Tibet's Secret Temple
A visual journey to the fifth Dalai Lama’s private meditation chamber. Read the full feature on NOWNESS -
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The Sera monastery with monk debates (Lhasa - Tibet - China)
(EN) Sera Monastery (Tibetan: སེ་ར་; Wylie: Se-ra; Chinese: 色拉寺; ) is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa.The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355--1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa.
During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.
The Sera Monastery in Tibet and its counterpart in Mysore, India are the best locations to witness the Monk Debates on the teachings of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. Sera Monastery developed over the centuries as a renowned place of scholarly learning, training hundreds of scholars, many of whom have attained fame in the Buddhist nations. (wikipedia)
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The Brahmaputra and the Samye monastery (Tsetang - Tibet - China)
(EN) The Samye Monastery or Samye Gompa is the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, was most probably constructed between 775 and 779 CE under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism, which had declined since its introduction by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The monastery is located in Dranang, Shannan Prefecture. It was supposedly modeled on the design of Odantapuri monastery in what is now Bihar, India.
The 18th century Puning Temple of Chengde, Hebei, China was modeled after the Samye Compa.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra-centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However, the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thoughtform in a nearby river making trouble.
However, when Shantarakshita's contemporary Padmasambhava arrived from northern India, he was able to subdue the energetic problems obstructing the building of Samye. According to The Fifth Dalai Lama (Pearlman, 2002: p.18), Padmasambhava performed the Vajrakilaya Dance and enacted the rite of 'thread cross' or Namkha to assist King Trisong Deutsen and Shantarakshita clear away obscurations and hindrances in the building of Samye:
The great religious master Padmasambhava performed this dance in order to prepare the ground for the Samye Monastery and to pacify the malice of the lha [local mountain god spirits] and srin malevolent spirits in order to create the most perfect conditions. He went on to say that after Padmasambhava consecrated the ground he erected a thread-cross - a web colored thread woven around two sticks - to catch evil. Then the purifying energy of his dance forced the malevolent spirits into a skull mounted on top of a pyramid of dough. His tantric dance cleared away all the obstacles, enabling the monastery to be built in 767. The dance was memorialized by the construction of Vajrakilaya stupas - monuments honoring the ritual kilya (purba) daggers - at the cardinal points of the monastery, where they would prevent demonic forces from entering the sacred grounds.
The abovementioned quotation makes reference to the relationship of the Vajrakilaya/Phurba to the Stupa; and mentions torma and namkha. Moreover, the building of Samye marked the foundation of the original school of Tibetan Buddhism, the Nyingma. This also helps explain how Padmasambhava's tantric-centric version of Buddhism gained ascendence over the sutra-based teaching of Shantarakshita.
Pearlman (2002: p.94) succinctly charts the origin of the institution of the Nechung Oracle:
When Padmasambhava consecrated Samye Monastery with the Vajrakilaya dance, he tamed the local spirit protector, Pehar Gyalp, and bound him by oath to become the head of the entire hierarchy of Buddhist protective spirits. Pehar, later known as Dorje Drakden, became the principal protector of the Dalai Lamas, manifesting through the Nechung Oracle.
The original buildings have long disappeared. They have been badly damaged several times - by civil war in the 11th century, fires in the mid 17th century and in 1826, an earthquake in 1816, and in the 20th century, particularly during the Cultural Revolution, but as late as the late 1980s pigs and other farm animals were allowed to wander through the sacred buildings. Each time it has been rebuilt, and today, largely due to the efforts of the 10th Panchen Lama from 1986 onwards, it is again an active monastery and important pilgrimage and tourist destination. (wikipedia)
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Nechung Monastery Ritual
monks night ritual ceremony at Nechung Monastery Mcleof Ganj Dharamsala
THE MONK DEBATE - SERA MONASTERY - LHASA TIBET - EP #029
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EPISODE #29: We visit the Sera Monastery in Lhasa Tibet to see the monks debate and chant. I wish we could understand some of the philosophy because the discussions looked really challenging. The monks also chanted which was amazing, the one leader had the deepest voice I have ever heard in my life!
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Behind the scenes on the Jokhang monastery in Lhasa, Tibet
The old town of Lhasa can be viewed as a series of concentric circles. The heart of the old town is Jokhang Temple, and at the center of the Jokhang is Tibet's holiest image, the Jowo Sakyamuni. Unfortunately the tourists that arrive by plane or train we coldn't appreciate the feelings of pilgrims who might have spent weeks or even months traveling on foot or by road to reach this spot for the first time in their lives.
