
Tibetan Monasteries: Contact with Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet
Some people say that if you don't visit a monastery in Tibet, how can you be considered to have been to Tibet? Imagine standing in front of an ancient monastery in Tibet. You can’t help stopping for a time, and enjoy the wonder of the magnificent and tall building, which is adorned with colorful antique ornaments. Since Tibetan monasteries are mostly located in mountainous or highland areas, a gust of wind blows across your face and you can hear the sound of prayer flags fluttering now and then. In one of the least densely populated places in the world, the monastery is a place so completely removed from the stir of society and therefore you might let go of troubles. When you walk into the monastery, you will see monks in red robes sitting around and whispering. You soak yourself in the religious atmosphere of the monastery and your heart gradually calms down. Next, I will take you to visit some of the most representative monasteries in Tibet and feel the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhism.
What are the Main Monasteries in Tibet?
The Drepung Monastery
It is not only the largest monastery in the world, but also the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug school. Every year during the Shetton Festival (usually in August of the Gregorian calendar), Drepung Monastery will hold a ceremony of showing the Buddha, displaying a giant Buddha statue Thangka on the hillside, attracting a large number of believers and tourists to pray for blessings. The scene is quite spectacular. The scale of Drepung Monastery is enormous and it has 141 manors and more than 540 ranches.
The Sera Monastery
The debates at Sera Monastery are very famous. After 3 pm every day, it will attract many tourists to watch. The debate activities of Sera Monastery are unique and attractive in terms of scale, standard movements. The debating place is usually in a tree-lined courtyard. The monks are divided into small groups, some sitting in circles, some standing face to face, debating and applauding one after another. Only at such times can you feel the vitality of monks in this solemn place. Don’t miss cliff painting. These rock paintings are painted with pure natural mineral pigments, which have been brightly colored and well preserved for hundreds of years. You will be deeply attracted by the vivid portraits of Buddhas and gods, and feel the admiration and praises of the gods in them.
The Tashilunpo Monastery
Tashilhunpo Monastery's Jumba Buddha statue is one of the largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statues in the world, 26 meters high. The Buddha's eyebrows are inlaid with 32 diamonds, and more than 1,400 pearls, amber, coral and other gems are adorned around it, making it one of the most magnificent Buddha statues in the world.
The Rongbuk Monastery
It is the highest monastery in the world and one of the best places to admire Mount Everest. There is the famous Rongbuk Glacier near Rongbuk Monastery. In the serac forest of Rongbuk Glacier, which is 5300-6500 meters above sea level, the scenery is strangely beautiful and particularly eye-catching.
The Jokhang Temple
There are three prayer paths in the Jokhang Temple. You can choose one of them and follow the believers clockwise to experience the religious life of the Tibetans. There are nearly a kilometer-long murals in the Jokhang Temple, vividly depicting the historical stories of Princess Wencheng's entry into Tibet and the construction of the Jokhang Temple. Standing at the Jokhang Temple Square leave you exposed to the strong aroma of sweet tea, making you unable to resist tasting Tibetan sweet tea.
Conclusion
Slow down, and walk into Tibetan monasteries. Carefully listen to the ancient stories of the past that these monasteries want to tell you, comprehending the essence of life.
34 Comment ON "Tibetan Monasteries: Contact with Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet"
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.