‘Concern is why Tibetans cannot come’: Declining arrivals reshape exile monasteries

Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, the Kalon (Minister) of Religion and Culture of the CTA, highlighted a startling contrast between the past and present. He recalled a time when thousands of Tibetans would arrive annually to join these institutions. Today, that number has plummeted to a mere five or six people per year, most of whom are not children or young adults.

Historically, parents within Tibet would send their children to India to receive essential religious and educational training. This tradition has been severely disrupted, leading to a crisis in admissions for these spiritual centers.

The Drivers of Demographic Change

Minister Dranyi pointed to a combination of social and political factors contributing to this decline:

• Falling Birth Rates: Whereas Tibetan families previously had six or seven children, modern families typically have only one to three.
• Changing Social Norms: Young Tibetans are delaying marriage to prioritize their professional careers.
• Western Migration: A significant number of young Tibetans are choosing to migrate from India to Western countries.
• Political Restrictions: Youdon Aukatsang, Director of the Buddhist Women’s Educational Society, noted that since 2008, restrictions imposed by China have drastically limited the ability of Tibetans to leave Tibet and join exile monasteries.

Himalayan Communities Step In

While the number of Tibetans is dwindling, the monasteries have not become empty. Instead, they are being filled by people from the Indian Himalayan regions and neighboring countries who share similar cultural and religious affinities.

Individuals from Ladakh, Spiti, Lahaul, Kinnaur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, as well as people from Bhutan, are increasingly enrolling to learn Tibetan Buddhist teachings. This shift is reflected in the current population statistics:

• Himalayan Region Residents: 68 per cent
• Tibetans: 28 per cent
• Foreigners: 4 per cent

Impact on Tibetan Identity and Struggle

The shift in demographics is more than just a statistical change; it is viewed as a threat to the preservation of Tibetan national identity. Youdon Aukatsang emphasized that religion, culture, and language are inextricably linked.

“One of the main strengths of Tibetan identity is our culture and religion. With the decline in the Tibetan population, I think it does impact our freedom struggle because our main identity is also our culture and religion. Tibetan language is very much connected to our Buddhist culture and tradition,” Aukatsang stated.

She further alleged that the travel restrictions imposed on Tibetans are actively hindering the continuity of their national identity within the exile community.

Institutional Governance

Regarding the management of these institutions, Minister Dranyi clarified that monasteries and nunneries operate independently under the leadership of their respective gurus, khenpos, and lamas. The CTA department provides guidance but does not manage admissions or provide direct financial assistance. Unlike formal schools, these monasteries generally do not have fixed admission caps and accommodate students based on their available capacity.

Despite the concerns over the declining Tibetan percentage, Aukatsang acknowledged that the participation of Buddhist communities from Nepal, Bhutan, and various Indian states has been vital in sustaining a vibrant and active monastic environment.