Aani Schooling: Synergyging Nunnery with Modern Education System of Nepal

Abstract

Religious beliefs and practice of it is a way of life for majority of the world population. Each religion has its own unique characters and features. The followers try to remain close to the principles and dogma by obtaining educational opportunities. Buddhism has its wide horizon to educate the followers. It is traditional; however, the religious leaders have realized and understood the present needs and interest of the people. As there is growing influence of modernity and modern education, the existing monastic education system has tried to incorporate modern education by offering the monastic people in or out of their religious premises. In this context, I have tried to study the synergy of modern education to the Aanis (Buddhist nuns). The objectives of this research were: i) to study Aanis’ education system; and ii) to explore the reason behind the attraction of Aanis to modern education. Here, modern education refers to the school/formal education where the students study national and international language (English), science, and computer and so on.

I used qualitative research methods to carry on the process of this research. For the data generation, I consulted an Aani with both traditional and modern education. Nine other Aanis were interviewed and observed. Case stories were used as data source. People related to the Aanis and other concerned people were met and interviewed or consulted for the information and data generation.

Since the monastic education offers educational and residential facilities to the disciples many children and young people from remote northern Himalayas of Nepal prefer to grasp this precious chances. Such people are the source of this study. In some places they are introduced as the Buddhists of Tibetan origin and in some places they are introduced as the Buddhists of Himalayan and hill regions/ area. The Buddhist children of developed areas are also keen to join the monastic life for religious education and practice expecting salvation. Contrary to it, the opportunity of modern education and colourful surroundings made them think in a different way, which sometimes leads to give up monastic life. Such attitude is common to the people with school education.

From the implication point of views it is obvious to include traits of Buddhist education for the peace. On the other hands, incorporation of modern education in the traditional Buddhist education will be useful for the Aanis to deal in the present modern world.