The Prayer Monks

The Prayer Monks
The prayer monks are comprised of students who have passed through the school, new arrivals from Tibet, and Lamas who have passed through the three-year retreat. They are responsible for the daily, monthly and annual prayers in the temple, as well as any special prayers that have been requested. In their prayer-free time they learn the ritual life of the monk through practical experience, including playing instruments,making torma offerings, lama dancing, special chanting, hand gestures and memorising prayers. Their day begins at 5:30am, and continues until their final studies are over at 8:30pm. They have one day off a week, (usually Thursday but it depends on the lunar calendar and the prayers that have been requested). When a monk is adept at these studies, they may choose to enter the shedra, (monastic collage), or the three-year retreat.