The current situation of monasteries

During the cultural revolution (1966-1976) the monasteries and nunneries in the Dagyab region, like the monasteries in other parts of Tibet and China, were completely destroyed. The Chinese Government "re-opened" religious activities in 1979. Thus in the early 80s monks started to rebuild their monasteries. Nowadays, monasteries only consist of main buildings, as well as living quarters for the monks, without separate Khangtsens. Most monasteries were rebuilt in their respective home areas in the countryside. Today Magoen monastery has only five hundred monks and Bugoen four hundred.

One of Rinpoche's key projects has been to develop a study program in Buddhist philosophy to enable students, both male and female, to aim for the Geshe degree. This degree is the Tibetan equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy. In the past there were no such programs available in the area. The first successful Geshe examination for monks took place in 1999, which marked an historical occasion for Dagyab.

The main focus for Rinpoche, with the help of Dagyab Association Dagyab e.V., is to find sponsors to cover daily expenses of the monks and nuns and to help finance the building of suitable accommodations. Currently, a library and small printing press are in the process of being set up.

The current situation of Nunneries

Nuns in Dagyab

There are three large nunneries in Dagyab. One of the key projects has been to organize a study program that would enable nuns, just as the monks, to aim for the Geshe Degree. Officially, there are more than 600 nuns who live in the nunneries of Jorkhe Ritroe, Evam Ritroe and Droelma Ritroe. A large number of nuns are unable to join any one of the nunneries and are often obliged to stay with their families. For further information, please visit Dagyab e.V.

Nun´s hermitage Jorkhe Ritrö