Life of Tibetan Buddhist nuns at Dolma Ling Nunnery near Dharamsala

Summary

This video describes the Dhamma Ling Institute, a serene nunnery established in 1991 for Tibetan nuns seeking freedom to practice and study Buddhism. Located amidst scenic landscapes, it is home to over 200 nuns from Tibet, Ladakh, and even Western countries. The nunnery provides education in traditional Buddhist philosophy, modern skills, and crafts. Facilities include a library, guesthouse, and medical clinic. The nuns also engage in debate, religious art, and community service. Their rigorous schedule is centered on spiritual growth and study, fostering an environment of dedication, discipline, and learning.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The institute was established in 1991 to provide education and religious freedom to nuns who fled Tibet.
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 It is home to over 200 nuns from Tibet, Himalayan regions, Ladakh, and even Western countries.
• 🌾 The institute is set in a serene environment, surrounded by fields, gardens, and mountains, with a peaceful atmosphere ideal for spiritual practice.
• 📚 The institute boasts a well-stocked library with books in multiple languages, offering access to vast knowledge for the nuns.
• 🛠️ The nuns engage in income-generating activities, such as running a shop and making handicrafts like wall hangings and bags.
• 🐄 The institute maintains cows for milk production, and the nuns help manage the gardens, waste disposal, and kitchen.
• 🧑‍⚕️ A well-equipped medical clinic is available, with trained health worker nuns providing care and consultation with Tibetan doctors.
• 📜 The nuns study a non-sectarian traditional Tibetan Buddhist curriculum, including philosophy, language, and religious arts.
• 📖 Debate is a key part of the education, fostering understanding of Buddhist teachings through analytical discussion and intellectual engagement.
• 🕉️ The institute provides a structured daily schedule with prayers, classes, study sessions, and hands-on work, allowing the nuns to grow spiritually and intellectually.

Q & A

When was the institute established, and for what purpose?

The institute was established in 1991 to meet the needs of nuns who fled Tibet in search of the freedom to study and practice their religion.

How many nuns currently reside at the institute, and where do they come from?

The institute is home to over 200 nuns from Tibet, the Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Spiti, and Ladakh, as well as some from Western countries.

What are some of the notable features of the institute's surroundings?

The institute is set in a serene, clean area surrounded by wheat and rice fields, with views of mountains, landscaped gardens, and an abundance of flowers and trees that attract birds.

What role did the nuns play in the construction of the institute?

Construction began in 1991 and was completed in 2005. The nuns helped in various ways during the building process.

What makes the institute's library special?

The library contains a wealth of information, including books in languages such as English, German, Chinese, Spanish, and Tibetan. The Tibetan texts are stored traditionally and are available to anyone who wishes to extend their knowledge.

What are some of the income-generating enterprises run by the nuns?

The nuns run a small shop for basic needs and a tailoring section where they make items like wall hangings, bags, and prayer flags. These items are sold in the institute's handicraft store.

How does the institute support the health and well-being of the nuns?

The institute has a medical clinic with trained health worker nuns. They hold evening health checks and refer complex cases to the Tibetan Delek Hospital. The nuns also care for 13 cows that provide milk for the kitchen.

What educational opportunities are available to the nuns at the institute?

The nuns engage in a complete traditional Buddhist study program, with qualified teachers from three of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. They study various subjects like grammar, philosophy, poetry, and calligraphy.

What role does debate play in the nuns' education?

Debate is a key method used for gaining a thorough understanding of Buddhist teachings. It involves the nuns asking and answering philosophical questions, often with lively gestures and interaction.

How do the nuns manage the institute’s daily operations?

The nuns are involved in all aspects of daily life, from preparing food and making bread and tofu to managing waste, growing vegetables, and maintaining the gardens. They also take care of their cows, ensuring a self-sustaining environment.