9. Sept 2014

ARCHITECTURE
S
election of a proper piece of land,
be it its shape, location or the
energy it gives, is one of the primary
requirements of Vastu for building any
sort of structure. There must be a reason
for most of the important historical
temples are found located either at the
top of hills or on the rivers. Naturally
river banks are supposed to be full of
energy the hill tops cleaner and farther
from maddening crowds. For peace
loving Buddhist practitioner, perhaps
it is a smart choice to consecrate
monasteries on the hill tops. Kopan
Monastery, founded in 1970 by Lama
Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa
Rinpoche, is an example of such a smart
choice. Situated at the top of pristine
hill of Kapan, the monastery offers such
an ambience that you can take as a
moment to know yourself and the outer
world at the same time.
Buddhist Monasteries, be in any form or
design, are said to be established since
the time of Buddha. Though very simple
and minimalist in the initial phases, the
monasteries have been evolved into
very grand and sophisticated structures.
There are a number of Bahas and
Bahis (Newar Buddhist Monasteries) in
Kathmandu Valley consecrated during
the time span between 12th and 17th
century. They have adapted traditional
Newar architectures. In course of
time, newly established monasteries
especially Tibetan monasteries have
adapted modern trends and designs to
go well with spiritual functionality and
modern aesthetics.
Kopan Monastery is one of a number of
Tibetan monasteries around Kathmandu
valley. A residence for almost 800
monks and nuns from many parts of
Tibet, Nepal and India, the monastery
is also a centre of Buddhist Studies and
retreat. Within its premises of more than
50 acre land, it comprises monasteries,
a school, a Tantric College, hospital,
library, canteen etc. It also comprises
magnificently carved stupas and also
some sheds for rescued animals like
goats and cows. The nunnery of Kopan
SEPTEMBER 2014 / 25