Tibet Diary by Zhou Yun

Wednesday June 8th

The lives of the lamas in Tibet's monasteries are a mystery to me. That's why I am so lucky to be able to talk to the lamas of Mindoling Monastery, and gain a closer look into their daily lives.

The Mindoling Monastery

Mindoling is located about 50 kilometers from Zedang in Shannan's Zhanang County. The monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Red sect. It's one of the three most famous Red sect monasteries, with a history that spans over 300 years.

There are fifty-four lamas at Mindoling. Six of the lamas are responsible for all daily affairs and decision-making at the monastery. They were elected by all the monastery lamas eight years ago. Sixty-nine-year-old Jiangbai Jianzan is the head of the group. He says the monastery's main source of income comes from selling incense, which he says is warmly welcomed in Southeast Asia. In addition, the monastery has land for planting crops and three cars. Jiangbai Jianzan says the monastery made 800,000 RMB last year. He says most of the money has gone toward improving the lives of the lamas and monastery conservation. He adds that every year the lamas receive a twenty day holiday so they can go home and see their relatives.

A young lama at his dormitory

(CRIENGLISH.com)

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