Nalanda Buddhist Institute-Bhutan

Nalanda Buddhist Institute is a small Drukpa Kagyu monastic school (100 students) in Punakha district, Bhutan. All monks in Bhutan receive a small stipend from the government, but the school is not state funded. Principal Sonam Tshewang is responsible for all resource mobilisation associated with running the school. On completion of their studies the monks go onto further monastic studies at higher learning institutions. The students often, but not always, come from rural backgrounds and the choice of becoming a monk is framed by economic hardships at home. At this early stage in their education, they have no ability to earn a living through praying for others (holding puja) and the school is responsible for provision of all their needs-food, healthcare, accomodation, clothing and education.