Buddhism in Bhutan

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Buddhism Combining countries Festivals The Druk Path LGBT Families Advice Responsible tourism

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.

See all our Bhutan Holidays

Give us a call

Our Bhutan Holidays

Images of shaven headed monks wearing deep burgundy and gold coloured robes whilst crossing the cobbled courtyard of a dzong will be as endearing as a pair of priests crossing Venice’s Piazza San Marco and the same level of courtesy and respect is required in Bhutan. It’s as revealing to see young monks playing football as it is to watch them at prayer or rhythmically beating a festival drum, and travellers should keep in mind that this is a way of life, not a tourist spectacle. The majority of monks that you’ll meet in Bhutan will likely have come from poor, rural backgrounds where parents offer their sons into a lifelong service in the hope that an education on a respected path represents a better future.

Learning about Buddhism and monks in Bhutan is a great idea for not only discovering one of the bedrocks of Bhutanese society but also for avoiding an ecclesiastical faux pas that could result in, at best, nervous tittering behind hands or, worse, deeply upsetting your hosts. A greater understanding of Buddhism and Bhutanese culture will help you travel with more confidence, and it won’t take too long to grasp the basics before you visit Bhutan.

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’.

How does Bhutanese Buddhism differ from other forms of Buddhism?

In the main, Buddhism practised in Bhutan has origins in Tibet and follows the Vajrayana or Mahayana branch of Buddhism as opposed to Sravakayana, which is more common in India or Theravada Buddhism which is more widely practised in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Buddhist monks in Bhutan follow the teachings of the Kagyu school of Mahayana Buddhism where meditation and praying for the liberation from suffering of all beings, with or without form, is considered the highest form of practice. It’s generally considered that all Buddhists follow the teachings of Buddha.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Bhutan or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Call us until 5pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Call us until 5pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

What is life like for a Buddhist monk in Bhutan?

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.

What is the etiquette for visiting a Buddhist monastery or temple in Bhutan?

Respecting monks who may be praying or meditating within a temple, monastery or dzong is essential when visiting Bhutan. Listen to your guide before you go into a Buddhist building or visit a sacred shrine and treat all statues, paintings and tapestries with the same respect that as you would a monk. Dress relatively conservatively and take off head gear and shoes before entering a monastery, temple or important room. Avoid short shorts and revealing too much flesh. Do not point at people, deities, statues, religious artefacts or paintings whilst in Bhutan. It’s considered disrespectful. Always use an open-handed gesture, palm up, if you’re looking to bring something to someone else’s attention. Never touch the crown of someone’s head, including young children, as this is considered a sacred part of the body. Taking photographs within a dzong or monastic courtyard is usually considered OK but certainly not inside a temple without given authority. Never enter a Buddhist building whilst a ceremony is taking place unless you’ve been invited or it has been deemed acceptable by your guide. Once inside a temple, visitors walk in a clockwise flow – this is also the same direction when walking around a stupa (chorten), sacred shrine or prayer wheel. It’s customary to make a small donation (Nu. 10 note) at the altar when visiting a monastery. The note should be folded lengthwise before placing it to your forehead and then onto the altar. At the time of offering the donation, a monk may pour a small amount of sacred water from a bumpa into your hand. This should be drunk, or at least look like it is being drunk, before sweeping your hand from the front to the back of your head as though covering yourself in the water. Always ask before you take a photo of a monk or anyone else in Bhutan. Usually people will be more than happy to have their picture taken but it’s always best to ask first. Taking photographs at a Buddhist festival, outside of a temple, is also acceptable but try not to get in the way of dancers, spectators or anyone else who may take offence.

Visiting Bhutan on an organised tour gives you every chance to learn more about Buddhism as you chat to accommodation hosts, local guides and visit some of the country’s most significant places of worship and sacred symbolism. Although monks are revered by all sections of society in Bhutan they are often just the same as kids at school so don’t be surprised to find fascinated, curious and cheeky glances in your direction. Just remember to travel responsibly as you learn, discover and pay your respects.

More about Bhutan

Bhutan travel guide

We've packed almost as much into our Bhutan travel guide as the country itself and all you have to do to unlock the secrets of the dzongs, the Dagala Thousand Lakes and the colourful Buddhist festivals is read on and prepare for peace and a whole lot more besides.

Best time to visit Bhutan

Check out our temperature and rainfall chart that gives some indication as to the best time to visit Bhutan as well as a handy month by month guide and expert recommendations from our friends on the ground.

Bhutan itineraries

Make the most of your time in Bhutan by reading our handy highlights map and by initiating an itinerary that encapsulates all of the country's best bits from Bumthang, close to the northern borders with Tibet, to Takung Valley, in central Bhutan.

Things to do in Bhutan

Bhutan is quite rightly regarded as hiking heaven however, if you're looking for more things to do in Bhutan then read on as we can help you untangle your Zen from your dzongs and your tshechus as you put your best foot forwards and enter one of the world's leading biodiversity hot spots.

Combining Bhutan with other countries

Holidays in Bhutan are one thing but why not fly over the Himalayas to visit Nepal, Tibet or India as part of the same trip? Find out more about how you can incorporate three of South Asia's most fascinating countries in one amazing trip to Bhutan.

Festivals in Bhutan

Experiencing a Buddhist festival in Bhutan is the best way to understand the meaning and symbolism that features throughout an event that can last anything up to four days.

Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

Soaring Himalayan scenery, local life and beautiful cultural sites, all compactly contained within a short and spectacular route – the Druk Path is one of Bhutan’s best and most accessible trails.

LGBT Bhutan holiday advice

Bhutan’s main issue with homosexuality seems to be that it is ‘non Bhutanese’. But times are changing, lamas and politicians are calling for acceptance, and anyone taking an LGBT holiday in Bhutan should not face discrimination or harassment.

Bhutan with kids

Travelling with kids in Bhutan isn't going to be a walk in the park, but it's certainly an experience worth considering.

Bhutan travel advice

Find out what Rajat Kumar, Sunita Subba and Ralph Foulds have to say when it comes to Bhutan travel advice because between them they've been there, done that and got the yak hair t-shirt.

Responsible tourism in Bhutan

If you're hoping to travel right and learn more about responsible tourism in Bhutan then we've compiled the following information and practical tips to help you learn how to travel like a local and ensure your experience is beneficial for both yourself and Bhutan, as a whole.