GUWAHATI: The Abbot of Tawang Monastery, Asia’s second-largest and oldest, has appealed to the government to ensure fundamental necessities, such as medical care and a reliable power supply, are made readily available to the monks residing within this centuries-old institution.
Stressing on the pressing need for improved facilities, Abbot Shedling Tulku Thupten Tendar Rinpoche, the head of the monastery, said that of all the issues plaguing the monastery, accessible medical care needs the immediate addressing.
“In case of any health-related emergency, our monks have to travel to Guwahati or Tezpur. If the government can ensure similar facilities here, it will be helpful,” he told a national news agency.
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Since Guwahati, approximately 430 km away, and Tezpur, nearly 330 km distant, pose logistical challenges for medical emergencies, Rinpoche has appealed to the government to establish healthcare facilities within the region.
Another critical concern raised by the Rinpoche is the erratic power supply. He also urged the government to ensure uninterrupted power, not only for the monks but also for the increasing number of tourists and VIPs visiting the monastery.
With the growing popularity of the monastery, the Abbot cautioned against the environmental impact of increased visitors, urging responsible tourism. He expressed distress over the litter left behind by visitors, stating, “It makes the place dirty and is bad for the environment too. I request them to take care of this aspect.”
The head of the Monastery also advocated for blending religious teachings with a scientific temperament. “We cannot make the youth believe in a religion by prayers or parikrama. We have to make them study the religious teachings (scriptures) in comparison with a scientific outlook,” he said.
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Highlighting Buddhism as a journey of mind, consciousness, and attainment of enlightenment, Rinpoche stressed on the importance of removing negative thoughts. He urged the youth to recognise the broader perspective of enlightenment beyond meditation.
Rinpoche concluded by saying that irrespective of the religion one follows, the core motto behind each one of them is unity among the people. He appealed to followers of all faiths to come together and help each other, stressing that’s what all the religions in the world teach.
