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Dechen Chokhor

March 7, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Dechen Chokhor Monastery is a historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu school, located in Gonggar County, southern Tibet. It was founded in the late 16^th century (around 1590 AD) by the First Dechen Yongdzin·Ngawang Zangpo, and has a history spanning over four centuries.

This monastery holds profound religious significance and is closely intertwined with the historical transformations of the Gonggar region, witnessing the rise and fall of Tibetan local Phagmodrupa regime.

Location – a Strategic and Historical Site

The monastery is situated in a unique geographical location, originally serving as the seat of “Gonggar Dzong.”

Gonggar Dzong was first established in the late Yuan (1271-1368 AD) and early Ming dynasties (1368-1644 AD) as a crucial stronghold during the rule of the Phagmodrupa regime of the Kagyu school.

Perched on a hillside, Dechen Chokhor Monastery enjoys a strategically advantageous position, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack, embodying the characteristics of a military stronghold.

In the 17^th century, after the Third Dalai Lama came to power, the administrative center of Gonggar Dzong was moved from the site of Dechen Chokhor Monastery to the mountaintop of Gonggar Xuecun. However, the monastery continued to function as an important religious center for the Drukpa Kagyu tradition.

The old Gonggar Dzong fortress was a classic military structure, with its main building rising five stories high. The upper section consisted of a watchtower, while the lower section featured hidden fortifications. The outer walls were lined with gun ports and arrow slits for defense, and secret tunnels within the building led directly to the river for water access.

Established in the mid-14^th century, this fortress remained the highest governing institution of Gonggar until its dissolution in 1959.

Its Role in Tibetan Political History

According to A Brief History of the Tibetans, by the mid-16^th century, internal power struggles within the Phagmodrupa regime led to the formation of two political centers, controlled by two brothers—one in Gonggar and the other in Densatil Monastery. As a result, Dechen Chokhor Monastery became an important symbol of political influence in the Gonggar region.

Through this historical context, Dechen Chokhor Monastery has borne witness to the shifts in Tibetan local governance while preserving a wealth of valuable cultural relics.

Cultural and Historical Artifacts

According to elderly monks of the monastery, as late as the early 1990s, Dechen Chokhor Monastery still housed precious artifacts bestowed by Ming emperors upon the Phagmodrupa royal family. These included a gilded saddle and the ceremonial sword of King Naiche, underscoring the monastery’s historical prominence and reflecting the intricate relationship between the central imperial government and Tibet’s local rulers.

The Impact of Modern Political Changes

After 1959, the Gonggar Dzong government was abolished, and the newly established Gonggar County initially set up its administrative center in Gonggar Xuecun before relocating to Jixiong in April 1962.

During the Cultural Revolution, the fortress structures of the former Gonggar Dzong were destroyed, leaving only ruins that now stand as silent witnesses to Gonggar’s history.

A Living Religious and Cultural Heritage

Despite the passage of time and historical upheavals, Dechen Chokhor Monastery continues to preserve its unique religious atmosphere and historical significance.

As an important monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu school, it remains not only a center of faith for Buddhist practitioners but also a cultural heritage site that reflects the political transformations of Tibet’s local governance.

Dongthog Gonpa

March 5, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Dongthog Gonpa, a millennium-old sanctuary of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism

Dongthog Gonpa, officially named “Dongthog Kyeden Puntsok Ling,” is a historic Sakya monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1587 AD, it is located in Dongthog Village, Gyala Township, Garze County, within the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. Just 3 kilometers from the county seat, the monastery enjoys convenient access to modern infrastructure, including roads and electricity, facilitating both its daily operations and the pilgrimage of devotees.

History and Lineage

Dongthog Gonpa was founded by the great master Wenbo Senglong Sengge. Since its establishment, it has been an important monastic center for the Sakya lineage in the Kham region. The Wenbo family played a crucial role in the monastery’s development, with successive generations serving as its head lamas for nearly a century, ensuring the continuity of its teachings and the prosperity of the monastic community.

Nestled in Dongthog Village, the monastery is surrounded by mountains and rivers, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape. This serene setting aligns with traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery architecture and provides an ideal environment for spiritual cultivation.

