A Center for Higher Buddhist Studies and Research (Shedra)

The precious teachings of the Buddha are the foundation of true benefit and happiness. In Bhutan, the preservation of our spiritual heritage, religion, and tradition is also one of the main pillars of Gross National Happiness.

As stated in the Abhidharmakośa:

“The holy Dharma of the Teacher has two aspects:
scripture and realization.
Those who uphold them are those who teach them
and those who put them into practice.”

In accordance with this, Long-nying Chöling Monastery has already established both a retreat center for meditation practice and a Shedra for Buddhist study and reflection.

Since 2021, the monastery has welcomed local boys who wish to become monks and receive a meaningful education rooted in the Buddhadharma. Today, around 30 young monks are enrolled. They study Dharma reading and writing, daily prayers, Vajrayāna ritual arts, sacred cham dance, and foundational Buddhist subjects. At the same time, they also attend a nearby regular school so they can complete their secular education, including high school.

The Shedra now provides these young monks with the opportunity to continue into higher Buddhist studies without needing to travel far from their home villages. Its curriculum includes the study of Sūtra, Tantra, Buddhist philosophy, ritual, meditation, and the traditional sciences, together with modern subjects such as English, Chinese, computer skills, and internet literacy.

The aim of this Shedra is to train future Khenpos, teachers, translators, ritual masters, and practitioners who can uphold the Buddha’s teachings, serve their communities, and share the Dharma with the wider world.

At present, however, the facilities are very limited. The young monks live together in a small four-room dormitory, and the temple balcony and main shrine hall are being used as classrooms. Therefore, the monastery is working to build proper dormitories, classrooms, teacher’s quarters, a kitchen, dining hall, and toilets.

By supporting this project, you are helping the young monks of Long-nying Chöling Monastery receive both traditional Buddhist training and modern education, so they may become future holders of the Buddha’s teachings for the benefit of all beings.

Please refer to the curriculum table below for the detailed plan of study.