Having an opportunity to see such a legendary and iconic image, many feel numbed and astounded to find that it actually exists.
The temple history is born since the Seventh history and it is said that was built on what was once a lake...like Mexico city how similar!!
In this video you can also appreciate the spinning prayer wheels carried by pilgrims and spun constantly when walking a kora or circumambulation route.
And the unique and impressive long-form prostration which this form of worship pays homage to the buddhist tree of refuge or hierarchy. The important deities invoked are Budha, gurus (great teachers such as Guru Rinpoche, Milareapa, Atisha, Marpa, Tsongkapa), the Eight Bodhisattvas (such as Guan Yin and Majushiri) and protectors (such as Mahakala, Penden Lamo, Nechung).
I was really amazed when I saw the pilgrims in a trip I did to the mountains and they were doing the full range of prostration movements in the mountain!! It took them weeks or even months to get until here!!
Enjoy the video, try to think the tourist were also included for decoration ; p
Isra ; )
Tibetan monasteries (2)
Les monastères du Yongbulagong, de Samye, de Drepung, de Ganden,de Shalu, de Pindsoling, de Ronbuk et l’ermitage de Yerpa.
15 June 2015 - Sera Monastery Tibet
Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, very close to Lhasa and famous for his debating monks. This exemplary debating tradition supplemented with gestures is said to be exclusive to this monastery, among the several other monasteries of Lhasa. Visitors also attend to witness these debates that are held as per a set schedule, every day in the 'Debating Courtyard' of the monastery
Tibet: Beyond Fear (FULL DOCUMENTARY)
With an opening by Richard Gere and featuring the Dalai Lama, the official Artist For Amnesty award winning Tibet: Beyond Fear, hailed by the New York Times as emotional, riveting and compelling, documents a remarkable story of courage and the power of positive thinking. This film, which has been broadcast around the world on television follows Ngwang, a Buddhist Nun and Bagdro, a Buddhist Monk, at the ages of 13 and 20 years old. They led freedom demonstrations against the Chinese repression in Tibet and were arrested, imprisoned and endured years of horrific torture. Through the power of the positive mind and inspired by the Dalai Lama, they find a way beyond fear and even forgive their former torturers.
Tibet & Potala Palace Inside, Secret, Facts and Mysteries
Potala Palace, regarded as landmark and the symbol of Tibet, is a great giant palace consisting of many houses, towers, chapels, etc. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Potala Palace is the highest place in the world. Because of its spectacular architecture style, it is honored as one of the most beautiful architectural building in the world. As the historic ensemble of Lhasa, Potala Palace, together with the exceptional Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main buildings of Potala Palace are situated on the Red Hill by the side of Lhasa River. It is not only a splendid place, but also a treasure house where you can see precious arts and learn Tibetan culture and history. Because of its brilliant arts and history, travelers see it as the No. 1 must-see attraction in Tibet. By climbing the steps up to the top, you can see the great views of Lhasa city as well as beautiful plateau landscape far away.
Potala Palace’s history can be traced back to about 1,300 years ago since which Potala has been through several large reconstructions. It was originally built in the 7th century when the Tubo Kingdom ruled Tibet to house Srongtsen Gampo and his two wives - Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of Tang Empire.
After the fall of Tubo Kingdom, Potala Palace was almost ruined by constant wars until 17th century when came the most important reconstruction during Potala’s history. His Holiness - the Fifth Dalai Lama decided to rebuild Potala Palace. He received helpful hands from Qing Empire. The constructions took almost many years. At last, the Fifth Dalai Lama moved the government from Drepung Monastery to Potala, which made Potala as the political and Buddhism center of Tibet. Since the Fifth Dalai Lama, several small reconstructions had been conducted by the later Dalai Lamas. The main body of Potala Palace has remained as the same as the past.
Potala Palace is one of the most brilliant architectural buildings standing on the precipitous hill. Having a majestic exterior of 13 layers in the total height of 117 meters, the whole palace was built by wood and stones. The walls were piled by granite with a thickness of 2-5 meters. The roof and eaves are made of woods with beautiful carvings about Buddhism. Constructed by the white and red palaces, there are ornate chapels, halls, rooms inside. The palace can be divided to two main parts: the White Palace around and the Red Palace in the center. The White Palace was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and the office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs. And the Red Palace is the main building for 117 meters, consisting of a complicated layout of different Buddhist halls, chapels and libraries.
