Sikkim Buddhist Monasteries
Written November 12. 2007 in
UncategorizedThe monasteries of Sikkim are places of religious discourses, worship and meditation and are the store-house of many hand written religious books and manuscripts preaching morals. Monasteries constitute the part and parcel of Sikkimese cultural heritage. In general, the monasteries are called Gompa, which means a solitary place. Isolation was seen as an aide to meditation, so monasteries were built at remote locations.Sikkim's near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals in practice. Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels.