The Sakya tradition, renowned for its “Five Founding Masters” lineage and the profound Path and Its Fruit (Lamdré) teachings, places great emphasis on the study of scriptures and esoteric practice. As a Sakya monastery, Dongthog Gonpa has upheld this tradition for centuries, making significant contributions to the preservation and transmission of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Throughout its history, the monastery’s esteemed masters have not only dedicated themselves to spreading the Dharma but have also played influential roles in local society, serving as spiritual guides for generations of faithful followers.

Present and Future Development

Today, Dongthog Gonpa is led by Achok Rinpoche, under whose guidance a monastic community of 96 lamas diligently adheres to their vows and engages in deep spiritual practice, continuing the Sakya lineage. With a commitment to spreading the Dharma and benefiting sentient beings, the monastery has established the Sakya Buddhist Academy, aiming to train future generations of Buddhist scholars and practitioners to ensure the continuity of the lineage.

Achok Rinpoche, as the monastery’s leader, embodies profound Buddhist wisdom and great compassion, guiding the monks in their studies, meditation, and esoteric practices. Though modest in size, the monastic community upholds strict discipline and unwavering devotion, making it a central pillar of the local Buddhist community.

On significant religious occasions and festivals, villagers and devotees from surrounding areas gather at the monastery to offer prayers and participate in sacred ceremonies, making Dongthog Gonpa a vital spiritual bridge connecting faith and local culture.

The monastery enshrines sacred images of revered Sakya masters and houses a vast collection of important Buddhist scriptures and thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings). Its architectural style reflects the grandeur and solemnity of traditional Sakya monasteries. Regular Dharma assemblies and religious ceremonies attract devotees from near and far, seeking blessings and teachings.

A Center of Culture and Faith

Dongthog Gonpa is not only a center for spiritual practice but also an integral part of the local Tibetan cultural heritage. Every year, the monastery hosts a variety of religious events, including commemorative ceremonies for the Sakya Trizin (Sakya throne holder), tantric empowerment rituals, and monastic debate gatherings, drawing both monastic and lay practitioners from across the region.

In addition to their dedication to Buddhist studies, the monks actively participate in community service and charitable activities, offering spiritual guidance to devotees and spreading compassion and wisdom.

With over 400 years of history, Dongthog Gonpa has withstood the test of time and remains a beacon of faith in the region. As the Sakya Buddhist Academy takes shape, the monastery’s future is filled with promise, continuing its mission of Dharma propagation and spiritual liberation for generations to come.

Madal Gonpa

March 4, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Madal Gonpa was found around 1600 AD with a history spanning over 700 years. Inside its main hall, a thousand gilded Vajrasattva statues from Nepal are enshrined, radiating an aura of spiritual grandeur.

The monastery was originally founded by the Dege chieftain family, which has safeguarded and upheld its traditions for generations. For centuries, Madal Gonpa has remained unwavering in its dedication to the Sakya teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the Dege region.

As a branch monastery of Gonchen Monastery, the ancestral seat of the Sakya school (also known as the “Flower Sect”) in the Kham region, all of Madal Gonpa’s structures are adorned with the school’s distinctive tricolored scheme: white, red, and black. These colors symbolize reliance on Avalokiteshvara (white), Manjushri (red), and Vajrapani (black), reinforcing the monastery’s identity within the Flower Sect tradition.

Location

Madal Gonpa is nestled within the high-mountain valleys at the foot of Que’er Mountain (Mt Trola) in Dege, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Traveling from Xinluhai (Yilhun Lhatso) toward Dege for about 30 kilometers, the entrance to the monastery is located at a leftward-turning small path near a long downhill curve in Karang Village, approximately 40 kilometers from Dege County. The entrance is easy to miss without careful attention.

After turning onto the small road and proceeding 500 meters, a row of neatly arranged white stupas comes into view, standing beside the rugged mountain path. Nearby, the dwellings of the monastery’s practitioners are scattered harmoniously across the landscape. Following the concrete road along the left side of the valley leads to the monastery’s main courtyard.

The surrounding scenery is breathtaking—towering forests, snow-capped peaks, and a meandering silver river flowing through the valley. Over a hundred black yaks graze leisurely across the grasslands, basking in the sun, adding to the tranquil beauty of the setting.

Madal Gonpa’s natural environment changes with the seasons. From May to June, the landscape bursts into life with lush green meadows and blooming wildflowers, making the monastery seem like a great ship sailing through a sea of blossoms. In February, however, the plateau is vast and desolate, its golden-brown hues conveying a sense of solemn majesty.

