Drepung Monastic University is a Tibetan
Buddhist Monastic Institution that has been in existence since 1416 A
D. It was the largest Buddhist University in Tibet and was
founded by Jamyang Choje, who is the closest disciple of Great Je
Tsong Khampa. Out of the two Monastic University under it,
Gomang is one of them. At its zenith, Drepung Gomang Monastic
University had a strength of three thousand and three hundred monks
not only from all parts of Tibet, but also from Russia, Mongolia and
other parts of Himalayan region. This University has produced
many eminent scholars, philosophers and mystics known throughout Tibet
and its neighboring countries, who have revive the spirit of the
Buddha's whisdom & message of inner peace, compassion &
non-violence.
After loss of sovereignty to China
in 1959, a small group of 100 Gomang monks were able to fled to India
with the goal of creating a Tibetan environment in which to preserve
and maintain cultural identity and religion. With their own
tireless labor, 60 monks finally succeed in re-establishing Drepung
Gomang Monastic University in the plains of South India in 1969.
It was very difficult time but thanks to the far sighted guidance of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the monks have largely been successful in
preserving their ancient Buddhist tradition.
Today there are more then 1450 monks studying at the University.
Monks continually arrive from Tibet, swelling the University's
population. In 1999 only, 221 new monks from Tibet joined
here. Apart from Tibet, there is now an influx of monks from
Russia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Czech Republic as well as monks from
Himalayan region. The University provide facilities to every one
wishing to study the great texts in a Monastic setting. Study at
the University is rigorous. Every year, six days a week,
over 46 weeks per year, the students spend 1 hour from memorization in
the morning followed by 2 hours of debate. After lunch, they
have 3 hours of classroom and another 2 hours of debate. After
dinner break, the debate practice will continue once again sometimes
stretching till morning. The traditional education of a novice
starts from the memorizing of scriptures and learning of elementary
texts. The mode of instruction is mainly through discussion or
dialogue between the teacher and the student. A dialectical
method of inquiry is used in these discussions. After more than
20 years of extensive studies in Pramana, Madyamika, Abhidharma and
other related subjects, a monk is eligible to appear before the
Gelugpa board Examination. After finishing that he will be
honored with Geshe Degree (Doctorate of Philosophy in Western
University).
THE PRESENT SITUATION:
The present Gomang Congregation / Prayer Hall
was constructed in 1970s to accommodate only 200 monks of that
time. With great influx of monks each year and tremendous
increase in monks population, it has been very difficult to
accommodate all the monks every gathering from usual prayer session to
meeting of monks is held at this Hall. This hall is a place of
worship where many lay people frequently visit to get blessing from
numerous idols of god and goddess, holy picture of great lamas and
dieties, it will also rejuvenate the body and soul of the visiting
pilgrims.
HOW
WE ARE COPING IT NOW:
The geographical location where the University
has been situated is very hot during the summer season and too rainy
during the monsoon. During the prayer session or any other large
congregation, large number of monks stay outside the hall in the hot
sun. Worse during the monsoon season when monks will get wet and
fall sick. The present Congregation / Prayer Hall is not even
able to accommodate 800 monks of this University.
The main expense of this prject will be the construction (estimate of
Rs.50,088,250). Once constructed, this Assembly / Prayer Hall will
accommodate all the monks saving them from desperate heat and monsoon
rain. The University will face no problem when more monks will
join here in future.
APPEAL / REQUEST:
We plead to all kind of individuals and
generous organization to help us in this project. Your help will
be always remembered by the 1450 monks of this Buddhist Monastic
University. And also your gratefulness will be there in our
hearts. Our immense thanks to you all in advance for the
contribution and support. Praying always for the peace and
happiness of all sentient beings.
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Please address
all correspondence to address
below. We request you to make
donation in
favor of "Drepung Gomang Monastery".
Drepung Gomang Monastic
Administrative Office,
P.O. Tibetan Colony - 581 411.
Dist. Karwar, Karnataka State
INDIA.
Tel: +91-08301-45619
Telefax: +91-08301-45697
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Thanking you so much.
