by Lizzy Hermosilla ‘23

Computer Science teacher Swikrit Manandhar teaches seventh period AP Computer Science Principles. Photo by Lizzy Hermosilla ’23

The computer science program at Sherwood has thrived over the past five years in large part because of the expertise of teacher Swikrit Manandhar who has taken on teaching the heft of the computer science classes offered at Sherwood, such as AP Computer Science Principles and AP JAVA. Manandhar has decided to resign at the end of the 2021-2022 school year in order to devote time to self improvement and service.

Manandhar is a native of Nepal who came to the United States for his post graduate education, which he received from the University of Maryland at College Park. After completing his Masters degree in Telecommunications, he joined the private sector as a systems and network engineer, and in those eight years he became serious about becoming happy in his life through Vipassana Meditation, a nonsectarian practice which has origins from the teachings of the Buddha. This practice of meditation functions as a way of self-transformation through self-observation and focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body. The end result of practicing this style of meditation is to live a more harmonious and balanced life. Since discovering the practice at the age of 15 and seriously dedicating time to self improvement at the age of 31, Manandhar has allowed these practices to guide his lifestyle for the past 8 years.

“Once I learned how to change my habit pattern so I can be calm, kind and compassionate, it was an eye opening moment,” explained Manandhar. “After that I decided to surrender my life to service.”

He later transitioned into the teaching profession as a means to dedicate more time to his meditation. Teaching was the ideal profession because it allotted two months over the summer where Manandhar would be able to go to silent meditation retreats that ranged anywhere from 10 to 60 days.

“Meditation helps me see myself better and live a happy harmonious life,” he explained “After all, we live to be happy and I know where my ultimate happiness lies, and I’m just following my calling.”

During the pandemic, Manandhar reevaluated what was important in his life, and despite the connections he made with his students and the opportunities teaching gave him to directly serve the community, it no longer offered the time necessary to better himself through meditation to the extent he wished.

“Covid showed what is important in life, that our life is so uncertain. So it’s better to live life with purpose, live in harmony and kindness with all.”

In the coming years Manandhar has decided to split his time between the United States and Nepal where he will spend more time with his family in Nepal, continue to meditate, and search for a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

When Manandhar is not meditating, he volunteers at the centers where he and others go to practice Vipassana Meditation.