Which Buddha Statues Can You See in Well-Known Tibetan Monasteries

When you first step inside the grand halls of Tibet's famous monasteries like the Potala Palace or Jokhang Temple, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the magnificent Buddha statues, each with its own unique identity, story, and spiritual significance. Let's take a journey through some of the most iconic monasteries and discover the must-see Buddha statues that lie within.

Jokhang Temple: The 12-Year-Old Shakyamuni Buddha

The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is home to Tibet's most revered statue: the 12-Year-Old Shakyamuni Buddha. Standing about 1.5 meters tall, it sits on a glistening gold throne, draped in rich silk scarves and adorned with tiny jewels that catch the light from butter lamps. Its face is calm, with gentle eyes that seem to look right at you. Almost every visitor circles this statue slowly—some whispering prayers, others just pausing to absorb its peace. It's a "life-sized replica" of the Buddha when he was 12 years old, believed by Tibetans to be like having the Buddha himself present. Its history is equally remarkable: it traveled from India to China during the Tang Dynasty, then was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng over 1,300 years ago. Today, it's still the reason why so many pilgrims walk thousands of miles to Jokhang Temple.

Potala Palace: The Giant Maitreya Buddha

No trip to the Potala Palace is complete without seeing its star attraction: the Maitreya Buddha  in the Red Palace's Qamba Buddha Hall. This statue is massive—about 26 meters tall (that's like an 8-story building!). You'll have to crane your neck to see its top, and you will find the thousands of turquoise, coral, and agate jewels inlaid into its golden surface. Cast from red copper and covered in thick gold leaf, it glows warmly in the soft temple light.

In Tibetan Buddhism, Maitreya is the "Buddha of the Future," who will one day come to earth to teach and help people. Building this statue was no small feat: it is said to take hundreds of craftsmen years to finish in the 17th century, using over more than 4 tons of gold.

Tashilhunpo Monastery: The World's Largest Copper Buddha

In Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery is home to the world's biggest copper Buddha statue—another Maitreya Buddha, 26 meters tall. Stand next to its hand, and you'll realize its hand is even bigger than an average person; even the lines on its fingers are carved with tiny, precise details. This statue is Tashilhunpo's pride, and for good reason: the monastery is the home of the Panchen Lamas, who Tibetans believe are reincarnations of Maitreya.

This link makes the statue extra special. When you look at it, you're not just seeing a work of art—you're seeing a connection between the Panchen Lamas, the Buddha of the Future, and the faith of Tibetan people. It's a quiet reminder of why Tashilhunpo has been a spiritual center for centuries.

Drepung Monastery: The "Spiritually Alive" Maitreya Buddha

Lhasa's Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, has its own beloved Maitreya Buddha. This one is smaller—about 6 meters tall—cast from bronze, with a soft smile. Moreover, it was consecrated by Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetans say this statue is "the most connected to the divine" of all Maitreya figures in Tibet. Even though it's not as big as the others, its warmth and history draw visitors in. Many stop to look at its gentle expression, thinking about the wisdom it's said to hold.

Conclusion

Even if you've scrolled through dozens of photos of these Buddha statues online, nothing prepares you for the awe that hits when you stand in front of them in person. That's the magic moment: when you lock eyes with the statue, their eyes pull you into something bigger: a holy, otherworldly realm that feels both distant and deeply touching.