Please Help My Brother Karma !!!

Helping a Tibetan Buddhist monk to transplant his kidney.

Help 4 Karma site will be suspended indefinately.

		Friday, 16 May 08 - 10:51 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Namaste & Tashidelek to all of you out there who has helped Karma.

I am notifying all of you out there who visit this site frequently that, this site will no longer be available beginning from next month of June as we have been paying fees to maintain this site free of advertisements. Therefore, from now on all Karma's updates & news will be published in my blog which is http://premlama.terapad.com. I have been using this blog for a long time and I use it for various reasons. I write articles, reviews, children stories, yoga, Buddhism and more for networking purposes. Therefore, I encourage you to visit.

So far whatever we received as donation has been used for his hospital bills and  to purchase his medications and still more fund is needed to purchase medications. I am not asking for more donations as many of you have already done so. However, just in case if anyone, wants to donate more money, we would accept it until this site is suspended. From there on I personally will be funding his medications, which I find very very difficult to do so as my family cannot help him. His most expensive medication, which is called cyclosporine, is the only medicine we are worried about as it is going to cost us a lot if not reduced in coming months yet it just cannot be abandoned or changed because it is expensive.  In the beginning he used to take 200 mg a day and now 150 mg so I am hoping when Karma visits his doctor for regular visit in coming week or two will be further reduced.

Now, if anyone would know out there about this medication and could provide for less or way to find this medication as donation would be highly appreciated, it is just a different way to  provide help for him.

Here I am working many different ways to fund him. If you have any ideas, please let me know. My email is lamaprem@gmail.com.

I will also be posting this same article in my blog as it is a free site. I am doing this after consulting with Karma. He said, it would be best to go through my site than keep paying for his site since there is no donation are coming in. In addition to that, I will be posting some of his new pictures at http://premlama.terapad.com

Thank you all and Tashildelek
Prem

Karma News Update.

		Tuesday, 22 April 08 - 09:36 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

 Tashi delek Friends and well wishers of Karma,

Sorry for not updating it on time. These past few months I was busier than ever before. Having to go to see Karma in Nepal was a great pleasure for me. Karma and I both enjoyed visiting with family members. It was such a exciting feeling for all of us, in fact overwhelming for that matter. We all loved his visit to Nepal. I still remember waking up in the morning listening to his chants.

However the sad thing was he could not eat what we ate. He had to have his own meal. It took all morning for our mom to cook breakfast for everyone. Like I have mentioned he could not be with everyone at all time because he could not be like a normal being breathing and having out loud conversation. We enjoyed him being there any way we could. Frequently he was acquainted with his monk friends. They were all jolly good, loving by nature, kind by heart and smiling all the time. Made me feel so lucky to be surrounded by these monks, whose religion is loving kindness. I could go on and on and you will feel like you have been reading not a blog but a book.

Well, our Losar festival was very enjoyable even though knowing what Karma may be going through. As Karma's doctor says "Karma you are no longer  ill and you should not treat yourself as one", we made him feel like nothing has happened to him but we all know what he might be going through.

Yesterday, I was online and guess who messages me? Karma ! He mentioned he was with his friends to a cyber cafe to email his siblings and friends. We chatted for a while. I asked him how has he been doing? He says, "as usual, reading books practicing Buddhism and taking medications". And also he said, his medication has been reduced from 175 mg. of (cyclosporine)  {I am not exactly sure on the spelling of the drug) to 150 mg. In the beginning he used to take 200 mg a day and now 150 mg. What a great progress. We are all so happy to see him smile again.

It was good to hear from him again from his monastery. He tells me he has his own room with separate bathroom, which is really helpful on his recovery because then he can keep clean of his bathroom area and living space. He only gets few visitors as well because of the nature of his situation.

{Left to right (A Lama from White Monastery in Kathmandu), Karma & Pema Thaye walking near Boudha Nath Stupa.}

I personally thank Lama Pema Thaye, who unconditionally helped Karma like his own brother. He was there when Karma needed some one. Pema would cook and do any chores for Karma, what a compassion. On top, Pema missed so many of his own classes. When I spoke with him last, he mentioned, don't worry we will take of Karma. It felt so good to hear from Pema, who was in Karma's cause since the beginning.

