Westerners Seeking Geshe Degree

Study At Drepung Monastery

Gomang College of Drepung Monastic University in south India now provides a special opportunity for Western monks to undertake traditional studies in Buddhist philosophy leading to the degree of geshe.

In accordance with the advice from the Dalai Lama (see Dreloma XVIII-XIX), a separate hostel or khatigtsen has been established with the particular needs of Westerners in mind. It is called Thosam Khangtsen.

The aims of Thosam Khangtsen are to provide facilities for Western monks to become geshes, translators and teachers, and thus establish and continue the tradition of Gelugpa monasticism and scholarship in Western countries. It also hopes to provide accommodation and library services to visiting lay scholars.

Western monks at Drepung, like other monks, will be expected to attend all classes and debates, but exemption from pujas and ceremonies would be granted to those who wish to undertake a more accelerated course of studies and complete the course in ten or twelve years.

Among the various colleges of Sera, Gaden and Drepung, Gomang college is unique in studying the textbook literature composed by The Omniscient Jamyang Shedpa. For this reason the college has strong historical ties with monks from other countries such as Mongolia and Siberia who have chosen primarily to enter Gomang.

The environment for learning Tibetan language and studying philosophy at Gomang is ideal, with many highly qualified geshes who will give special attention to Western students. The cost of living is very low and the climate on the Deccan plateau at 500 m above sea level is pleasant all year round.

Australian monk Lobsang Tsultrim was previously a contact person for interested western students.

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