For monks, learning a new language is becoming more than just an academic exercise. It is opening a door to Buddhist literature, communication with people around the world and opportunities to share Bhutan’s Buddhist teachings beyond the country. To meet this growing need, the Central Monastic Body has established the Monastic Institute for Language Studies in Wangdue Phodrang, offering monks a dedicated space to develop their language communication skills.
For 37-year-old Dendup Dorji, returning to the classroom means starting a new chapter.
After serving as the Principal of Talo Sangngag Chholing Shedra in Punakha for three years, he resigned from the post and joined the first batch of students at the Monastic Institute for Language Studies.
He says he wanted to learn languages because he believes better communication skills will help him contribute to the monastic body in new ways. Today, Dendup is learning both English and Chinese language.
“I resigned as the Principal of Talo Shedra and joined the institute as a student because I believe the institute can help us contribute to His Majesty’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and support the vision of the Zhung Dratshang. I hope that, through learning languages, I can become a bridge between Bhutan and the rest of the world,” said Dendup Dorji, a student at the Monastic Institute for Language Studies.
Dendup is one of the seven students in the institute’s first batch.
The two-year programme brings together monks from different monastic backgrounds, including two with teaching experience.
They were selected through an interview process, with English and Chinese forming the main focus of their studies.
“Here we have a great opportunity to learn English, an international language, as well as Chinese. Through these two languages, we can become a bridge between the ancient traditional teachings and the modern world,” said Sherub Namgyal, Student, Monastic Institute for Language Studies.
The students are being taught by an American educator with several years of teaching experience who has also lived and worked in Bhutan.
“I feel incredibly impressed with the progress they have made. And not only their ability to speak, but their ability to speak with wisdom they have gained based on the foundation of monastic studies. What we have learned before relates closely to the language we learned. A new language is the bridge to communicate our experience with other people,” said Sean Weatherall, Director of Studies, Monastic Institute for Language Studies.
The Monastic Institute for Language Studies was formally inaugurated on Wednesday in Gase Tshogom Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang.
The institute is the first dedicated language-learning programme within the monastic body, aimed at strengthening monks’ skills in languages, communication, interpretation and translation.
“In particular, we aim to fulfil the spiritual vision of His Majesty the Dharma King for the GMC. Because we are now going to have many Dharma centres over there. And I am confidently and strongly looking forward to providing the multi-language skills to the younger generations,” said Kuenley Tenzin, President, Monastic Institute for Language Studies, Wangdue Phodrang.
For the community, the importance of the programme goes beyond language itself.
“If we are to promote our traditional religion, it cannot be done only by the people from outside. It is important for those who follow and practice our traditional religion to know other languages. With the establishment of the institute, I see a great opportunity to flourish and promote Buddhism with the world in the future,” said Chhador, Gase Tshogom Gup, Wangdue Phodrang.
The institute plans to increase the number of students and expand its language programmes, depending on available resources and funding
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
