Would I like to become a Buddhist Monk?

The lama at the Phyang monastery in Ladakh who invited me to become a lama myself

On a visit to the Phyang Monastery near Leh, I got an unexpected offer: of becoming a Buddhist monk, or Lama.

I was sitting around with the lamas of the monastery watching them practice for their annual festival when I realized the senior lamas were not hiding behind some invisible walls, keeping all sense of humour and fun away from themselves. But I am sure if I had yes, they would have pursued the task of converting me very seriously.

It all started with my enquiring if they get children to become lamas, and if they are able to attract young people to take up this way of life. A senior lama – aged 71, but looking more in his late 50s – playing the cymbals as a part of the music for the practising lamas, said they have a problem convincing families to give up their infant sons to the life of being a lama. Changing lifestyles, alternate professions allowing greater comforts in life and smaller families were making it difficult to attract people to the fold. At one time, one son of every family was given to becoming a lama. No longer.

He added this is so despite the assurance of food, books, accommodation and other needs being taken care of for life. Of course, they are not allowed to marry.

Another lama at the Phyang monastery in Ladakh who invited me to become a lama myself

When I was invited to become a lama, I told them I was married (not that I would have yes if I was single). No problem he said; one can still convert. Another lankier lama - who was teaching the right steps to the dancing lamas – joked about me needing to take permission not from my parents but from the home department.  The last was a reference to my wife. The first lama suggested she too could become a nun. “My wife will say you should have come to Ladakh before marrying me to decide if you want to be a lama or not. Too late now she would say,” I said.

This conversation was reason enough for all the lamas sitting around to have a good laugh; I knew in the future I need not look at lamas as people who have shut themselves to the world.