Yet, what draws the most intrigue lies on the monastery’s nearby grassland—a sacred site where the Soul Stone, Soul Tree, and Soul Lake stand as symbols of the monastery’s protective deities. A particularly striking feature is a large rock bearing a naturally formed Tibetan letter “A”, an auspicious and mystical manifestation that continues to inspire awe among visitors and devotees alike.

Lineage

The religious lineage of Madal Gonpa is particularly noteworthy. The monastery’s recognized tulku, Pakyong Dangchö Özer Rinpoche, is believed to be the reincarnation of Nyingchin Pakyong, one of the twenty-five main disciples of Padmasambhava. This recognition was affirmed by Chokyi Lodro Rinpoche in the last century.

This esteemed lineage has added a sacred aura to Madal Gonpa, granting it a special status within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Built along the mountainside, the monastery’s scattered retreat dwellings and white stupas create a serene yet solemn landscape.

As a branch monastery of Gonchen Monastery (Gonchen Monastery in Dege), Madal Gonpa follows its mother monastery’s doctrinal system while developing its own unique character due to its distinct geographical and historical background.

Current Abbot

The current abbot of Madal Gonpa is Chido Khenpo, a highly realized Vajra Master of the Sakya lineage. He comes from an ancient chieftain family, the same lineage that originally founded the monastery.

Chido Khenpo ordained at the age of 13 and, by the age of 14, had already become a disciple of Nangwen Chupei Songpo Rinpoche, one of the most important contemporary Sakya masters.

His Buddhist education is extensive:

He later studied under H.H. Khenpo Ngawang Palzang Rinpoche, the reincarnation of Patrul Rinpoche, author of The Words of My Perfect Teacher.
He traveled to Dzongsar Monastery, where he studied under Dzongsar Khenpo Pema Tshewang Rinpoche, who is now a teacher at China’s Advanced Institute of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing.
He personally sought teachings from H.H. Sakya Dungsay Rinpoche and the Third Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche when they returned to Tibet.

Furthermore, Chido Khenpo has studied under many great masters, including:

H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy for a year.
H.H. Pema Gatsal Rinpoche at Dzogchen Monastery for four years.
H.H. Pema Tshewang Rinpoche at Aruzhak Buddhist Academy, where he received numerous teachings.
H.H. Beiwa Rinpoche of Dege, among other highly accomplished masters.

In addition to his vast studies, he completed a three-year retreat, attaining profound realization through rigorous practice.

Notably, Chido Khenpo has traveled to Han Chinese regions and learned Mandarin, allowing him to communicate fluently in the language.

Wache Stupa Grove

March 3, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Wache Stupa Grove, Located in Wache Township, Hongyuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Prefecture, this place is a T-shaped intersection with an elevation of 3,480 meters. It is 60 kilometers south of the First Bend of the Yellow River, 42 kilometers north of Hongyuan County seat, approximately 40 kilometers south of the Jiuqu First Bend of the Yellow River, and 150 kilometers east of Chuanzhusi in Songpan County.

In the Tibetan language, “Wache Stupa Grove” means “big tent.” This site is home to Wache Stupa Grove, a place commemorating the 10^th Panchen Lama’s sutra recitations and prayers for blessings. The talin (stupa grove) features the largest cluster of white stupas in northwestern Sichuan, with 108 white stupas as its centerpiece. Surrounding the stupa forest is a vast expanse of continuous prayer flags, creating a truly magnificent sight.

According to traditional Tibetan geomancy, the Gaqu River flows from west to east around Wache Stupa Grove, naturally forming a crescent-shaped river bend. This is believed to endow the area with exceptional auspicious energy, making it a feng shui treasure land for gathering blessings and wealth.

This location also serves as a memorial site for the 10th Panchen Lama’s sutra recitations and prayers.

Overview of Wache Stupa Grove

Upon entering Wache Township in Hongyuan County, Sichuan Province, you are greeted by sprawling stupa forests and prayer flags. Local residents built the stupa forest and surrounding white stupas at the site where the 10th Panchen Lama delivered his teachings. The area is adorned with continuous prayer flags hung by devout Tibetans, presenting a breathtaking spectacle.

On both sides of the dirt road stretch vast fields of prayer flags, each tall flagpole resembling a giant umbrella canopy. Stepping into the prayer flag clusters, long strands of flags encircle a central towering pole, forming circular arrays. Each prayer flag formation looks like a colorful tent. Though faded over time, losing their original vibrancy, the scene remains awe-inspiring.

