Educating and training Buddhist monks and nuns is an age-old practice dating back to the time of Lord Buddha. It was brought to Tibet more than 1,000 years ago and continues today. At the monasteries of H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, the monks receive traditional monastic training and education. By nurturing loving-kindness, compassion and wisdom - qualities inherent in all beings - the training that the monks receive benefits themselves as well as others.
   The monasteries are fully responsible for the general welfare, education, and health care of the monks. Traditionally, Buddhist families in Tibet and the Himalayan regions of Nepal and India offered their sons to be ordained as monks, and to spend their lives in a monastery. It was a gesture of their faith and the practice is regarded with great respect. The custom continues today, particularly among Buddhist families in the more remote Himalayan regions where age-old traditions are still a way of life.
   Generally, Jamgon Rinpoche's monasteries accept boys over 10 years of age for monkhood. However, exceptions are made if the boys are orphaned or abandoned, or if their families are unable to adequately provide for them. Some of the boys under 7 years of age are sent to attend the Jamgon Kongtrul IIIrd Memorial School in Kalimpong; while there, they reside in the Jamgon Kongtrul IIIrd Memorial Home.

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