Tibetan Monks
Tibetan monks lead a simple and fairly peaceful life. They are dedicated to prayer and service of others and by doing so feel content and pleasure. Tibetan monks do not pursue material comforts; their food is simple, involving some Tibetan bread, vegetables and Tibetan tea.
Monk in the Tibetan language is “trapa,” which means “student” or “scholar.” There are three kinds of Tibetan monks residing in the monastery, including monks, scholars, and lamas. Lamas are considered as the spiritual guides and master teachers who teach meditation techniques to disciples. In Tibetan Buddhism, they are regarded as “living gods” who possess supernatural powers that can slay demons and bring good fortune, wealth and good health. Tibetan monks play a significant role in the lives of the Tibetan people. They not only conduct religious ceremonies but also take care of the monasteries.
Lamas are students living in Tibetan areas. Through the accumulation of knowledge and faith, complete the “pilgrimage road” in life.
The Daily Life of Tibetan Monks
The life of the lama begins early in the morning. The lamas, led by their leaders, say morning prayers in the hall. The morning prayer lasts about 2-3 hours, during which, for three times, hundreds of young monks line up to pour butter tea and “tuba” porridge in the prayer hall. The monks eat and drink while chanting sutras, which is very interesting. After the morning praying, breakfast finishes. The next prayer is about 9 to 10 o ‘clock, the lamas return to chant sutras and drink tea; At 3 or 4 o ‘clock in the afternoon, each lama gathers in their Khangtsen (dorm) to chant sutras and drink tea.
In addition to the three prayer sessions, there are also three debate sessions per day.
In Tibetan monasteries, it is common for Tibetans to provide tea and porridge to monks. And in return, the monks chant the scripture for them. Monks would pray for happiness for a family or pray for the rest and peace for a deceased family member. After the chanting, the related family would offer some money to the monks as a particular way of giving.
Tibetan Monks live the same life. They read Buddhism scriptures, turn prayer wheels, Kowtow day after day, year after year to practice their extremely devote beliefs.
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