Q. Tell us about yourself.

Jullay! I am Tsering Wangdu, and I hail from Khampa Soma in Matho Village. Born in 1971, I am the middle child among seven siblings. I attended the local government school for my first two grades but had to leave due to financial difficulties, which necessitated my work as a sheep herder. At the age of 11, I chose to become a monk, offering my hair to His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche as part of the initiation ritual. I later lived and studied with my maternal uncle, who was also a monk, in his Tashak (rooms for monks) at the monastery. After spending two years at the Gompa, I had the opportunity to pursue further studies at Magon Gompa in Dehradun at the age of 13. At that time, monasteries in Ladakh did not provide adequate educational facilities for monks. I spent seven years in Dehradun, completing my studies. Taking the Getsul ordination is essential for a monk in Buddhism, and it involves keeping vows similar to those of fully ordained monks.

After fulfilling my academic and spiritual commitments, I returned to Ladakh and became a part of Matho Monastery.

Q. How did you acquire the position of President in the All Ladakh Gonpa Association?

The All Ladakh Gonpa Association was founded in 1949 by Padma Bhushan, His Eminence Bakula Rinpoche, with the aim of restoring the precious teachings of the Nyingma, Kagyud, Sakya, and Gelug schools, which had been lost and deteriorated over time. Monks from various monasteries convened and unanimously recognized the need for such an association. H.E. Bakula Rinpoche was elected as its first president, a position he held for 42 years, along with ten members representing the ten largest monasteries.
Subsequently, the presidency was passed on to various Rinpoche and heads of monasteries. Matho Monastery was eligible for the presidency, and Gen Stanzin Wangtak of Matho Monastery served as president for three-year tenure. Unfortunately, he had to resign before completing his term due to illness, and I was appointed as his replacement to continue and complete the remaining tenure.

All Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA) consists of 16 monasteries along with additional appointed members. The association serves several vital functions:
1.    Unity among Monks: LGA fosters unity among the monks of the 16 monasteries and across all four schools of Buddhism: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug.
2.    Promotion of Modern Education: Recognizing the importance of modern education, the LGA plays a crucial role in promoting educational initiatives for monks and nuns residing in various monasteries throughout Ladakh.
3.    Maintenance of Responsibilities: The association ensures that the duties and responsibilities within monasteries are upheld, maintaining their integrity and traditions.
4.    Social Welfare and Cultural Preservation: LGA is committed to eliminating social evils within the community while preserving and promoting our Rigjung, scripture, and language.

Q. What is the status of Gonpas (monasteries) in Ladakh?

Compared to earlier times, monasteries in Ladakh have seen significant development, particularly in terms of infrastructure. Many monasteries are now well-preserved, with modern facilities integrated where necessary, and several have undergone reconstruction or repairs.
However, a concerning trend is the decline in the admission of young monks across most monasteries. If this trend continues, it may eventually impact the overall population of Buddhist monks in the region.

Q. As you mentioned the declining population of monks in monasteries, how can this be prevented, considering that monks are a crucial part of Buddhism?

To prevent the decline in the monk population, one important step is to reconsider birth control practices, as a larger population can help sustain the tradition of monasticism.
Additionally, Gonpa schools, which are branches of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, are established in many parts of Ladakh, but they lack the same level of facilities, teachers, and infrastructure as government schools in the villages. Improving these schools is essential for attracting and educating new generations of monks.
Parents also need to consider the importance of monks in the Buddhist community. Monks play a vital role in preserving and spreading the teachings of Buddha, while also offering spiritual guidance to followers. Supporting monastic education and encouraging more youth to join monasteries can help ensure the future of Buddhism in Ladakh.

Q. Unfortunately, some monasteries have been robbed in the past. Can you tell us about these incidents and what actions the administration has taken to ensure the safety of precious religious items in monasteries?

You are correct; unfortunately, about a month ago, there was a theft in the prayer hall and a few small Lhakhangs (houses of gods) at one of the monasteries. Additionally, one of the 16 major monasteries in the region was robbed in the past.

In response to these incidents, the Ladakh Police issued an order to install CCTV cameras in monasteries to deter theft. However, even with these precautions, Matho Gonpa was robbed between 1 and 2 a.m. The four thieves were able to evade identification in the CCTV footage, as their faces and hands were fully covered. It was observed that the thieves primarily targeted silver items.

