Monasteries in Ladakh fall short of novices: Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche

Supreme Head Lama of Drikung Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche raised the concern of monasteries in Ladakh falling short of fresh novices on the occasion of his gracing on-going Tara ceremony at Chokhang Vihara in Leh.

Taking example of his monastery at Phyang Skyabgon Rinpoche said,"From last year the number of newly recruited novices was much less this year." He also spoke about the novices being brought in from out side Ladakh in some cases.

Addressing a large gathering of devotees Skyabgon Rinpoche opined that population control could be an issue for some other parts, but not for Ladakh. Hence, birth control measures should not be adopted here.

Later he gave initiation and empowerment on Tara ceremony before leaving for Phyang Gonpa where he had to preside over the commencement of annual Dumchot ritual. Other important Lamas present on the occasion were Togden Ripoche, Choegon Rinpoche among many other tulkus and monks from Drigung sect on the occasion.