Gang Gyan Lhasa Hotel
The Gang Gyan Lhasa Hotel is set in the centre of Lhasa and is within a 10 minute walk from Muru Nyingba Monastery.
All rooms feature a private bathroom including a bathrobe and amenities. All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a TV, a safe and cable / satellite channels. Connecting rooms are available. Prospective guests have the option of requesting a non-smoking room. The rooms are equipped with a telephone, closets in room and a mini bar and the hotel has room service.
Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Nechung Monastery are within driving distance of the Gang Gyan Lhasa Hotel. Internet access is available for guests wanting to keep connected during their stay. For an easy and effortless check-in and departure experience, take advantage of the Gang Gyan Lhasa Hotel's express check-in/check-out facility which takes away a lot of the usual hassles leaving you with more time to enjoy your holiday. Friendly front desk staff are on hand to provide assistance to patrons, happily handling any requests or questions during the course of your stay. Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Museum Lhasa are a 10 minute drive from the hotel.
Tibetan monks praying in the temple in Dharamsala
Tibetan monks praying in the temple of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamsala
Een dagje Shigatse, Tibet
A day at Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet.
Een dagje in het klooster van Shigatsee, een van de zes
Die großen Klosterstädte (Teil 1)
Video about the important monastic towns in central Tibet. It covers the Gelup monasteries of Sera, Drepung, Ganden and Shigatse and the smaller temples of Nechung and Dolma Lakhang.
Tibetan Dharma protacter Oracle Gyalchen karma thrinly& Thegtse Rinpoche,
during the great Tsechu to Thegtse Monastery Khinmey,Thegtse Rinpoche, with Oracle in position Kadoe KHEWO of Gyalchen karma thrinly.in Guru Tsangye procession.
Temple of Princess Wencheng & Buddhist Ceremonies at A New Nunnery, Yushu, China
The Temple of Princess Wencheng who married the Tibetan King, Songtsen Ganpo, dates back to the Tang Dynasty. No photography is allowed inside the Temple but the really big sight was the mountains covered in over 4,000 prayer flags. Stupifying...
From there, it was just a few more kilometers to where a White Hat Sect Nunnery Temple was opening today with all day ceremonies and prayers. A very important occasion for the Tibetan people and we felt privileged to watch, listen to chanting and prayers, and be allowed to photograph the inside of this temple..
Khandro La Tseringma | The Dalai Lama, Karmapa, Sakya Trizen | 01 10 2012
Khandro Lhamo Tseringma -(Tsering Chen-nga),
Nechung and Gadong, State Oracles of Tibet.
Rangjung Neljorma Khadro Namsel Drolma,
who is more commonly known as Khadro-la,
Long Life Pudja for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama,
Kalachackra, Bodhgaya, India,
01 10 2012.
Khandrola brings up to His Holiness Throne:, HH the Karmapa, HH Ganden Tripa,
HH Sakya Trizen, and a Nyingma Lama.
Om Mani Padme Hung
Bill Kane Photos..........
Tibetan monasteries
Des monastères des provinces du Gansu et du Qinghai puis de la région autonome du Tibet : Labrang à Xiahe, Longwu à Tongren, Kumbum près de Xining, Sera et Jokhang à Lhassa, Tashilumpo à Xigatse, enfin le Pelkor Chöde à Gyantse.
The heroes from Bora of Tibet
Lhassa, Mai 27, 2012, two young Tibetans self-immolated asking freedom for Tibet : Dhargye, from Ngaba, and Dorjee Tseten, from Bora.
The first case of self-immolation, but not the first act of resistence of the inhabitants of Bora. In March 18, 2008, strong demonstrations took place in Bora.
Dorjee Tseten was educated in the monastery of Bora, Ngunbo Thang Shadhub Darjee Ling, under close supervision of the Chinese, who suspected the sctivity of spiritual resistence, especially around the celebrations of Losar.
On March 20, 2012, more than 100 monks from the monastery had marched towards the township-level government buildings carrying Tibetan flags and pictures of the Dalai Lama while calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama.
Chinese security officers entered Bora monastery at around 2 am on March 21 and arrested 40 monks. A large number of monks gathered, calling for the immediate release of fellow monks. The local security officials, fearing more protests, released all 40 monks a few hours later at around 11 am.
