Khangchen

khangchen; Monks are organized into `khangchens' by their place of origin. Each `khangchen' consists of about 100 monks, with the one topmost in seniority serving as the `jigen or leader.

An executive committee within the `khangchen' handles the day-to-day affairs. The level above the `khangchen' is the `dratsang' or school (it is more fashionable to call it `University'). Usually formed by several `khangchens', each `dratsang' is run more or less independently.

Resembling a monastery within a monastery, each has its own prayer hall, library and monks, and possesses its own land, pastures and housing. However, `dratsangs' differ from each other in size and wealth.

Some of them are so small that they have no `khangchen' under them. Some `dratsangs' are schools of exoteric Buddhism, and some of esoteric or tantric Buddhism.