance opens us to new experiences and learning opportunities
• The connection between relaxation and finding creative solutions

Language and Listening Across Cultures

• The difference between learning to speak a language vs. learning to listen
• Personal anecdote: Speaking French but not understanding the policeman's response
• Technique: "Letting language wash over you"

Featured Guest Discussion: Dorjee's Story

• Reference to previous interview about crossing the Himalayas
• Dorjee's escape story and journey to America
• His experience of loss and grief, and return home for wisdom
• The contrast between North American and Tibetan cultures
• Learning about freedom and the gift of being in America

Cultural Diversity as a Gift

• The blessing of multiple languages and accents in America
• Chinatown experiences in LA and San Francisco
• The Japanese polyglot who speaks to people in their native languages
• How fear shuts down our ability to understand different accents and languages

Practical Takeaways

1. When things go wrong: Accept first, then choose your response
2. For understanding accents: Relax and let the voice "wash over you"
3. Travel mindset: View unexpected events as adventures
4. Language barriers: Focus on the big picture, not individual words
5. Cultural encounters: Approach with curiosity rather than fear

Quotes to Remember

• "If we get annoyed or frustrated or angry about something that's happening, we don't give ourselves a chance to learn from it or find a way to move forward"
• "The more you relax, the better you'll be able to get a clear feeling for where to step next"
• "It's just fear that shuts us down—if we're not fearful and just relaxed into it, we'll be fine"

Follow-Up Episodes Referenced

• "Crossing the Himalayas" - Dorjee's escape over the Himalayas story and wisdom about grief
• Plans to re-record the interview with better audio quality

Production Notes

• Technical challenges mentioned with recording equipment
• Plans for future re-recording of Georgie interview
• Emphasis on the value of the content despite audio quality issues

Beyond Borders: A Spiritual Journey Home. The Odiyana Project on YouTube. www.Tibetanaidfoundation.org

After a worldwide quest for meaning following personal tragedy, a couple returns to America with newfound perspective. Having traveled through India, Nepal, Tibet, and China, they share profound insights about appreciating American freedom while reflecting on global inequality, spiritual growth, and their humanitarian work establishing an orphanage abroad. This thought-provoking conversation explores what truly matters in life beyond material comfort. A significant portion of the conversation centers on their humanitarian work, specifically the establishment of an orphanage in India through their foundation, the Tibetan Aid Foundation. The project provides shelter, food, education, and hope to children who previously had no future, including a 12-year-old boy they adopted whose parents had been forced to sell him due to extreme poverty. 

The podcast highlights themes of gratitude, perspective, the search for meaning, and finding joy in helping others despite personal tragedy. It serves as a reminder to focus on what we have rather than what we lack, especially when comparing the different types of struggles faced by people in wealthy versus developing nations.

• The couple's spiritual journey was prompted by the loss of their son and feelings of emptiness despite material comfort in America
• They visited India, Nepal, Tibet, and China, meeting spiritual teachers including the Dalai Lama
• They gained perspective on American abundance compared to the basic survival struggles in developing countries
• They established an orphanage in India that provides children with basic necessities and hope for the future
• The conversation emphasizes gratitude and focusing on what we have rather than what we lack

"Paws to Remember: Navigating Pet Loss and Celebration of Life"

When we lose a pet, we lose a family member who provided unconditional love and companionship. Here are some meaningful ways to cope with the grief and celebrate their life. We explored our experiences and how we coped with our many pets' deaths. There are ways to make it less painful and yet still acknowledge the love and connection with them. Dealing with Pet Loss 

Acknowledge your grief - Pet loss is a legitimate and often a very powerful experience. We need to acknowledge our grief. Allow ourselves to feel sad, angry, or whatever emotions arise. 

Create rituals - Hold a small memorial service, plant a tree, or create a photo album to mark their passing. 

Join support groups - Connect with others who understand pet loss through online or in-person support groups. 

Take care of yourself - Maintain routines, get adequate sleep, and engage in gentle physical activity. 

Seek professional help if needed - If grief overwhelms you, therapists specializing in pet loss can provide guidance. 

Celebrating Their Life 

Memory box - Collect meaningful items like collars, toys, and photos in a special container. 

Photo tribute - Create a photo wall, digital slideshow, or custom photo book highlighting happy moments. 

Tribute donation - Donate to an animal charity in your pet's name.

Storytelling - Share favorite stories about your pet with friends and family who knew them. 

Permanent memorial - Consider a garden stone, custom artwork, or jewelry containing ashes. 

Remember that healing isn't linear, and there's no timeline for grief. Honoring your pet's memory while gradually moving forward is a personal journey that deserves patience and compassion. 

They are not gone; they have just left their bodies, and you can still connect with them in their essence. 

Welcome to today's episode, where we're diving into something we all experience but often try to hide: our mistakes. Those moments when we stumble, fall short, or completely miss the mark.

But what if I told you that these mistakes might be your life's most powerful wisdom-bringers? Those uncomfortable, sometimes painful missteps could actually be disguised gifts. 

As Tryon Edwards so perfectly put it: "Some of the best lessons we ever learn we learn from our mistakes and failures. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future."

Think about it. When everything goes according to plan, what do we really learn? It's in the gaps, the unexpected detours, where actual growth happens. That project that failed spectacularly? It probably taught you more than a dozen successful ones. 

We're culturally programmed to avoid mistakes at all costs. We're taught that success means getting it right the first time. But this mindset robs us of the rich learning from getting it wrong. 

