They traveled to various villages in
Nepal. During these visits, when local villagers came to listen
to dhamma talks, they also confided in them their hardship. They
were delighted to meet little girls who showed interest in becoming
Buddhist nuns like them. Having heard horrible stories about girl
trafficking and thinking that these innocent girls could become
victims of girl trafficking, the idea of project Dhamma Moli came
up. After doing further research on the girl trafficking problem
in Nepal, they came to know about Maiti
Nepal - a non-profit organization actively involved in prevention
of girl trafficking, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of
trafficked victims. They visited Maiti Nepal’s rehabilitation
center in Kathmandu and upon seeing young rescued girls infected
with HIV/AIDS, their idea turned into determination.
The project conceived by Venerable Sisters Molini and Dhamma Vijaya
came into fruition in 2004 with the help of some very close friends
when the sisters came to the United States on their first teaching
assignment. The sisters had a vision to help young girls in Nepal,
and an old dilapidated monastery near the Swayambhunath Stupa in
Kathmandu that they could use for this project. The state of this
monastery at that time was uninhabitable.
They put forward their vision for the project with their dear friends,
and with their encouragement and support - the project kick-started.
To support the girls under the Dhamma Moli project, the sisters
wanted to construct a new building at this location to house about
ten girls to start with. Through the project - they would house,
clothe and educate the girls free of charge to the families. Later
on, if the girls wish to go on to study the Dharma as monastics,
they will be provided with an opportunity to go to a sister monastery
in Burma (Myanmar) and further their study. Otherwise, the girls
will have skills to find work to support themselves and the knowledge
of Buddhist dharma throughout their whole lives.
Discussions led to project plan and a decision to raze the old
monastery and build a new building where girls could be provided
accomodation and home schooled. Architects and Contruction Engineers
in Nepal volunteered their time to come up with a new design for
the building. Initial financing of the project building was done
through personal contributions from friends, and donations made
by participants of the various meditation retreats and teachings
they led while they were in the US.
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