Within this 30-mu (approximately 2-hectare) area, there is an auditory sensation of “silence filled with whispers.” Multicolored prayer flags flutter and sway between the earth and the sky, reciting Buddhist scriptures with the wind, narrating them over and over. The soft murmurs carry the people’s prayers for blessings and disaster relief.

The 108 stupas here encapsulate the earthly struggles and ultimate fulfillment of Shakyamuni Buddha. They remind us that even the Buddha stumbled and faltered on his path to enlightenment, experiencing a life interwoven with light and shadow. A profound feeling of “seeing the heavens, seeing the Buddha, seeing all beings, and seeing oneself” arises naturally.

Moreover, to pray for peace and to liberate the souls of the departed, the faithful have erected numerous prayer flag tents (formed by layering prayer flags around a central wooden pole, resembling a tent). This is the largest cluster of prayer flag tents in the Tibetan regions of Sichuan Province.

The area also contains a wealth of stone-carved scriptures, including the Six-Word Mantra, Guru Rinpoche’s secret incantations, the Liberation Sutra, and the Hundred-Word Sutra, among others. There are over 30,000 inscribed stones, more than 100 stone scripture piles, 126 rooms storing small molded clay Buddha statues (tsatsa), 387 prayer flag tents, 312 stupas, and over 400 prayer wheels.

The 108 Stupas of Wache Stupa Grove

In 1982 and 1986, the 10th Panchen Lama visited Wache twice, imparting the esoteric teachings of Buddhist sutras and expounding the “Great Law of Virtuous Conduct.”

In 1982, during the 10th Panchen Lama’s inspection of Hongyuan County, devotees erected a towering throne symbolizing the Fearless Great Sovereign of Liberation, along with a sangha platform (a consecrated incense-burning altar) adorned with symbolic lines representing the four activities of pacification, increase, attraction, and subjugation. With utmost devotion and according to the highest traditional Tibetan etiquette, they welcomed the Panchen Lama on horseback, conducting rituals steeped in the solemnity and grandeur of Tibetan Buddhism.

Thereafter, to commemorate the Panchen Lama, the faithful constructed a memorial hall at the site. Initially, they placed a life-sized statue of the master on the throne where he had sat, enshrined it within a hall, and surrounded it with 64 stupas (eight times eight). Over the years, more stupas were added, their numbers steadily increasing, until the site became the largest stupa forest in the Tibetan regions of northwestern Sichuan.

In 1989, after the 10th Panchen Lama’s passing, the devotees of Wache built these 108 stupas at the location he had visited, as a tribute to this religious leader.

The significance of the number 108 has various interpretations.

One theory links it to Vairocana, mentioned in the Buddhist tantric text The Vajra Necklace Sutra, where Vairocana’s 108 manifestations are described. Vairocana, meaning “Great Sun Tathagata” in Sanskrit, is one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s titles. The light of reason and wisdom brought by the Great Sun Tathagata is eternal, dispelling all darkness and benefiting the world.

Another explanation relates to Buddhism’s classification of human afflictions into 108 types. To eliminate these afflictions, practitioners are prescribed to use a 108-bead mala, strike bells or drums 108 times, and recite sutras 108 times. By extension, building 108 stupas—akin to a superior mala composed of 108 beads—symbolizes the removal of these afflictions.

Types of Stupas

Buddhist architecture always carries a foundational intent. Grand narration is an inherent trait of Tibetan faith.

At the entrance to Wache Stupa Grove stands a pyramid-shaped main stupa, composed of numerous resplendent golden smaller stupas. These encompass the eight traditional styles of Tibetan Buddhist stupas, each representing a distinct phase of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life and his karmic connection to the Dharma.

Lotus Stupa: Commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, when he could walk immediately upon touching the ground, with a lotus flower blooming beneath each step.
Bodhi Stupa: Honors Shakyamuni’s enlightenment at age 35, when he sat facing east under the Bodhi tree at the Vajra Seat in India, meditating intensely for seven days and nights until achieving Buddhahood.
Auspicious Stupa: Marks the 49 days after his enlightenment when Shakyamuni first taught the Dharma and turned the Wheel of the Law.
Descent-from-Heaven Stupa: Recalls Shakyamuni at age 41, descending to earth after preaching to his mother in the heavenly realm.
Miraculous Transformation Stupa: Commemorates Shakyamuni at age 57, subduing attacks from heretics and leading them to take refuge in the Buddha’s teachings.
Reconciliation Stupa: Celebrates Shakyamuni persuading monks who had formed a separate faction to reconcile and return to the Buddhist community.
Victory Stupa: Honors Shakyamuni’s agreement to extend his life by three months.
Nirvana Stupa: Memorializes Shakyamuni’s passing into Nirvana at age 80.

