Tibet Tour – Tibetan Buddhism and Monasteries

Tibet is quite noted for its Tibetan Buddhism based civilization. A large number of foreign tourists would like to take some of the monasteries into their Tibet tour schedule. Various monasteries with rich historical relics offer tourists to explore the profound Tibetan Buddhism culture.

Tibetan Buddhism is the base of the Tibetan traditional culture. It has deep influence on the politic, economic, education and other aspects of the daily life. Monasteries in Tibet acted as one of the most important carriers of Tibetan Buddhism.

Samye Monastery - the oldest monastery in Tibet was constructed in 779 under the reign of Songtsen Gampo. It is the first monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. With the development of Tibetan Buddhism, various sects emerged. The sects have their own monasteries. Nyingma Sect built several monasteries around Lhasa in later 16th century.

The main monastery of Sakya Sect is Sakya Monastery which was built in 1073. Tsedang Monastery is one of the most noted monasteries before the spring up of Gelug Sect. Several monasteries of Gelug Sect were constructed by the disciples of Master Tsongkhapa after he passed away. Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery are praised as the three great monasteries of Gelug Sect.

The Tibetan Buddhism monasteries in Tibet are of particular religious features and great architectural values. Most of the monasteries integrated the palace, halls, pagodas and temples together. Some of the noted monasteries collected the architectural styles of Tibetan, Han Nationality and Hinduism.

Generally, the statues of Master Tsongkhapa, Sakyamuni and other Buddhas or important roles in that period (such as Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng) would be enshrined in the monasteries. Besides, murals and sculptures displayed Tibetan histories were also collected in the monasteries for visitors to learn Tibetan culture and history.

The Tibetan Buddhism monasteries in Tibet are of long history and great historical value. Some of them are well protected or restored; Jokhang Temple, Tashilhunpo Monastery and some other important Tibetan Buddhism monasteries were listed as cultural relics under state key protection.