Menri Monastery
Menri Monastery, meaning "medicine mountain," is a significant Bon monastery originally established in Tibet in 1405 by Nyammé Shérap Gyeltsen. It became the leading Bon monastery in the Tibetan cultural region and its abbot is considered the spiritual leader of Bon. Following its destruction, the monastery was refounded in India in 1967 and continues to preserve Bon traditions, including a geshe training program.
Key Facts
- ›Originally founded in 1405 by Nyammé Shérap Gyeltsen in Tsang, Tibet.
- ›The leading Bon monastery in the Tibetan cultural region, with its abbot as the spiritual leader of Bon.
- ›Practiced Yungdrung Bon and was known for its strict monastic rules.
- ›Had 250 branch monasteries across Tibet and other countries before 1959.
- ›Refounded in India in 1967 at Dolanji, Himachal Pradesh, by Lungtok Tenpai Nyima and Lopön Tenzin Namdak.
- ›Currently houses over two hundred monks and maintains a geshe training program.
Geshe Training Program, Four Colleges In Its Tibetan Incarnation
Menri
Nyammé ShéRap Gyeltsen, Lungtok Tenpai Nyima, LopöN Tenzin Namdak, Rinchen Gyeltsen, Sanggye Tendzin
- Establishment of the Monastery In 1405 in Tibet.
- Destruction of the Earlier YéRu Wensakha Monastery By Flood In 1386.
- Refounding of the Monastery In India In 1967.
About Menri Monastery
Menri Monastery, whose Tibetan name "sMan-ri" translates to "medicine mountain," is a preeminent monastery of the Bon tradition. Originally founded in Tibet, it has been re-established in India and continues to serve as a vital center for Bon religious and cultural life.
Historical Establishment in Tibet
The monastery was first established in 1405 by Nyammé Shérap Gyeltsen (1356–1416) on the slope of Mount Shari Phowa in Topgyel, Tsang, Tibet. This new foundation followed the Bru lineage of Bon and the Yéru Wensakha tradition. Nyammé Shérap Gyeltsen had previously been the eighteenth abbot of an older monastery, also named Menri, which was founded in 1072 as Yéru Wensakha Monastery. The original Yéru Wensakha Monastery was tragically destroyed by a flood in 1386, prompting the establishment of the new Menri Monastery.
The monastery quickly became a leading institution within the Bon tradition, distinguished by its strict adherence to monastic rules, which set a benchmark for other Bon monasteries. It was known for practicing Yungdrung Bon and carried out a full calendar of tantric rituals and practices. By 1959, Menri Monastery in Tibet housed between 400 and 500 monks and operated four colleges: Lingmey, Lingto, Lingkey, and Lingzur. Its influence extended widely, with 250 branch monasteries located across Tibet and in countries such as India, China, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, and Mongolia.
Refounding in India
In 1967, Menri Monastery was refounded at Dolanji in Himachal Pradesh, India. This significant relocation and re-establishment was spearheaded by Lungtok Tenpai Nyima and Lopön Tenzin Namdak. The new monastery has successfully recreated the geshe training program, a rigorous course of study in Bon philosophy and practice. Today, Menri Monastery in India, along with Triten Norbutse Monastery in Nepal, represents the sole institutions offering the geshe program within the Bon lineage, ensuring the continuity of this important tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Menri Monastery first founded?
Menri Monastery in Tibet was established in 1405 by Nyammé Shérap Gyeltsen. This was a refounding of an older monastery called Yéru Wensakha Monastery, which had been founded in 1072.
What is the significance of Menri Monastery?
Menri Monastery became the leading Bon monastery in the Tibetan cultural region, and its abbot is recognized as the spiritual leader of Bon. It was known for its strict monastic rules, setting a standard for other Bon monasteries.
Where is Menri Monastery located today?
After its historical establishment in Tibet, Menri Monastery was refounded in 1967 at Dolanji in Himachal Pradesh, India. It continues to operate from this location.
What kind of training is offered at Menri Monastery in India?
The refounded Menri Monastery in India has recreated the geshe training program. This program is a key element in preserving Bon traditions and is one of only two such programs in the Bon lineage.
How many monks were associated with Menri Monastery before 1959?
In 1959, Menri Monastery in Tibet had between 400 and 500 monks. It also had a vast network of 250 branch monasteries throughout Tibet and in several other countries.
Related Monasteries
Menri
Menri Monastery, established in 1405 by Nyammé Shérap Gyeltsen, became the leading Bon monastery in Tibet and its abbot served as the spiritual leader of Bon. The monastery was renowned for its strict adherence to monastic rules and housed four colleges with hundreds of monks before its refounding in India in 1967. The Indian branch continues the geshe training program and serves as a vital center for the Bon tradition.
Thikse Monastery
Thiksey Monastery, also known as Thiksey Gompa, is a prominent Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school, situated atop a hill in Ladakh, India. Renowned for its striking resemblance to the Potala Palace of Lhasa, it is the largest monastery in central Ladakh. The twelve-storey complex houses a significant collection of Buddhist art and is notable for its separate facilities for female renunciates, reflecting recent organizational and building efforts.
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