Well, time for me to wrap this up.

Thank you all for support and compassion prayers.

Prem

p.s. soon I will be including some of his images from his Nepal visit and friends.

Karma Preparing to leave for India

		Wednesday, 27 February 08 - 09:52 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Tashidelek,

Karma is doing excellent. He is studying and watching over his health. He also is preparing to leave for India for Doctor visit and to his monastery.

This is Kalsang writing from Nepal for Karma. I am one of his good friend and I was his roommate as well. We are also in same class. I feel fortunate to update this blog for him. I will be writing stories and news about Karma and his friends in the monastery. That way, those who care about him will have the direct news from the monastery where he lives.

This picture is taken recently in Karma's house with some monks from our monastery, who were there to do some chanting and cleanse the house and to visit Karma.

Friend of  Karma

Kalsang

Much Awaited News!!!

		Sunday, 24 February 08 - 07:49 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Namaste

Its been a while. I am here in Nepal with Karma. He is doing real good. He however has very restricted diet and medication. Also, he has to wear a mask 24/7. He also eats his meal alone in his room. His meal is cooked separetly from the rest.

His medication is expensive however we are managing it for now. He has been spending his time with family members and if you would meet him, you would not tell whether he ever got surgery or not. Its truely a miracle.

He is happy and doing absolutely fine. All the family members & relatives are happy to see Karma smiling and talking like a normal being, which he is, even though he just had surgery. He says, "I am fortunate & happy for everything." Indeed, without all of our help, his smile would not have been possible. "My doctor says, I am not ill anymore and I should not treat myself as one" says in his own words. He is really thankful to all who has directly and indirectly helped him live again.

Couple of weeks back, he wrote to his doctor, for updates and asked him whether he should change the dose of medication or not. Doctor replied to wait until he gets back to India and recheck again to see whether Karma could reduce his doses.

Karma has couple of monk friends, who are his roommates in the monastery,frequently visits him and makes him feel like he is getting both world, monastery feel and the family love. His friends are here for Tibetan Losar and it is just over so they may leave soon. Even though he wants to spend time here in Nepal with his parents and siblings he still misses his monastery and wishes to get back soon. He tells me don't worry about him. The attitude he has truely a blessing because in today's world it is hard to cultivate such a positive outlook in everything.

Now the next step is to keep up with his medication. Even though the price of his medication is higher as time unfolds and as his doses get reduced, it will not be that expensive for him.

Purnima is slowly getting back into her business mood. She also says, "it is hard to maintian and bring my busines back in the mainstream because within 6 months of period, I lost all my customers who used to come to me". This story only those would know, who does business, how important to keep the customers. But what important is that she helped Karma in every steps. I beleive, without her Karma's struggle would have been extra hard. Purnima's role on this case is verymuch like Bodhisatvik.

Thank you all for everything. Karma promisses to write frequently on his blog after he gets back to the Monastery. So, keep your eyes open for it.

Prem from Nepal

Much Awaited News!!!

		Sunday, 24 February 08 - 07:49 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Namaste

Its been a while. I am here in Nepal with Karma. He is doing real good. He however has very restricted diet and medication. Also, he has to wear a mask 24/7. He also eats his meal alone in his room. His meal is cooked separetly from the rest.

His medication is expensive however we are managing it for now. He has been spending his time with family members and if you would meet him, you would not tell whether he ever got surgery or not. Its truely a miracle.

He is happy and doing absolutely fine. All the family members & relatives are happy to see Karma smiling and talking like a normal being, which he is, even though he just had surgery. He says, "I am fortunate & happy for everything." Indeed, without all of our help, his smile would not have been possible. "My doctor says, I am not ill anymore and I should not treat myself as one" says in his own words. He is really thankful to all who has directly and indirectly helped him live again.

Couple of weeks back, he wrote to his doctor, for updates and asked him whether he should change the dose of medication or not. Doctor replied to wait until he gets back to India and recheck again to see whether Karma could reduce his doses.