Following these events, the heads of all the larger monasteries convened to discuss the issue and appealed to the UT administration to enhance security measures in the monasteries. Monasteries house valuables that are not only spiritually significant but also have substantial monetary value, including antique statues worth crores.
In response to these concerns, the CEC of LAHDC, Leh, has provided additional CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights. He has also assured us that he will consider our request for security guards to further enhance the safety of these important religious sites.

Q. Tibetan Buddhism has four main schools: Nyingma, Kagyud, Sakya, and Gelug. There are further sub-schools, such as the Karma Kagyu, Drikung Kagyu, Drukpa Lineage, and the Taklung Kagyu. Do these divisions create any differences among Buddhists?

When Padma Bhushan His Eminence, the late Togdan Rinpoche, was president of the All Ladakh Gonpa Association, monks and nuns from all monasteries in Ladakh came together for a Monlam Chenmo (Great Prayer). This event serves as a prime example of the unity among the different monasteries in Ladakh, as it was attended by monks and nuns from every Buddhist school and sub-school.

In Ladakh, the four main Buddhist schools—Gelug, Sakya, Drukpa, and Drikung—share a deep respect for one another, and no disputes have arisen to this day. Monastic duties and rituals, such as the Chams (mask dance), are harmoniously performed by monks from various monasteries whenever needed, showcasing a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding.

Q. What is the function of Gonpa schools and what is the role of the Gonpa Association in setting up these schools?

In the 1950s, due to the unfavorable situation in Tibet after its occupation by China, it became difficult for monks to go there for their studies. The 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche met with then Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru to appeal for the establishment of an institution for monks to continue their education. Prime Minister Nehru suggested that the community start it themselves, and the government would consider supporting it later.

The initiative began with a Gonpa school on a small piece of land belonging to Hemis Gonpa at Chutey Rantak. Later, in 1959, this effort evolved into the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), which is now a deemed university under the Ministry of Culture. This institution is a testament to the dedication and struggle of the monks who worked hard to secure a proper education for future generations.

Gonpa schools, which are branches of CIBS, number around 50 across Ladakh. It was agreed that CIBS would provide teachers and books for these schools, which are spread across various regions. Scholarships were also introduced to support students financially.

However, Gonpa schools still lag behind government schools in terms of adequate teaching staff and facilities, which is a challenge that needs to be addressed.

Q. What difficulties do monks, nuns, and monasteries face in Ladakh?

The government does provide essential facilities for monks and nuns in monasteries, and compared to many years ago, monasteries are now more advanced with modern amenities. However, challenges remain. One of the primary concerns is the protection of the "Four Jungwa," the four elements of nature—earth, water, fire, and air—which need to be safeguarded from the pollution caused by human activity. The environmental degradation threatens not just our ecosystem but also the spiritual sanctity of our surroundings.

Additionally, when monks and nuns grow old, they face the difficulty of having no children to care for them. Despite dedicating their entire lives to the service of the monastery, they often have to rely on distant relatives for support in their later years, which can be a struggle.

This issue was brought up during the first-ever Sangha Council held at Zen Ladakh, attended by rinpoches, venerable monks, and experts. It was a key point of discussion, and we hope for positive steps to address these challenges in the future.

Q. What are your plans for the future as President of the All Ladakh Gonpa Association?

The Dharma Centre in Choglamsar, which once was just a pile of rocks, has significantly transformed. Over the past two years, it has become the gathering place for monks and nuns during Monlam Chenmo (the Great Prayer). The area now includes large and small prayer halls, proper parking space, a garden, and an old-age home for monks and nuns in one corner. We've requested the administration to repair the old-age home building to ensure it can provide the necessary support, including meals, for those in need.

Looking ahead, we plan to organize workshops and training sessions every one or two months for monks and nuns. These will focus on scripture and language studies, as well as traditional practices such as painting, the formation of skilkhor (the Wheel of Life), mandalas, and other important aspects of Buddhist art and teachings.

Message to the Reader
“While Bhoti Day highlights the significance of our language, one day isn’t enough to celebrate it. Our language and script are vital to our identity. I urge the youth to use Bhoti script instead of writing in English, as it helps improve grammar and clarity over time.
As followers of Buddha, let’s practice compassion, kindness, and peace, while also avoiding drugs and alcohol to focus on the teachings of Buddhism.”