Preserving the Tibetan monastic tradition
Songtsen’s volunteers have found from long experience in many Himalayan regions that the construction of a monastery plays a fundamental role in re-establishing or maintaining the social fabric of the Tibetan community. These institutions particularly enable elders and scholars to pass on their wisdom. They become the focus of community life, serving as a school, orphanage, dispensary etc. In addition they provide the setting for the ceremonies, festivals, and dances which are an essential part of Tibetan life. Most importantly, the preservation of Buddhism as a living tradition is directly connected to the preservation of the Tibetan monastic tradition, as well as to the support of higher philosophical studies and traditional long-term retreat.
With more than four decades of oppression in Tibet and over 111,000 Tibetans living in exile, it has been a strong priority to establish traditional monasteries and institutes outside of Tibet to ensure the survival of Tibetan culture and of the ancient Buddhist tradition, uninterrupted for over 1200 years. Over the last several decades, Songtsen has provided substantial aid in the construction and support of a number of higher learning institutes and monasteries. The establishment of these structures has not only provided living quarters for large numbers of Tibetans, it has also helped ensure the preservation and continuation of Tibet’s wisdom and spiritual traditions. The construction of Tibetan gompas (monasteries) is a perfect opportunity for painters, sculptors and other craftsmen to continue a centuries-old living tradition and to pass it on to the younger generation. These structures also provide a welcome for the visitors who come from all over the world to meet authentic Tibetan knowledge holders and discover their unique culture.
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