In the ancient Indian context, a vihāra was originally a place where the wandering vihārin monks would stay during the monsoon only; these later developed into permanent domiciles for monks. The Tibetan term gtsug lag khang refers to the house or temple where the sacred texts are kept and studied.

This may refer to (1) the whole monastic residence, i.e. “monastery,” with one or more “meditation huts” (Tib. spong khang; Skt. prahāṇaśālā) or (2) the main hall or temple, (e.g. Tib. khyams; Skt. prāsāda), As an example of the first, Kalyāṇamitra explains that Senikā Cave is the name of a monastery, named after its founder (Kalyāṇamitra, F.313.a): sde can ma’i bug ces bya ba ni gtsug lag gi ming ste/ sde can mas byed du bcug pa’i phyir ro. As for the second, in The Chapter on the Restoration Rite, the Buddha explains that a solitary monk should sweep and repair the temple floor on the upavasatha (The Chapter on the Restoration Rite, UT22084-001-002-629).

This may refer to (1) the whole monastic residence, i.e. “monastery,” with one or more “meditation residences” (Tib. spong khang; Skt. prahāṇaśālā) or (2) the main hall or temple, (e.g. Tib. khyams; Skt. prāsāda), As an example of the first, Kalyāṇamitra explains that Senikā Cave is the name of a monastery, named after its founder (Kalyāṇamitra, F.313.a): sde can ma’i bug ces bya ba ni gtsug lag gi ming ste/ sde can mas byed du bcug pa’i phyir ro. As for the second, in The Chapter on the Restoration Rite, the Buddha explains that a solitary monk should sweep and repair the temple floor on the upavasatha (The Chapter on the Restoration Rite, UT22084-001-002-630).

Originally a place where the wandering “viharin” monks would stay during the monsoon only, they later developed into permanent domiciles for monks.

A dwelling place of Buddhist monks. Originally a place where wandering monks would stay only during the monsoon, it later developed into a permanent domicile.

A dwelling place of monks.

In the ancient Indian context, a vihāra was originally a place where the wandering vihārin monks would stay during the monsoon only; these later developed into permanent domiciles for monks. The Tibetan term gtsug lag khang refers to the house or temple where the sacred texts are kept and studied (see “treatise”).

A term denoting a permanent structure built to house members of the monastic saṅgha

An acceptable form of shelter for a monk, as identified in the Four Supports section of the ordination ritual.

Either a temple or monastery. In Buddhism it was originally a residence used during the monsoon for the otherwise wandering bhikṣus.