offthemap's video: Monks and Monastaries of Bhutan

Bhutan is a country deeply rooted in culture and tradition. The central religion practiced is Buddhism, and numerous monasteries are scattered throughout the country. Buddhist monks follow a hierarchy. A leader heads the religion with five masters in charge of the subjects of religious tradition, liturgy, lexicography, logic and university. One of the five masters will act as a successor to the leader. Most monks are celibate keeping with the tradition, but in some sectors of Buddhism, monks are allowed to marry and raise families while passing on the tradition to their loved ones. Organizations of nuns throughout Bhutan are popular, keeping with the traditions monks pass on. Monks spend their days in the monasteries studying, meditating and following rituals. Religious rituals include monastic singing and chanting together in prayer. Monuments are built near monasteries to honour the dead heroes of Buddhism. Surrounding monasteries are prayer flags. Fabrics in colours of blue, white, red, green and yellow are strung up with prayers sewn onto them to ward off evil and demons, keeping the holy ground holy and blessing the surroundings. Each flag is representative of a different element, creating health and harmony through balancing them.