Introduction
Lhakhangs
Sikkim monasteries are normally called- “Gonpa, Manilhakhang, lhakhang, Tshamkhang and Dubkhangs”. “Gonpa” or properly ‘dGon-pa’, means a solitary place or wilderness. Some earlier writers had written as ‘Gompa’ or sometimes ‘Gumpa’, which are mispronounced and creating difficulty in tracing out its literal meaning. In earlier times, Buddhist monks confined themselves in such a quiet place, mostly in a mountain cave or in a hut amidst thick forest in order to practice the teachings of Lord Buddha and this may be the reason calling the place as “Gonpa or Solitary Place” It signifies that the monk practicing Buddha’s teaching should keep himself away from mundane temptation. It is also said that a Gonpa should be situated at least a thousand yards distant from a village or town. We can see today the most of the old monasteries built up on the hilltops or on the place extremely isolated from the village or town, is, of course, a living evidence of the above stated facts. Earlier, the monasteries were started building with one or two storied single mansion the monks dwelling houses called- ‘Drashak’ in its premises. However, in the passage of time, the pattern of monastic way of life gradually changed with the advancement of modern infrastructure. The major monasteries in later times assumed the size of large three storied Mansion with long dwelling houses surrounding the courtyard. Some of the famous Gonpas or monasteries of Sikkim were upgraded from an old Hermit’s hut, such as present Enchey Monastery, which was a Hermitage of Saint Drubthob Karpo and presently assumed the size of large Mansion with monk’s quarter around the main structure.
Gonpa
A Gonpa is full fledged Monastery which fulfills the following requirements:
1. It should be three storied single mansion built in a traditional architecture with a minimum size measuring 30’X40’ fts and 50 to 60 fts at the maximum.
2. It should have a strength of monks not less than 25 and should have a capability to function all the major Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year.
3. All the religious ceremonies and secular business are to be functioned under the supervision of ‘DUCHI’ consisting the following: Dorje Lobpon (Vajra Master), Udze or Omdze (Chief Celebrant), Chhothimpa (Lama Prefect), Chi-khyap or Chief Caretaker, Drung-yik the Secretary.
In the medium Gonpas Chi-Nyer or General Caretaker shall replace the Chi-Khyap.
4. In major Gonpas, number of monks should not be less than 40 and should be capable of performing annual mask dances.
Manilhakhangs
Manilhakhangs are sub monasteries of a main Gonpa built for nuns or lady devotees to offer prayers. They are often built nearby the main Gonpa or in a nearby village. Now a days, Manilhakhang can be built in any village where there is no monastery. However, to get a name of Manilhakhang, the following requirements have to be fulfilled:
1. A Manilhakhang should have a one storey single mansion built in a traditional architecture measuring 20’X30’ at its minimum to 20x40 with an installation of prayer wheels around the structure or one or two Prayer cylinders installed inside the shrine hall.
2. A Manilhakhang must have a huge idol of Lord Avalokiteshvara (in the form of Chukchi Shay) for the devotees to visualize and practice.
3. A Manilhakhang should be functioned under one Ponlob Lama (Tutor) having a number of nuns or Nyamos not less than 08 (eight).
4. A Manilhakhang should function during all monthly periodical ceremonies* and other important holy events of Lord Buddha.
Gonpa
A Gonpa is full fledged Monastery which fulfills the following requirements:
1. It should be three storied single mansion built in a traditional architecture with a minimum size measuring 30’X40’ fts and 50 to 60 fts at the maximum.
2. It should have a strength of monks not less than 25 and should have a capability to function all the major Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year.
3. All the religious ceremonies and secular business are to be functioned under the supervision of ‘DUCHI’ consisting the following: Dorje Lobpon (Vajra Master), Udze or Omdze (Chief Celebrant), Chhothimpa (Lama Prefect), Chi-khyap or Chief Caretaker, Drung-yik the Secretary.
In the medium Gonpas Chi-Nyer or General Caretaker shall replace the Chi-Khyap.
4. In major Gonpas, number of monks should not be less than 40 and should be capable of performing annual mask dances.
Manilhakhangs
Manilhakhangs are sub monasteries of a main Gonpa built for nuns or lady devotees to offer prayers. They are often built nearby the main Gonpa or in a nearby village. Now a days, Manilhakhang can be built in any village where there is no monastery. However, to get a name of Manilhakhang, the following requirements have to be fulfilled:
1. A Manilhakhang should have a one storey single mansion built in a traditional architecture measuring 20’X30’ at its minimum to 20x40 with an installation of prayer wheels around the structure or one or two Prayer cylinders installed inside the shrine hall.
2. A Manilhakhang must have a huge idol of Lord Avalokiteshvara (in the form of Chukchi Shay) for the devotees to visualize and practice.
3. A Manilhakhang should be functioned under one Ponlob Lama (Tutor) having a number of nuns or Nyamos not less than 08 (eight).
4. A Manilhakhang should function during all monthly periodical ceremonies* and other important holy events of Lord Buddha.
Lhakhangs
Lhakhang means God’s House, which is a single storey structure smaller than a Manilhakhang with a huge statue of Guru Rinpoche or of Lord Buddha in its altar. For a Lhakhang, One or two monks can preside over its functions, to cater to the religious needs of a village or town. Guru Tsechu or Buddha Purnima is an unavoidable ceremony for Lhakhangs throughout the year.
Tsamkhangs/Dubkhangs
Tshamkhang means the Retreat Hut where a single monk goes for retreat for a minimum period of three months upto maximum of six months specially during the summer to avoid trampling insects under his feet during the rainy season. This practice is done to lessen the sin as well as to atone for the past sins by chanting the mantras while in retreat. When the Retreat Hut is upgraded it is called ‘Dubkhang’ and the monks go for meditational course by forming a batch for a period of three years three months which is called ‘LosumDasum’ under the spritual guidance of an accomplished Master.
Tsamkhangs/Dubkhangs
Tshamkhang means the Retreat Hut where a single monk goes for retreat for a minimum period of three months upto maximum of six months specially during the summer to avoid trampling insects under his feet during the rainy season. This practice is done to lessen the sin as well as to atone for the past sins by chanting the mantras while in retreat. When the Retreat Hut is upgraded it is called ‘Dubkhang’ and the monks go for meditational course by forming a batch for a period of three years three months which is called ‘LosumDasum’ under the spritual guidance of an accomplished Master.