The annual summer retreat (yarney) of dratshangs and shedras across the country ended yesterday with a scenery walk.  Monks of Lhodrak Kharchu monastery in Bumthang (in picture) completed the 45-day retreat on September 6. 

The monastic retreat, practiced especially in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist traditions, dates back to the time of Lord Buddha who instructed monks and nuns to remain in residence at one place during monsoon to prevent stepping on and killing insects.