Karma has couple of monk friends, who are his roommates in the monastery,frequently visits him and makes him feel like he is getting both world, monastery feel and the family love. His friends are here for Tibetan Losar and it is just over so they may leave soon. Even though he wants to spend time here in Nepal with his parents and siblings he still misses his monastery and wishes to get back soon. He tells me don't worry about him. The attitude he has truely a blessing because in today's world it is hard to cultivate such a positive outlook in everything.

Now the next step is to keep up with his medication. Even though the price of his medication is higher as time unfolds and as his doses get reduced, it will not be that expensive for him.

Purnima is slowly getting back into her business mood. She also says, "it is hard to maintian and bring my busines back in the mainstream because within 6 months of period, I lost all my customers who used to come to me". This story only those would know, who does business, how important to keep the customers. But what important is that she helped Karma in every steps. I beleive, without her Karma's struggle would have been extra hard. Purnima's role on this case is verymuch like Bodhisatvik.

Thank you all for everything. Karma promisses to write frequently on his blog after he gets back to the Monastery. So, keep your eyes open for it.

Prem from Nepal

Karma has reached Nepal

		Monday, 17 December 07 - 09:44 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Namaste all,

Karma and both Purnima have reached Nepal and doing fine with the rest of the family. I however was not able to reach Karma nor Purnima via phone since Karma had to take extra precautions towards his health, therefore we rented separate apartment for him near parents so that any infections would not take place.

I was able to talk to father instead and he mentioned Karma is doing fine. Both parents are over joyed by his arrival. Nun sister Lhakpa Dolma (one of Karma's sibling) has also arrived from her Buddhist University in Saranath, India to visit Karma and the family.

Overall Karma's health is in good condition and healing.

Namaste and Happy Holidays to all of you.

Prem

Karma & Purnima Departed to Nepal

		Friday, 14 December 07 - 07:40 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Karma & Purnima both departed to Nepal for Buddhist New Year and family visit.

Drs have given permission to Karma to leave as per the condition of returning to hospital with details of any updates and Dr. visits in Nepal, while he is there, within 3 months.

Karma and Purnima both will be seeing their family for the first time after 5 months. Its a very emotional moment and time for them.

I also will be traveling to Nepal to see Karma and all the family members this Buddhist New Year. I will be updating about his health condition while I am in Nepal.

Karma will be in Nepal for about 3 months and he wants to return to the monastery for his studies.

This has been all possible due to people like you out there, who supported and helped him to heal. For that I personally want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for everything.

Prem

Karma has been moved out of the Hospital premices.

		Sunday, 02 December 07 - 04:47 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Namaste Friends,

As Karma is healing, Drs have recommended to Karma that he has option to stay either in hospital, which can be a little expensive or stay anywhere where he desires as long as precautions are being taken. Therefore, Purnima and Karma both will be leaving for Nepal to visit family members and for the Tibetan New Year within this month of  December. However, Karma will visit a Kidney specialist in Kathmandu until he would return to his monastery in Mysore, India again. The reports of Dr. visit will be sent back to India for Dr. Gokul Nath's review since he has been Karma's Dr. from the beginning till now.

For the first time I am going to include some of Karma's pictures after his surgery. He is healthy and  doing good. I spoke with him and he sounded excellent like nothing has happened to him. Its such a wonderful feeling to know Karma is doing excellent with no other side effects. Of course this can only be possible because of good Drs and nurses in the Hospital. On top of that  Purnima's extra attention and care for him 24/7. Blessings from higher beings and prayers & support from all of you out there who has unconditionally helped him like one of your own.

My special thanks to all of you for helping Karma.

I am going to include Purnima's words here at the bottom from her email.

