The scenic view to behold not too far from Thimphu is the picturesque hill station and the highly famous Cheri Monastery of Bhutan. Taking the north direction from Thimphu and crossing the lush alpine slopes, you will arrive at Cheri Monastery at an elevation of almost 2800 meters. With the exquisite 45-minute trek toward the Monastery, the stroll will be melancholy.
Conversely, if you take the trial from Tango Monastery, you will be meeting Cheri Monastery. It lies next to the serene Buddhist Hamlet at Dodeyna on a hillside above the trail’s endpoint. Once you arrive, take in the dazzling grandeur of this beautiful Monastery and the mesmerizing backdrop of vibrant hillsides.
Historical information about the Sacred Cheri Monastery
The visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, who strolled around this splendid Monastery, was a defining moment. Another legend, Phajo Drugjom Zimpo, is also said to have pondered on the slopes around this Monastery around the 13th century. Likewise, in 1619, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this Monastery.
Zhabdrung chose to establish this Monastery when he was a young man. After spending a few years in strict isolation, he periodically remained there for the remainder of his life. This fantastic Cheri Monastery was also the origin of the Drukpa Monastic influence. The same Monastery is where Druk Desai and Umazey Penjori breathe their farewell.
Similarly, at Cheri, Zhabdrung was contemplating when he had a premonition of his forthcoming subjugation of Bhutan. In a similar vein, he created dance as a way to convey his pleasure. The “Guitar Cham” is another name for the dance, which has grown in popularity among the Bhutanese community.
As a result, this Monastery continues to practice these kinds of dances and traditional activities. Numerous artisans from Nepal work under the leadership of the famous Zhabdrung to help him execute his architectural concept. Nowadays, The Cheri Monastery serves as an important center for conferences and teachings.
Sites to explore around the vicinity of Cheri Monastery
Trekking through rhododendrons and oak trees on the rising toward Cheri Monastery is exhilarating. The marvelous Cheri Monastery is flanked by colorful devotion banners swinging in the air, a tranquil prayer chapel, and a shrine with Buddhist artwork. In a similar vein, the trial will progressively advance in elevation as it approaches above 2500m.
If the weather is clear, you may observe the spectacular Himalayan geography to the north. More than that, you may appreciate the panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley from north to south once you are there.
Furthermore, after you enter the Monastery, you will see the gorgeous silver Chorten holding Tempo Nima’s relics. Another vital activity when visiting the Cheri Monastery is meditation practice while reclining next to the monks. Another activity at this Monastery is learning the Drukpa Kagyu Lineage from the local monks while participating in the serene environment.
In the same way, you may observe the Buddhist communities in the region and appreciate the goats and several lovely bird species. Another great activity in this area is understanding more about the inhabitants’ culture and traditions.
Monastic Life at Cheri Monastery
Life Inside the Monastery: Cheri Monastery is not just a religious site but a living institution where monastic life thrives. Daily life in the monastery revolves around a profoundly spiritual routine, primarily focused on meditation retreats, prayer rituals, and Buddhist teachings. The serene atmosphere, surrounded by dense forests and the peaceful flow of the Thimphu River, makes it an ideal place for spiritual reflection and inner development.
Monks at Cheri Monastery engage in several religious practices, including chanting prayers, performing rituals, studying Buddhist scriptures, and engaging in solitary meditation. Many monks undergo intense meditation retreats, some lasting weeks or even months, where they disconnect from the outside world to focus solely on spiritual growth and enlightenment. The monastery hosts significant religious festivals and ceremonies integral to Bhutanese culture and Buddhism.
A Spiritual Path for Novice Monks: Cheri Monastery plays a crucial role in young monks’ spiritual education and training. As one of the primary centers for monastic education in Bhutan, it serves as a training ground for novice monks to begin their religious journey. The monastery offers a structured environment where novices are introduced to the foundational principles of Buddhist philosophy, meditation techniques, and the discipline of monastic life.
The young monks are taught the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and humility, and they participate in various rituals, including reciting mantras, learning meditation techniques, and practicing traditional Buddhist art forms like thangka painting or mandala creation. Over time, they progress from novices to fully ordained monks, carrying the responsibility of upholding Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The monastery, therefore, acts as both a spiritual retreat and an educational institution, shaping the next generation of spiritual leaders in Bhutan.
This monastic way of life is deeply rooted in Bhutan’s religious and cultural fabric, making Cheri Monastery a vital institution for preserving and continuing Bhutanese Buddhism.