The Monks

The strength of the monastery lies in the monks and the numbers at Tengboche has varied over the years. At the moment there are around 60 monks in Tengboche. Ten of the monks are undertaking further studied at the Buddhist univercities in India. However, about half are not fully ordained monks, but are children attending the monastery school. A monk may enter the monastery as young as seven but can not take the full 253 vows of a fully ordained monk until he is at least 20 years old. There are different levels of vows taken by the monks according to individual ability and inclination and nuns hold more vows than monks do. The monks live in the small houses around the monastery and are supported by their families and the community who consider this an honour.

The monks take it in turns to do the various duties necessary for running the monastery. There is the responsibility of the daily management of the monastery, the prayer ceremonies to be lead, discipline to be maintained, the kitchen to run and many other duties. The monks take turns at each of the different jobs. The older monks will hold positions of greater responsibilities such as maintaining discipline and leading the prayers. The younger monks help by collecting wood, shopping and serving tea.

Daily life starts at early in the morning and the first group prayers are performed at 6.00 a.m. in the main prayer hall. After that the monks are involved in their personal studies and meditation or in the work allocated to them on behalf of the monastic community. The younger monks attend the school. At 4.00 p.m. the monks meet for afternoon prayers. This routine is frequently interrupted by the many prayer ceremonies at the monastery or at private homes in the surrounding villages that the monks perform on behalf of others. Many people request prayers for people who are sick or who have died, and to bring good fortune and alleviate difficulties. Sherpas also request prayers before going on mountaineering expeditions. On special days of the month the monks perform ceremonies dedicated to the well being of all sentient beings. The monastic year is also interspersed with times of closed retreats as well as colourful ceremonies. [see Festivals]