Tharlam Monastery School (Tharlam Academy)

Tharlam Academy, the educational wing of Tharlam Monastery, provides a holistic education that integrates Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and modern academic subjects. It aims to preserve the Sakya tradition while equipping monks with the knowledge and skills needed for contemporary life.

Programs and Activities

1. Academic Programs:

  • Subjects: Science, Math, Language, Social Studies, and Health Science.
  • Curriculum designed to balance traditional monastic learning with modern education.

2. Buddhist Studies and Rituals:

  • Teachings on sutra and tantra, Tibetan grammar, and ritual practices.
  • Daily pujas and meditation sessions integrated into the schedule.

3. Extracurricular Activities:

  • Students at Tharlam Academy engage in football, volleyball, cricket, debates, and art competitions to build teamwork, creativity, and physical fitness, fostering a well-rounded and active lifestyle.
  • Health awareness and life skills workshops.

4. Teacher and Student Meetings:

Regular meetings are held where teachers and students discuss progress, address any challenges, and set goals. These sessions provide support and feedback to help students improve and grow. 

5. Community Programs:

  • Participation in events like health camps and cultural preservation
    initiatives.
     

Facilities

1. Library:

  • The library has a large collection of Buddhist scriptures and commentaries for spiritual learning.
  • It also offers academic books on different subjects to support students' studies.
  • Books are available in Tibetan and other languages, making it easier for students to access a variety of resources.
  • The library includes quiet study areas, providing a peaceful space for monks and students to focus on their work.

2. Computer Lab:

  • The computer lab is equipped with 9 computers, supporting digital learning, research, and basic IT training.

3. Classrooms:

The classrooms are thoughtfully designed to support both academic learning and Buddhist studies, providing a comfortable and focused environment for students to engage with their subjects.

4. Dining Hall and Dormitories:

Students get three meals a day and have comfortable living spaces. The dormitories are shared, with three monks in each room, helping to build a strong sense of community and support.

Improved Healthcare for Monks:

  • Focus on maintaining both physical and mental well-being, supporting monks in their spiritual and academic activities.
  • A dedicated nurse is available to provide ongoing care and attention to the monks' health needs.
  • Ensures monks are in good health, supporting their well-being and personal growth.

Future Developments

  • Expanding the computer lab and library resources.
  • Organizing more workshops and cultural exchange programs.
  • Enhancing academic and extracurricular activities to support student development.
  • Improve medical health care.

Plan for the Future of Tharlam Academy

Vision

Our mission is to train monks in the heart of the Dharma, guiding them to become beacons of wisdom, compassion, and service. Wherever they go, they will shine as symbols of hope, sharing the light of the Buddha's teachings with the world.

The Army of Bodhisattvas

Monks will not only study the Dharma in classrooms but also apply it in real life. Training must be practical, immersing them in real-world experiences so they can become agents of compassion. Through this, they will spread happiness and uphold the Buddha Dharma in action, not just words.

Key Steps

1. Deep Study and Practical Application
  • Monks will take notes from every Dharma book they complete.
  • They must write essays focusing on how to apply these teachings in daily life.
  • They will engage in real-life scenarios to put their learning into action.
2. Dharma Through Art & Media
  • To help retain teachings, monks will create and perform Dharma plays and record films.
  • These recordings will be shared online to spread the Dharma to modern audiences.
  • More time will be dedicated to creating and editing online teachings, using modern media to reach more people.
3. Physical and Mental Discipline
  • It’s important to train monks to be both physically strong and mentally resilient.
  • They will participate in rigorous physical training, including obstacle courses, workouts, and jogging, inspired by the intense training methods used by Navy SEALs.
  • This training will help build their endurance, strength, and mental toughness, preparing them to face physical and spiritual challenges with determination and focus.
4.Healthcare for Monks:
  • Monthly Check-ups: Every monk will have regular health check-ups to make sure they are physically healthy.
  • Mental Health Support: We will check on the mental well-being of the monks to ensure they are mentally healthy and offer help if needed.
  • Counseling Services: If any monk faces emotional challenges or depression, we will provide special counseling support to help them stay balanced and focused on their spiritual journey.
5. Addressing Challenges: The Ego of Monks
  • A major issue is that many people who work with monks leave with negative impressions.
  • Being a Tharlam monk must not be a path to polishing one’s ego in the wrong way.
  • We must cultivate humility and ensure that monks serve, not demand respect.
6. Preparing for the Future
  • Monks will learn coding, video editing, psychology, and even AI to adapt to the modern world.
  • Finance and management training will be provided to ensure monasteries can sustain themselves.
7.Language and Communication Skills:
  • Monks will have language sessions to learn different languages. This will help them feel more confident when talking to people from different places and make it easier to share the teachings of Buddhism with others.
  • By learning multiple languages, monks will be able to share Buddhist teachings more effectively with a wider audience, both locally and internationally.
8. Honoring Tharlam’s Legacy
  • Every monk will be trained to become an expert in Tharlam's 300-year history and its rich legends.
  •  By deeply understanding our past, monks will develop a strong sense of pride in Tharlam’s legacy, which will inspire and guide them in their own spiritual journey and mission.
  • This knowledge will instill a deep sense of purpose, reminding monks of the values and traditions that have shaped Tharlam over centuries.

Motto

“While we stand, Buddhism shall never perish!”

Oath of the Tharlam Monk

As long as I breathe, I will guard the teachings of Buddhism.

I will study, practice, and uphold the morals of the Dharma.

I will give up my life before I abandon my duty to save others.

Tharlam is my duty, my body, and my soul.I will safeguard it against all enemies, in this life and beyond.

None shall harm Tharlam while I stand