Monastic Curriculum of the Jonang Monastery

The Jonang Monastery offers a comprehensive monastic curriculum designed to foster both academic and spiritual growth among its students. The curriculum includes:

Core Subjects

• Tibetan Language: Instruction in the Tibetan language is essential for understanding the rich literary and spiritual heritage of Buddhism.
• Tibetan Calligraphy: Students learn the art of Tibetan calligraphic handwriting, which is integral to Buddhist texts and prayers.
• Tibetan History: Courses cover the historical context of Tibet and its cultural evolution.
• History of Tibetan Religion: This subject explores the development of Buddhism in Tibet, focusing on its unique traditions and practices.
• Epistemology: Students engage with the philosophy of knowledge, examining how understanding is developed within Buddhist teachings.

Ritual and Practice

• Prayers and Ritual Performance: The curriculum includes learning various prayers and the performance of rituals essential to Tibetan Buddhism.
• Ritual Instruments: Students are trained in the use of traditional ritual instruments, enhancing their understanding of ceremonial practices.
• Religious Dance: Instruction in traditional religious dances, which are significant in various ceremonies.
• Mandala Drawing: Students learn the intricate art of mandala drawing, symbolizing the universe in Buddhist tradition.
• Chanting: The practice of chanting is emphasized, as it plays a crucial role in daily rituals and meditative practices.

Buddhist Study Course

The Buddhist study course comprises both scriptural study and meditative practice:

• Scriptural Study: Following the tradition of other Buddhist schools, students engage with the five great treaties (Gzhung, Chen, Bka', Pod, and Inga), which form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.
• Meditative Practice: A unique aspect of the Jonang curriculum is the rigorous three-and-a-half-year retreat focused on the Six Yogas of the Kalachakra Tantra. This retreat is distinct from those offered by other schools, providing students with profound insights into advanced meditation techniques.

Student Demographics

The Jonang Monastery currently accommodates approximately 120 students and staff members. Among them:

• Students from Assam and Mon Tawang: About 70 students hail from these regions, where access to education is severely limited due to a lack of transportation. Many parents hold strong faith in Dharma, encouraging their children to pursue monastic life.
• Community Outreach: Senior lamas from the monastery have made multiple visits to these areas to recruit students, often gathering 10-20 children in several batches.
• Students from Outer Mongolia: Approximately 30 students come from Outer Mongolia, where their families are devout followers of Buddhism. For these children, pursuing a monastic life is viewed as a significant honor. Notably, twelve of these students are orphans, aged between 6 to 18 years.
• Newcomers from Tibet: The monastery also welcomes around 20 monks from Tibet. These individuals have made the difficult decision to leave their homeland in search of basic human rights, including freedom of speech and the opportunity to practice their faith freely.