These eight stupa styles can be distinguished by their structures rising from square bases: some have three or four tiers, others feature lotus or leaf motifs, and they may be quadrilateral, octagonal, cylindrical, or stepped.

Prayer Flags

Prayer flags are a ubiquitous totem in Tibetan regions. They are pieces of cloth or hemp fabric inscribed with scriptures, then placed atop mountains, at road intersections, or along riverbanks. Their purpose is to harness the forces of nature to recite the scriptures, ensuring peace and auspiciousness.

The way prayer flags are set up varies across Tibetan areas. In Wache, Hongyuan, they are arranged to encircle a structure resembling a domed tent, and the vast expanse of the Wache prayer flag cluster is a rare sight even among Tibetan regions.

The prayer flags at Wache mostly take the form of “big tents.” Here, a variety of prayer flags from across the Tibetan lands converge.

In terms of content, they include scriptural mantras, pictorial designs, and blank ones without text. In terms of form, there are umbrella-shaped pagoda styles, banner styles, prayer flag trees, and pole styles. In terms of color, they feature blue, white, red, green, and yellow. In terms of production, they range from carved templates, inked designs, to printed versions—diverse and manifold.

Though weathered by sun, rain, wind, and dust, the prayer flags of Wache have lost their original luster, appearing faded or even tattered. Yet their spiritual essence remains undiminished, exuding a profound sense of historical vicissitude. Under the glow of the setting sun, they seem to whisper divine words that permeate the surroundings.

Prayer flags, hung horizontally or vertically depending on the terrain, flutter boldly in the wind. Adorned with straight lines, wavy patterns, and spiraling script, the flags are recited by the wind to the ears of the Buddha, who, in turn, guides us—adrift and bewildered—toward the origins and destinations of life.

The prayer flags of Wache form a belief system that is “scattered in form yet united in spirit.” They inspire the intangible soul to revere, defend, and uphold them. Through this outward expression, their inner realm becomes vast and boundless.

With an air of unshakable calm and transcendence, these prayer flags establish a symmetrical, steady, and enduring order in both mind and emotion, bringing people peace, relief, or inspiration.

Adjacent to the prayer flag cluster lies a field of white stupas and prayer wheels, where Tibetan locals often circumambulate the stupas and turn the wheels in devotion.

Gyala Jokong

March 3, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Gyala Jokong — The Legend and Glory of a Millennium-Old Monastery, which also spelled as “Gyalak Jekong“

In a small village three kilometers northwest of Garze County, located in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, stands a historic Buddhist hall—Gyala Jokong. Its name translates to “Gyalak Shakyamuni Buddha Hall,” enshrining an ancient Buddha statue that has stood for over a thousand years, earning it the title of the “Jokhang Temple of the Kham region.” This monastery holds profound religious significance and is closely linked to the flourishing of the Tibetan Empire, as well as the harmonious relations between the Tang Dynasty and the Tubo Dynasty.

Gyala Jokong Origins

There are different accounts of Gyala Jokong’s origins.

Its history can be traced back to the 7^th century, during the time of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo’s marriage alliance with Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. As the princess traveled to Lhasa, she briefly rested in Garze. At that moment, the twelve-year-old life-sized Shakyamuni statue she carried suddenly became unusually heavy and immovable. Seeing this as a divine sign, she oversaw the construction of a temple on-site and commissioned artisans to craft an identical statue modeled after the Jowo Buddha—the life-sized twelve-year-old Shakyamuni statue she had brought with her. This newly sculpted statue was enshrined here to stabilize the land’s energy and bring peace, giving rise to what is now known as the Gyala Jokong Buddhist Hall.

It is believed that this statue carries the same spiritual power as the Jowo Buddha, bestowing infinite blessings upon devotees. The site soon became a significant pilgrimage destination for the people of Kham. However, the statue was not initially housed in a temple but was instead buried underground, only to be rediscovered centuries later.

In the year 760 AD, the great translator Vairotsana was in retreat at the Chodrak Cave south of Garze. While meditating, he saw a beam of golden light rising from the Gyala Plain.

