Lamayuru Monastery School Project
Poised dramatically above rocky outcrops and the cluster of homes of Lamayuru village, it is no wonder Lamayuru Monastery means ‘place of freedom’ to the locals. Belonging to the Kadgu Pa branch of Tibetan Buddhism, Lamayuru is one of the oldest monasteries in all of Ladakh and has been the main source for imparting knowledge of ancient rituals and traditions to monks for centuries.
Despite such a rich heritage, the quality of monastic education is in a state of decline and many ancient practices are being lost. Traditionally the monastery housed up to 400 monks. Presently, however, only 40 monks reside there, as children are now going to the capital, Leh, or other parts of India for better education.
The Lamayuru monastery school project was started by head monk Bakula Rangdol Nima in collaboration with Tashi Angchuk, former president of Ladakh’s Buddhist Association. Together, they share a common vision of restoring and reviving monastic traditions and rituals, while providing a modern, secular education to young Ladakhi students from the most remote and underserved parts of Ladakh. The hostel and school will harness solar energy, which is in abundance and the most economical and reliable source of energy in Ladakh, for heat and electricity. It is the hope that this school will revitalize monastic traditions and pass on this ancient heritage to future generations.
For more information on this project please contact us.
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