Some of humanity's greatest innovations came from mistakes—penicillin, microwave ovens, and even chocolate chip cookies! The creators didn't just make errors; they paid attention to them. 

And here's something we don't talk about enough: mistakes connect us. They remind us of our shared humanity. When we're vulnerable enough to admit when we've messed up, we create space for authentic connection with others. 

For many of us, our most transformative life chapters began with what looked like failure. The relationship that ended painfully led to deeper self-knowledge. The career setback forced us to reevaluate our true calling. 

So in today's episode, we'll hear from people who've turned their biggest mistakes into unexpected gifts. We'll explore practical ways to extract wisdom from failure rather than just trying to move past it quickly. And we'll talk about how embracing imperfection might actually be the key to living with more courage and authenticity. 

Whether you're recovering from a recent mistake or trying to build a healthier relationship with failure, this conversation is for you. 

Beyond politics lies our shared humanity. When we witness each other as complete human beings - not just political views - we can break free from fear and anger.

Jill's 'aha moment' came when she learned to separate people from their politics. She realized she could release the knot in her stomach, step back, and view differences with objective kindness. She was no longer held hostage by fear.

We all have the capacity to enjoy and respect each other when we look past political labels. The key is becoming a compassionate witness - seeing each other's full humanity while holding space for different perspectives.

The path forward isn't about eliminating disagreement. It's about refusing to let politics override our ability to connect as people who can be friendly, understanding, and kind to one another."

"Beyond politics lies our shared humanity. When we witness each other as complete human beings - not just political views - we can break free from fear and anger.

This transformation begins when we start asking different questions - not 'How can I prove them wrong?' but 'What experiences shaped their view?' Not 'Why are they so misguided?' but 'What hopes and fears do we share?' When we approach each other with curiosity instead of judgment, we create space for genuine connection beyond the political divide."

Dreams—what do they mean? Do they link us to alternative realities? How can we access and interpret them? 

How can we access and pay attention to our dreams and find the messages we need to hear? What information can come through, and how does it allow us to become one with our whole?  How can we reach out to gain this information? What can we do to record and not forget and analyze our dreams? Many messages come through, but so many of us lose the information that comes through as we wake. 

How can we discover or remember our dreams by changing our brain waves to access dreams and our inner wisdom? What is the healing aspect of dreams?

How do we deal with the unexpected in our lives? Something is happening; our cards are in the air, and we must decide what to do. How do we pick them up? We are responsible for what is in front of us. Treat it not as a nasty joke but as a game. Pick up the last one; where does it go? How do I pick up the unexpected challenges in my life and deal with them? We can pick them up individually; otherwise, we get overwhelmed. 

When we can't find which way to go, be flexible and ready for the next thing to drop. What do I do now? Flexibility is the key. Discover how to be flexible with everything, including what is happening with our bodies. Remember, it's your choice what you do and how you pick up the cards on the floor. Look at what we chose and where we want to go. We have the power in some way. If we stay flexible, we will find a way to do things differently; we can choose to change it's our choice, our mind. 

As long as we accept responsibility for our choices and do not blame ourselves, we can find unique ways to live our lives. 

 Drop judgment of ourselves; when we sit in judgment of ourselves or others, we close down, and then we can't change. We are here on Earth to make choices. 52 pick up is a great concept. We are here to experience and pick up the cards we have thrown up in the air. A whole process is happening. Jill says that even though she has had so many health challenges, including cancer. She picks up the cards and always finds humor in situations. Humor gives us joy, and laughter heals powerfully. Jill always finds going to humor lightens everything. 

Do what we do with appreciation. We can get lost in what we have to do rather than appreciate it. Whatever we can do to make our earth walk lighter and happier for ourselves and others is the most beautiful feeling. 

Why have so many of us lost the sense of belonging? Essentially, we belong to ourselves. We lose the ability to know that as children. Let's explore how we can re-find this wonderful and complete place within. 

How can we stop looking outside ourselves to others? When we do, we'll find a smoother, more peaceful path in life.  

"If we  have no peace, it's because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Mother Theresa. We are a part of everyone and everything, not just our close or immediate family or loved ones. When we realize that we are one people belonging to the earth, we know that we naturally belong. We have forgotten our pathways to our source or oneness; it's easy to feel scared and needy to belong to someone or something. We can become desperate to find someone or something to attach to. Taking time to connect to our inner peace, joy, and stillness, we realize that we always belong to that place within. 

Let's explore how we can find our space of completeness that lets us know that we are always a part of everything and everyone. When we use the heart exercise of breathing love over everything and everyone, we recognize that we are all one. 

Keanu Reeves shared how he lost depression when he realized that he was not alone. 

Finding peace through cancer. How can we find peace, humor, and kindness as we travel through cancer treatment? Jill has had cancer for many years now; she shares her wisdom and suggestions for those with cancer. 

Jill asks, "Who are you suffering for, yourself  or others." She shares that it is time for you to decide who is around you and stop trying to do what others want you to do. She shares what has worked for her and how she finds humor, peace, and kindness, moving beyond the fear of dying and suffering. There is nothing to fear when we know how to change how we look at our lives and who we have around us. We begin to know that we are the ones to make the choices if we can or decide who can help us with the choices we need to make. 

Jill has the best sense of humor and feels that laughter is everything when we are ill, although finding the energy can sometimes be hard. Laughter eases pain, heals relationships, and makes the process more bearable.