Buddhist tradition, especially of Geluk tradition, was established in 1419 in accordance
with the direction of Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) by his close disciple, the supreme
master Jamchen Choeje Shakya Yeshe (1354-1436). Jamchen Choje went to der almost
all the great teachers of his time, practiced and taught extensively and wrote a
great deal. His works of eighteen volumes contain topics relating to the most difficult
points of Buddhist teachings of Sutrayana and Mantrayana teachings. He performed
millions of prostrations, mandala offerings and other forms of purification
There used to be thousands of monasteries in Tibet. Every family was expected to
send at least one boy to a monastery. Usually, boys would be ordained at the age
of seven; girls, a bit older. The monastery life used to be the only access to education
and improved social status. People went to monasteries to get educated, to merit
their family and to pursue religious fulfillment. Although educational and economic
conditions in Tibet have improved, many Tibetans are still drawn to the monasteries.
The monastery life is rigorous. Monks are involved in all kinds of religious services and administrative tasks, on behalf of individual study and the monastery community. Daily life starts in the early morning and ends in the late night. The whole day is occupied with communal or individual religious services and the management of the monastery. Older monks, learned lamas,
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His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet.
He was born on 6 July 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser,
Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two the child, who was named Lhamo Dhondup
at that time was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten
Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or
Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas
are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth
in order to serve humanity.
His Holiness began his monastic education at the age of six. The curriculum consisted
of five major and five minor subjects. The major subjects were logic, Tibetan art
and culture, Sanskrit, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy which was further divided
into a further five categories: Prajnaparimita,
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Welcome to sera Monastery
Sera monastery is the largest Mahayana Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in exile and one of the largest seats of learning in the Gelug tradition.We hope that this information will answer some of your questions and queries about the village and the surrounding Tibetan refugee camps.
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