In Nepal most of the monasteries are of the Himalayan vajrayana
(lama) Buddhist lineage, we also have Theravada and typical vajrayana sects. The
Himalayan vajrayana Buddhist monk and nuns are fully involved in social work. Since
the early 1990s most of them became involved with projects to help the poor of
this country. One of the main ways that monasteries benefit this country is by
helping provide a better way of life for many that they would not have otherwise.
This is a benefit for these individuals, their families and for the whole
country.
Our country has large monastic populations and most of the
monks and nuns are of Himalayan origin. They come from remote areas of Nepal,
which shares a border with Tibet.
These regions have had very little access to quality
education, health care or nutrition. Most of them have no schools at all. This is
due to the negligence of the government. The monasteries have been instrumental
in giving those people a chance for a better life.
The monasteries have taken in many thousands of young people
from these remote regions and Kathmandu itself. It is quite common for the
parents of the monastic's to give one or more of their children to the
monasteries for a religious education. It is probably fair to say that these
children have a better life in the monasteries and that it benefits them their
whole life to be educated and receive health care and have better nutrition. Even
if they do not remain as a monk or nun their whole life they will have
benefited greatly from the monastery discipline and having religious base.
This in itself is the best example of social welfare, as Buddhist
monasteries are not only contributing to the well being of Nepali people, their
daily prayers contribute to the welfare of everyone in the world.
Many monasteries these days give their monastics a secular education
in addition to their religious education. Many are following in the Nepal department
of education curriculum even up to the school graduation certificate. They are
learning computer skill, English language etc.
Mostly coming from very deprived villages, all the benefits
these young people receive in monastery life seem to produce a very well
rounded and useful person. If a monk or nun leaves their monastery, they are in
good position to help their families and communities by teaching school or
working in the now established medical clinics. Having an education enables
them as well to get better jobs to provide for their families or teach more
skillful ways to develop their village such as better method of agriculture.
