Camla Monastery

Camla Monastery, also known as Gyangla Monastery, is a Nyingma Pa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, and with rich in history and cultural significance.

The Tibetan name “Gyangla” means “Goddess,” a name that not only imbues the monastery with a mystical and spiritual aura but also reflects Tibetan Buddhism’s deep reverence for female deities.

Located approximately 10 kilometers west of Luhuo County in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the monastery sits on the mountainside west of Gyangla Village in Yade Township.

Built along the mountain slope, the monastery is surrounded by towering peaks, exuding an air of tranquility and sanctity. The surrounding natural landscape is breathtaking, with distinct seasonal scenery, making Camla Monastery not only a sacred site for devotees but also an attraction for visitors and pilgrims.

Camla Monastery belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is part of the lineage of the renowned Katok Monastery in Baiyu County. It serves as an important continuation and manifestation of this tradition in the region.

The monastery’s origins can be traced back to the 1770s, when it was founded by the eminent Nyingma master, Gönchok Senge.

As a highly influential Buddhist master, Gönchok Senge established the monastery through his wisdom and spiritual practice, laying a foundation for the religious and cultural development of the area.

The monastery houses a main prayer hall, Buddhist shrines, and other religious facilities, enshrining important Nyingma sacred objects and statues. Monks engage in their daily practice and recitations within its halls.

Since its founding, Camla Monastery has been a key spiritual center for the Nyingma tradition in Luhuo County, carrying forward the Katok lineage’s teachings and meditative practices.

The monastery’s location on the mountainside reflects the traditional Tibetan Buddhist architectural principle of building temples in harmony with nature. Its setting blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, emanating a sense of serenity and solemnity.

Geographically, Camla Monastery is relatively close to Luhuo County, making it accessible and convenient for visitors. This accessibility has also allowed it to serve as a religious and spiritual center for the surrounding villages.

The monastery’s followers are primarily local villagers who have maintained a deep connection with it through generations of devotion to Tibetan Buddhism.

Each year, Camla Monastery hosts various religious ceremonies, including pujas and blessing rituals. During major religious festivals, villagers dressed in traditional Tibetan attire gather from all directions to participate in these sacred rituals, listen to teachings, and seek blessings. These gatherings reinforce the monastery’s role as a cultural and spiritual symbol in the region.

As a Nyingma monastery, Camla Monastery upholds the tradition’s emphasis on esoteric teachings and oral transmission. Its monks safeguard the ancient Buddhist practices through generations of teachings and rituals.

Having endured centuries of change, Camla Monastery is not only a place of worship but also a witness to the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

It embodies the unwavering faith of the Tibetan people and reflects the profound cultural depth of the Luhuo region.

Today, Camla Monastery continues to stand quietly on the mountainside of Gyangla Village, attracting those who seek to explore the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism and serving as an undeniable spiritual landmark in Luhuo County.