H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche seated amongst
   members of the sangha of Pullahari Monastery, Nepal
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Monasteries and Retreat Centres
Abbot: His Eminence Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
Tradition: Vajrayana Buddhism of the lineage
of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa

    

Traditionally, families offered their younger sons to the monasteries. This gesture was considered an honour and believed to be of profound spiritual consequence that would benefit the families. The custom continues today, especially among people of the remote upper Himalayas.

However, monasteries are now also receiving many boys from those families who are unable to adequately provide for their children. This allows the young monks to receive education and training as well as general welfare. They also learn English, Nepali or Hindi, and mathematics.

    

Once the older monks have completed a level of education in Buddhist studies and philosophy, they have the option of specialising in various aspects of Buddhist rituals, the arts or dances, or to pursue higher studies in Buddhist philosophy and logic in order to become teachers. They can also choose to pursue the traditional 3-year retreat, thereby becoming lamas.

In this way the tradition of teachings and practice from the time of Buddha Shakyamuni remains fresh and will continue to flourish for the benefit of successive generations of Buddhist practitioners and for all sentient beings.

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