Buddhism in Bhutan

Mahayana Buddhism is as neatly interwoven into the lives of Bhutanese people as the silken threads of a thongdrol tapestry where ‘liberation through seeing’ provides travellers with a rather apt motto to borrow for their own personal passage of enlightenment whilst on holiday here. Nothing beats the thrill of entering a temple or monastery for the first time, observing or interacting with monks going about their daily chores or simply enjoying their time off from teachings.

On an organised holiday, your local guide will be more than happy to enlighten you in terms of etiquette as well as providing further insight into the country’s history and heritage. Visiting monasteries and dzongs is a highlight of any tour and you certainly don’t have to be devoutly religious to revel in the incredible architecture and sacred symbolism adorning the country’s centres of Buddhism.

Rinpung Dzong in Paro, Tango Monastery in Thimphu, and Nalanda Buddhist Institute overlooking the Punatsangchu River in Punakha, all offer travellers a uniquely personal account of Buddhism in Bhutan with no trip complete without hiking to Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest.

Below are a few words of wisdom related to Buddhism and monks in Bhutan. If you’re looking to find out a few more, then visit with a local guide who will be able to give you a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist or a monk living in the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.

Monks in Bhutan often come from poor backgrounds or from rural regions where there is little hope of finding work or education. Parents place boys from as young as five, six or seven years old within a monastery, often because they can’t afford to feed them or to pay for the uniforms or text books required at one of the government run schools. The monks will be ordained whilst still young, whereupon they’ll join a monastic order and go on to graduate to higher studies of Buddhism. In general, a monk’s life revolves around daily chores, Buddhist teachings and practising meditation alongside other subjects built into the monastic curriculum such as English and maths.

It’s not all work though and monks enjoy free time to relax or play games as well as meeting people and learning a bit more about the outside world. Bhutanese monks do not get involved in politics or street demonstrations. Monks in Bhutan will also visit local houses and workplaces to perform ceremonial rites associated with numerous events, including births, marriages, deaths and illnesses as well as cleansing, blessing and inaugural ceremonies. Festivals are big events for monks who are often required to dance or play traditional instruments on various dates within the Tibetan lunar calendar.