"Jojo (brother)
This time i am really busy. I am alone with karma so i
have to take care of him whole day i have to cook and
have to feed him, so i am really busy. Yes, sure karma
need more money but right now we are managing. To save
little money we are staying Punam didi's place (A Nepali friend)
and while i have to go hospital alone i am walking by foot to
save money for karma's medication. We also booked the
ticket for 14 December to go back to home (Nepal). Anyway if
you get time than call us .

rest is ok

lots of love and tashidelek
for all of you Kim and family

Purnima and Karma

p.s i really want to say lots of thanks to every one
who helping karma to save his life.without everyone's
help his treatment is not possible so lots of thujiche (thanks)
to everyone."

Prem

Father's home return safe.

		Sunday, 25 November 07 - 12:57 PM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

 Namaste all,

I just wanted to let you know that father's home return was safe and sound. He finally arrived home. Mother and Dawa (Little sister) were delighted to see him after five months.

As our world is filled with so much violence, it is more and more difficult travel by land. Since it is expensive to fly, he end up taking train and buses. I asked, was travel, ok? he answered, "it was as safe as anywhere else". He has much to do in Nepal as Karma will be leaving India within a month or so to come home for our Buddhist New Year to celebrate.

As far as Purnima and Karma goes, they have moved out of Hospital patient ward. Initially, Purnima was going to take a hotel room but since Purnima still has lease until end of November in the apartment, where everyone was stying, she & Karma moved to the apartment until lease is up. Then they will move to close to the Hospital at Hospital guest house until Dr. says they can leave.

Karma is doing good. We are all happy of the outcome. Purnima tells me, Drs and all the hospital staffs have been nice and cooperative. She says, she cannot thank enough to those who personally helped her in & out of the Hospital.

I thank you all for your wonderful messages. I thank you for your prayers and support for Karma.

Until later

Namaste to you all

PRem

Emotional Day for Father & family.

		Tuesday, 20 November 07 - 10:50 AM (GMT -06:00) By Prem Lama in General

Namaste,

Tashidelek & Greetings,

Father who was there in Bangalore for about 5 months has just left for Nepal. The departure was very emotional for father to leave his son behind. Had to be done. Purnimas says, they all had tears when father said good bye for now my little ones. Mother & little sister are living in Nepal by themselves. Without father their activities are very limited. As Buddhist New Year is approaching, he must go home to manage some business for the festival. Our wish is to bring Karma back to the family until he recovers somewhat, so that he can continue his studies in the Monastery without any obstacles in his health.

Karma is slowly healing however, he still has tough days ahead of him. He still is under strict supervision of Dr. Gokul Nath. Purnima says, she has to take extra precaution when she has to be close to Karma. Constantan sanitation to face masks for both Karma and her. These steps are based on Drs recommendation and it is very helpful says Purnima. She tells me stories of other patience, who are living quite near by, the story of pain & suffering, just listening to her my heart breaks. I wish I could do more for everyone. Only thing, I do at this time is pray for those, who are in need of desperate help.

I suggested Purnima, if she could help in any ways, help them with open heart. Because this is the very thing we must do in our lives. Help others who are in need. Right now, Karma is recovering, therefore, Purnima does not have to run for paper works to appointments anymore like she used to. Most of the major works are done, so she could do more of others. She says, if she has some fruits or juice, she gives to those who cannot buy. Relatives of other patients ask her for help. She tells them what she has to go through. She guides them to be careful when they come into contact with their loved ones who are ill. She says, some of those patience are suffering even more because they get infected. I tell her, guide them, help them any way she can with compassion heart and mind. And that is what exactly she is doing now.

We are very fortunate, she says, having to see other people suffer. This illness of Karma has changed our lives. To realize how precious this life is and what one would not do to save their love ones. It is a lesson to rise above and beyond for the sufferings of others.

Purnima also revealed that Karma has taken higher vows in the monastery, such vows are only taken by senior monks who are ready for it. Therefore, she says it is very difficult for him right now because he has to be in the Hospital rather than in the monastery. In fact, people should not even be touching him because of this vow. But, he has no choice but go through this.

Thank you all for your tremendous generosity. Without your help this would not have been possible.

I will write more on Purnima and other individuals, who has directly effected Karma's life.

Thank you again

Love & Compassion to all

Prem

... More items are available in our News Archive