The Legacy behind Ralong Karma Rabtenling Monastery

Abstract

Ra- in simple term means a Goat, and long means upright. If one were to relate the definition in a lay mans vocabulary it would sound as if an upright goat; now we wonder how and why this name was given to a monastery or the place where it stands. Every place has its own history, and some may believe the tales which have been endorsed where as some prefer to brush aside the stories as mere hear say. I would like to research upon them and let my writings speak for it-self and it is up to the readers to believe or treat them as fables for a bed time story. Never the less if a name has been given we would like to know the meaning or the reason why was the name given. As such through my interaction and research I got to know the simple meaning of the place concerning Ralong which is situated in South District of a young state of Indian Union Sikkim, very close to a renowned tourist hotspot called Ravangla.

Sikkim as it is believed is a sacred place for the Buddhists of the Himalayan belt which caters to the Buddhists of certain sections which are mainly the Tibetans, the Drukpa’s of Bhutan, the Bhutias, and others from neighboring county of Nepal. Sikkim has its own importance apart from it being a tourist destination; it is also a religious place for the Buddhists. Every place and religious sights especially the older ones in my research has a beautiful narrative of its own. It has got to do a lot for the fact that Sikkim shares its border with Tibet (which China has claimed), Nepal, and India. A lot of tales of mysticism and magical instances has been narrated for a long time but not much importance has been given to them, on my part I would like to tell the tales and leave it up to the readers and researchers to follow on whether to believe or not to believe in the tales and stories that I am trying to bring forth through my writings.