Tibetan religious chief Dalai Lama arrives on the Tawang Monastery, in Tawang, within the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Reuters File
Uninterrupted energy provide and entry to medical care stay essential worries for Asia’s oldest monastery in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang.
The waste left behind by the monastery’s increasing variety of vacationers has additionally grow to be a supply of concern for Abbot Shedling Tulku Thupten Tendar Rinpoche, the monastery’s chief.
The Rinpoche, who has been the pinnacle of the Tawang Monastery for a yr, is happy with the monks and learners underneath him, however he’s involved about different amenities accessible to them.
Tawang Monastery is Asia’s second largest and oldest. It was established between 1680 and 1681.
Chatting with PTI in his native Tibetan by an interpreter, Rinpoche mentioned, “The monks of our monastery are a lot disciplined and focus on their research. They’ve been following the laid-down traditions nicely sufficient.
“For us, one major issue is healthcare facilities. In case of any health-related emergency, our monks have to travel to Guwahati or Tezpur. If the government can ensure similar facilities here, it will be helpful,” the Abbot mentioned.
Guwahati is about 430 km from Tawang whereas Tezpur is at a distance of almost 330 km.
The Rinpoche additionally urged the state authorities for uninterrupted energy provide to the Monastery.
“It is a technology-driven world nowadays and electricity is important. But power supply is erratic. We request the government that if it can ensure uninterrupted supply, it will be beneficial not only for the monks but also for the tourists and VIPs, who frequently come here,” he added.
Because the Monastery’s reputation grows and it attracts extra guests, the Abbot had a phrase of warning in regards to the pitfalls that include extra individuals getting into.
“Because the variety of guests will increase, it has additionally led to the issue of the individuals not caring in regards to the atmosphere. Individuals are bringing packets and different such issues with them, and littering throughout.
“It makes the place dirty and is bad for the environment too. I request them to take care of this aspect,” the Abbot mentioned, requesting the guests to be extra aware.
On attracting the younger era to faith, the religious chief mentioned the non secular teachings must be blended with a scientific temperament to maintain it related.
“We cannot make the youth believe in a religion by prayers or parikrama. We have to make them study the religious teachings (scriptures). For the youth to put faith in religion, we have to ensure that we make them study the scriptures in comparison with a scientific outlook,” he mentioned.
“Buddhism is about the journey of mind, consciousness and attainment of enlightenment. Enlightenment is not only about meditation, it is about removing negative thoughts. And we have to make the youth see this aspect,” the Abbot added.
He additionally burdened that you will need to comply with any faith with the deal with idea of how one will help others, and it will hold the followers of a religion collectively.