But on 23 March 2012, security officers entered Bora Monastery and arrested four monks : Sonam, Kalsang Lodoe, Tashi Gyatso, Sangyal Gyatso. This group will also be released.
But Konchok Gyatso is arrested on April 7, 2012. Konchok Gyatso is still missing, and the place where he is deteined remains unknown.
Dorjee Tseten, from Bora, set himself on fire the Sunday, Mai 27, 2012 with his friend Dhargye, from Ngaba, in front of Jokhang, in Lhasa, the most popular temple of Tibetans. A week before his self-immolation, Dorjee Tseten accumulated merit by prostrations in front of Jokhang. The day of self-immolation in the morning, Dorjee Tseten called on mobile his father in Bora, but he couldn't answer. At 12 o'clock, he called his oncle, Dorjee Rinchen, and said : I want to go somewhere, you have to care about my parents. Dorjee Rinchen said : Where you want to go? It is hopeless to go in India in such bad circumstancies. Dorjee Tseten replied : Dont worry about me, my destination is not in wrong way. I also have some money here and a decent mobile phone. I will send it to you. and if you have to say something, then this may be the last occasion to have a conversation. My great hope is that you can take care of my parents.
Video realised by Ling Lhamo for Tibet Justice Youtube Chanel with help of Dorjee Tsetens's friends from Bora.
Dharamshala and McLeodganj Miscellaneous Attractions
McLeodganj is an extension of Dharmashala town of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. While Dharmashala is a valley McLeodganj is located totally on a sloppy mountain. Because of large Tibetan population it is also often called as “Little Lhasha”. The place is mostly known for His Holiness Sri Dalai Lama. In 1959 Sri Dalai Lama with a large number of his followers came from Tibet and settled here in McLeodganj. It was a great feeling to visit the temple of His Holiness Sri Dalai Lama here.
Namgyalma Stupa is one of the old Buddhist structures located at the main square of McLeodganj. It is located in the old bazar just by the side of main road, about one km away from Dalai Lama temple. However it is important to mention that the roads in McLeodganj are extremely narrow and sloppy. People love to spin the prayer wheels all round the chorten.
The structure is a two storied building with a golden color chorten inside. You can climb to the first floor through steps and see the upper part of the chorten. Camera and photography allowed inside. Many people take shoes inside though we preferred to keep shoes outside this holy place.
“Tibetan Parliament in Exile” is located in McLeodganj. When China invaded Tibet in 1959 a large number of Buddhist monks including Sri Sri Dalai Lama had to leave their own country and stay in India as refugee. Tibetan Parliament in Exile is introduced by Sri Sri Dalai Lama and the Tibetans.
Tibetan Library is just near the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. The location is in the middle of Potala road, about 2 kms down from McLeodganj and 2 kms up from Dharamshala. It is a beautiful place with large number of books. However we could not enjoy reading because of limited time.
Nechung Monastery is very near to “Tibetan Library” and “Tibetan government in exile”, If you are going by Potala road , the shortcut between Dharmashala and McLeodganj then the monastery is about 2 km down from main square and about. 2 kms up from dharmashala bus stand. The original nechung monastery is in lhasa having 115 monks which was destroyed by Chinese invasion. 6 monks escaped to India and built this temple. It is one of the popular monasteries which should remain in your McLeodganj sightseeing list.
Chinmay Tapovan is an Ashram established by Swamy Chinmayananda which is about 10 kms from Dharmashala. It is about one km further away from Dharmashala Vidhan Sabha or Assembly building. However, there is nothing much to see here in Ashram except a big statue of Lord Hanuman. On the other side of Ashram there is a Rama temple which remains closed all the time. You may very well skip this place from your itinerary and move further to Chamunda and Baijnath for a better utilization of time.
Dharmashala Cricket stadium is quite a popular stadium. Many state and international matches have been played here. The stadium is visible from many places in McLeodganj hill top. The design of the stadium is interesting and colorful. It is one of the 4 points to visit at this side of Dharmashala. The other points are Kunal Pathri temple, tea garden and War memorial. Taxi takes about 800 rs to cover these four places and bring you back to Dharmashala.
McLeodganj is situated on an elevation of 2000 meters on Himalayas. It is located about 14 kms from Dharamshala, 35 kms from Kangra, 50 kms from Palampur and 250 kms from Shimla.