His Holiness the Je Khenpo administered Gelong vows to more than 700 monks at the Tashichhodzong. The 18-day ordination concluded on Thursday. The vows are administered to guide and train the monks in the behaviour of a bodhisattva.
Dorji Tshering (22) from Punakha is among the monks who were fully ordained recently. He became a monk when he was eight years of age. He completed the basic monastic education. And he will soon join the Lekshed Jungney Buddhist College in Punakha. With a shaved head, he was ordained, yesterday. In Buddhism, it is an indication that he is giving up his ordinary life and is committing to live outside of social conventions.
He is now pledging to practice Buddhism with morality as the basis and to develop inspiration and energy to stop non-virtuous habits.
“After receiving the vows, I will pledge to refrain from indulging in worldly pleasures. I am looking forward to engaging in works that will accumulate merits. I have waited long to receive the vows. I am very happy to be able to receive it today,” he said.
Tshewang Penjore is another recipient. The 50-year-old believes the vows are necessary for anyone joining the monkhood to develop the habits of bodhicitta.
“It is important for the monks who are the custodians of the Dharma to receive the vow. It is like a tool for the monks practising Buddhism,” said Tshewang Penjore, the principal of Euta Goenpa in Paro.
The monks are administered the four root vows of avoiding killing, stealing, sexual misconduct and telling lies. And the fifth vow is avoiding alcohol which protects the other vows from being broken.
“Nyenzoi Domba includes 250 deeds that should be avoided. They are killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, and telling lies. If anyone indulges in any of these four deeds, it is as good as not receiving the vows at all,” said Tsugla Lopen Khenpo Karma Rangdrol, from the Central Monastic Body.
The Tsugla Lopen also said it is important for the monks to have the determination to practice the vows correctly and to learn at least the essence of the vows. And this very act shows devotion to the Buddhist faith.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
