MONKS & MONASTERIES

Tashi Choling Monastery in Paro Bhutan is the home of 40 monks ranging in age from ten to twenty years old.

The Monastery is the primary seat of Terton Pedgyl Lingpa and it is the only Ewam Bhutan site in Western Bhutan.

In addition, Ewam Bhutan supports 30 monks from throughout Bhutan who are continuing their education in India or Nepal.

Khenpo & Tashi Choling Monks

Tashi Choling View

Monks inside rebuilt Tashi Choling

Khenpo & Tashi Choling Monks

1/9

DONATE

A Day in the life of a Young Monk

5:00 AM-6:00 AM, Solo morning prayers and memorization of grammar and philosophic or prayer texts to take advantage of early morning clarity of mind

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Group morning practice such as smoke offering, Tara or Manjushri

7:00 AM-9:00 AM: Breakfast and break

9:00 AM -12:00 PM: Classes in writing, reading, grammar and ritual practices

12:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Lunch break

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Classes including reading, writing grammar and ritual practices

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Evening prayers, protector practices

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Dinner break

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Study and homework

On Saturday & Sunday the monks go out into the community, if invited, to offer prayers and practice. If not out in the community, Saturday is for cleaning and Saturday evening the monks are free to watch television. Sunday is a free day for relaxation and play. Morning and evening prayers are still observed on Saturday and Sunday.

Higher Buddhist Education for Monks

Monks with the ability and interest in pursuing higher education outside of Bhutan are given the opportunity to study, up to the most advanced levels, in India or Nepal with the support of Ewam Bhutan. Levels of study are as follows:

Years 1-4: equivalent to high school with the curriculum focused on advanced level grammar, logic and Abhidharma and Madhyamika philosophy.
Years 5-7: Shastri equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with studies focused on advanced Sutrayana philosophy including Prajñaparamita , more advanced logic, poetry and writing.
Years 8-9: Archarya level equivalent to a master’s degree with a focus on Vajrayana teachings, meditation practice and philosophy.

After completing the Archarya level monks interested in becoming scholars can continue their education for another 4 to 7 years to become a Khenpo, equivalent to PhD. Other students after finishing the Archaya level of study will focus on meditation practice including traditional 3 year retreat.

The vision of Ewam Bhutan is to develop the next generation of great masters to return to Bhutan and to spread the teachings and Pedgyl Lingpa's lineage around the world.

Ewam Bhutan Monks studying in Sikkim India.