The Monastery School of Phuktal

The monastic school of Phuktal Monastery (Phuktal Gompa) is structured to provide a comprehensive education to young monks, often referred to as novices.

These young boys, usually from the Zanskar region, are sent to the monastery by their families to receive religious and academic education. It is a tradition for one boy from each family to leave their village to pursue education at the monastery.

The novices live at the monastery, sharing modest cells and participating in community life. Their daily routine includes prayers, meditations, studies, and domestic tasks.

Older and more experienced monks serve as mentors, guiding the novices in their studies and spiritual practice.

History of the school

In 1993, the school was founded under the initiative of Geshe Lharampa Nagri Choszed (1920-1998), a native of Tibet who arrived at Phuktal in 1959 following the Chinese invasion.

Nagri Choszed, with a high-level Buddhist education and philosophical training, brought knowledge that had been inaccessible to the monks of Phuktal for centuries.

He restored the ancient tradition of learning and scholarship, teaching philosophy, traditional ritual systems, and moral discipline to the monks.

Additionally, he sent many monks to pursue advanced studies at other institutions. These monks returned to Phuktal to share their knowledge.

In 2014, the monastic school of Phuktal saw the completion of its new facilities. These new structures included student accommodations, several classrooms, staff quarters, offices, a library, a Sowa-Rigpa medicine center, a kitchen, a dining hall, and a prayer hall.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the monastic school of Phuktal is rigorous and covers a variety of disciplines.

It is designed to provide comprehensive training that combines traditional religious teachings with modern academic subjects.

1. Religious Studies : The core of the curriculum consists of religious studies. Novices learn Buddhist scriptures, including sutras, tantras, and commentaries by great masters. They also study Buddhist philosophies, doctrines, and rituals. Memorization of texts is a common practice, allowing young monks to deeply integrate teachings into their minds.
2. Spiritual Practices : Novices are trained in spiritual practices such as meditation, mantra chanting, and rituals. Meditation is an essential part of their training, developing their concentration, compassion, and wisdom. Mantra chanting and rituals are also practiced daily, enhancing their connection with Buddhist teachings.
3. Languages : Language learning is an important component of monastic education. Novices learn Tibetan, the language of sacred texts, as well as Hindi and English for communication and modern studies. Mastery of Tibetan is essential for reading and understanding original religious texts.
4. Academic Studies : In addition to religious studies, the monastic school of Phuktal offers academic subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and social studies. These subjects allow young monks to receive a balanced education and develop useful skills in the contemporary world.
5. Arts and Culture : Novices are also introduced to traditional arts such as thangka painting, wood carving, and cham dances. These cultural activities enrich their experience and preserve Buddhist artistic traditions.

Training and Progression

Training at Phuktal is progressive and tailored to the various stages of development of the novices.

Young monks start with basic studies and simple practices, then progress to more complex teachings and increased responsibilities within the monastery.

1. Novitiate : Novices begin their training with a period of novitiate, where they learn the basics of monastic life, daily prayers, and rules of conduct. This period is crucial for their integration into the monastic community.
2. Advanced Studies : After a few years, novices progress to advanced studies, which include philosophical texts and deep meditation practices. They also participate in philosophical debates, a traditional method to refine their understanding of Buddhist doctrines.
3. Spiritual Formation : More advanced monks undergo intensive spiritual training, including extended meditation retreats and esoteric teachings. This training aims to develop their wisdom and compassion, preparing them to become teachers and spiritual guides.

Importance of the Monastic School

The monastic school of Phuktal plays an important role in preserving and transmitting Buddhist teachings.

It educates the future generation of monks, ensuring the continuity of religious and cultural practices in Zanskar.

Additionally, monastic education provides young monks with a unique opportunity for spiritual and personal development, equipping them with the tools to lead lives of compassion and service.

The monastic school also contributes to the local community by offering quality education in a remote region.

Monks trained at Phuktal Gompa often become respected leaders, bringing valuable knowledge and skills back to their communities.

It’s important to note that once they reach adulthood, children are under no obligation to remain monks. They may return to civilian life, for example, to become teachers or guides in a tourist agency

Destruction of Phuktal School

In 2015, the Phuktal School was destroyed by a flood.

On December 31, 2014, due to a landslide on the Phuktal River, a tributary of the Zanskar River, a dam formed, creating an artificial lake.

This lake stretched 10 km upstream and had an estimated height of 50 meters.

On May 7, 2015, at 8 AM, the dam breached, forming a massive wave that swept away everything in its path.

All bridges over the river were washed away, further isolating the villagers of Zanskar.

The school for young monks of Phuktal Gompa, built downstream from the monastery along the river banks, was also washed away by the flood.

Buildings, equipment, materials, etc., everything was destroyed.

The monastery has requested grants and financial assistance from the government of the Jammu and Kashmir state as well as the central government to rebuild the school.

FAQ : frequently asked questions about Phuktal school

What age are children when they enter Phuktal Monastery?

Children typically begin their training at Phuktal Monastery around the ages of 5 to 7 years old.

How many students are there?

Phuktal Monastery has approximately 45 students.

What subjects are taught to young monks?

Subjects taught include Tibetan language, Buddhist texts, philosophy, religious rituals, as well as modern subjects such as mathematics, sciences, English, and history.

What opportunities do young monks have after completing their training at Phuktal Monastery?

After completing their training at Phuktal, young monks may choose to continue their religious education to serve the community as lamas or Buddhist scholars, or they may return to civilian life to become teachers or guides.

How is education at Phuktal Monastery funded?

Phuktal School is primarily funded through donations and sponsors. The monastery itself covers the costs of tuition, housing, and food for the monk children.