The millennial generation of monks in Mongolia is the first generation to come of age since democracy came to the country in 1990. Before, under communist leadership, Mongolia lost thousands of monks to bloody purges.
Source: Reuters
Religious centers like the Amarbayasgalant Monastery are shells of what they once were. Before the purges, 800 monks resided at the monastery. Just 40 live there today.
Source: Reuters
Located in the seemingly endless grasslands of northern Mongolia, the monastery is struggling to attract and retain students.
Source: Reuters
29-year-old Lobsang Tayang is four years into his studies, but has already been tasked with teaching two younger students — a role that generally requires two decades of experience.
Source: Reuters
"I felt like I hadn't gained enough knowledge yet," Tayang told Reuters. "I was thinking, 'Is it right for others to call me teacher when I myself am still learning?'"
Source: Reuters
Tayang wakes up his students at 7 a.m. every day to test their memory of their scriptures, a task that takes the entire morning to complete.
Source: Reuters
In the afternoon, students learn secular topics like math or literature, but there are hardly enough teachers to go around.
Source: Reuters
"Nowadays it's very rare to find monks who can remain faithful to their vows," Lobsang Tayang told Reuters.
Source: Reuters
The leaders of the monastery hope their students can overcome these modern challenges.
Source: Reuters
