Various Activities at Tharlam Monastery

Tharlam Monastery, a prominent Sakya monastery re-established in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, is dedicated to preserving Buddhist teachings and promoting spiritual growth. It organizes a variety of activities encompassing spiritual, educational. Cultural, and community services.

1. Spiritual Activities

  • Daily Pujas and Rituals: Monks engage in regular chanting, meditation, and tantric practices in the prayer hall, with morning and evening prayers dedicated to offering reverence to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
  • Special Ceremonies: The monastery hosts annual events like Saga Dawa, Losar, and Lhabab Duchen, along with rituals aimed at healing, long life, and the removal of obstacles, such as Tara, Medicine Buddha, and Vajrakilaya pujas.
  • Teachings and Empowerments: Senior lamas offer teachings like the Lamdre (Path and Its Fruit) and provide empowerments and oral transmissions for more advanced practitioners.
  • Retreats: Both monastic and lay practitioners participate in short- and long-term retreats focused on intensive meditation and practice.

2. Educational Activities

  • Tharlam Academy: The monastery runs an academy that blends Buddhist studies (sutra, tantra, rituals) with modern subjects like science, math, and languages. It aims to train well-rounded monks who can carry the Dharma forward.
  • Scriptural Debates: Regular debates are held on Buddhist philosophy, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the teachings and sharpen their critical thinking.
  • Workshops and Training: The monastery offers training in Tibetan grammar, ritual arts, and traditional practices such as thangka painting and mandala creation.

3. Cultural Preservation

  • Traditional Arts and Crafts: Tharlam provides training in Tibetan art forms, including thangka painting and the creation of ritual instruments. It is also dedicated to preserving ancient manuscripts and digitizing sacred texts.
  • Festivals and Traditions: The monastery celebrates important Sakya lineage festivals and rituals, helping to maintain and honor Tibetan cultural heritage.

4. Community and Outreach Programs:

  • Health Camps:

Organizes free medical camps, such as eye care services, for monks and the local community in collaboration with organizations like the Lions Club.

  • Charity and Donations:
    Provides food, clothing, and educational materials to underprivileged communities.
    Offers scholarships and financial support for students.
  • Public Dharma Teachings:
    Open teachings and meditation sessions for lay practitioners and international visitors.