Dalai Lama Inaugurates Grand Buddhist Learning Centre at Karsha Monastery in Zanskar, Echoing Nalanda’s Legacy.
Zanskar (Ladakh):
In a significant step towards reviving the ancient tradition of Buddhist education in the Himalayas, a grand new Buddhist learning centre has been established in the Karsha Monastery complex in Zanskar, Ladakh. Modeled on the lines of the historic Nalanda University, the newly constructed Karsha Photang building, developed at a cost of Rs. 30 crore, was formally inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on July 25.
Currently on a visit to Leh, the Dalai Lama made a special journey to Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar, where he blessed the new facility and delivered spiritual sermons to thousands of devotees gathered from across the region. Hundreds of Buddhist followers also travelled from Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi-Killar in Himachal Pradesh to witness this historic event.
Former MLA and BJP leader Ravi Thakur, who was present at the inauguration, expressed pride in being part of this spiritual milestone. He informed that nearly 700 monks are currently receiving Buddhist education at Karsha Monastery, with about 100 residing permanently at the monastery. The rest are pursuing their studies at other prominent monastic institutions across India such as Sera Monastery, Tashi Lhunpo, Loseling, Goman, Sarche, Zangche, Othang, and Chukhla Khang.
Ravi Thakur emphasized that with the inauguration of the Photang building, the monastery’s capacity to accommodate and educate monks will significantly increase. The facility will focus on prayers for world peace, deep scriptural study, and traditional Buddhist rituals.
He also highlighted the infrastructural developments under the Modi government, stating that the Shinkula Pass road connecting Zanskar to Lahaul has been completed, and work is underway on the Shinkula Tunnel, which will allow year-round connectivity to this remote region. “These developments will not only bolster religious tourism but will also drive the socio-economic growth of the region,” he said.
With a population of just about 2,500 people, Karsha village is home to nearly 1,000 Buddhist monks, making it one of the most vibrant centers of Tibetan Buddhist learning in India. The inauguration of the Karsha Photang is seen as a major leap forward in establishing Zanskar as a global hub for Buddhist studies, reminiscent of the scholarly legacy of ancient Nalanda.
