Extended teachings at the Gaden Jangtse Monastic College
In December 2019, 36 monks from Tabo Monastery travelled to the Tibetan settlement in Mundgod, Karnataka state, to receive their annual winter training at the Gaden Jangtse Monastic College. This year, the monks making this trip are aged between nine and 30 years. Depending on their stage of Buddhist education, they will study the topics of Tarig (signs and reasonings), Pramanavarttika or Abhidharmakosa.
While the monks would usually return to Tabo Monastery after six months, this year things turned out differently. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible for the monks to travel home. Gaden Jangtse Monastic Collage therefore kindly agreed to extend the teaching period for the monks.
On the 15th day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, the monks from Tabo joined the six-week summer retreat at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, which is being held this year from 3 August to 17 September 2020. Afterwards, the monks resumed their studies and participated in the mid-year exam in October 2020.
Author: Venerable Sonam Chhophel, monk at Tabo Monastery
Photo by Sonam Chhophel