Following the light, he excavated the site and uncovered the long-hidden statue from the era of Songtsen Gampo—an image identical to the Jowo Buddha in Jokhang Temple.

Recognizing its immense spiritual significance, Vairotsana consecrated the statue and oversaw the construction of a temple to house it, establishing the foundation of Gyalak Jekong.

As one of the “Seven Test Disciples” of Tibetan Buddhism and the foremost of the 108 great translators, Vairotsana, known as “Great Luminosity,” not only restored the statue to its rightful place but also imbued the monastery with an eternal spiritual legacy.

The Kagyu Tradition and Historical Changes

Beyond its connection to Princess Wencheng, Gyala Jokong is also deeply intertwined with the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The scriptures inscribed on the Mani stones outside the monastery confirm its Kagyu lineage.

In 1125 AD, the First Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa, took ordination here and entered retreat at the Vajra Seat of Gyala for three years, transforming the monastery into a vital center for the Kagyu tradition. Since then, Gyala Jokong has been revered as the “Vajra Seat of Gyala.”

However, history has not always been kind. Over the centuries, the monastery faced decline due to regional conflicts and warfare. Fortunately, the sacred relics—such as the stupa, the Shakyamuni statue, the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, and the protector deities—were preserved. Surrounding the site are 108 small stupas, each said to enshrine a prayer bead from Vairotsana, adding an air of mystery and reverence to the monastery.

Gyala Jokong Restoration and Revival

In modern times, Gyala Jokong has undergone multiple restorations.

In 1926, the Fourth Dordo Tulku, Jampa Rinchen, led a major renovation and held a grand consecration ceremony.

In 1984, the 10^th Panchen Lama personally visited and bestowed his blessings upon the monastery.

In 2010, Kongsar Shanggen Rinpoche initiated another restoration, breathing new life into the millennium-old sacred site. To this day, the Shakyamuni statue left by Princess Wencheng is enshrined in the main hall. Adjacent to the temple stands a statue of Kongsar Shanggen Rinpoche, who once served as the Han Chinese abbot of Garze. He passed away two years ago and, following Tibetan Buddhist customs, receives daily offerings.

A Sacred Site Today

Stepping into Gyala Jokong, even before passing through its entrance, one can feel the weight of history. The temple offers self-service butter lamps, and visitors can freely make offerings to the acrylic Buddha statues. I once saw three young monks reverently lighting butter lamps and burning incense—their solemn devotion was deeply moving.

Inside the main hall, Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD) murals and wooden panel paintings depict the spiritual journey of Milarepa, a central figure in the Kagyu lineage, attesting to the monastery’s profound cultural heritage.

Recent archaeological studies have shed further light on Gyala Jokong’s past. A fragment of an ancient rammed-earth wall nearby is believed to be the remains of a historic fortress, supporting the theory that this area was once a crucial station along the ancient Tang-Tubo (Tibet) trade route. The remnants of hot springs and way-stations suggest that this place was not only a center of religious activity but also a key hub for commerce and travel.

For 1,388 years, Gyala Jokong has stood as a testament to history, faith, and cultural convergence. It tells a story of harmony between Tubo Dynasty (Tibet) and the Tang Dynasty, a bridge between Tibetan and Han traditions. More than just a pilgrimage site, it is a luminous jewel in the river of time.

Regardless of how legend and history intertwine, this sacred hall continues to radiate an indescribable spiritual brilliance, waiting for every destined visitor to come and pay homage.

Bana Gonpa

March 3, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Bana Gonpa, located in Balang Village, Tagong Township, Kangding, the capital of Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was founded in 1540 AD, making it nearly five centuries old.

Bana Gonpa is an ancient monastery belonging to the Nyingma (Red Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. As an important religious site in the Kham region, the monastery holds profound historical and cultural significance and plays a key role in the tradition of Buddhist practice.

Brief

The establishment of Bana Gonpa dates back to the mid-16^th century, giving it nearly 500 years of history. The monastery is built along the mountain, away from the noise of the world, offering a peaceful environment for monks and devotees. As a Nyingma sect monastery, Bana Gonpa holds significant religious influence in the region and has long been dedicated to the promotion of Buddhist teachings, the education of monks, and the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Geographical Location and Environment

Bana Gonpa is located northwest of Kangding, approximately 123 kilometers from the urban area, nestled among the mountains of Tagong Township.

Due to its location in the high mountains, the transportation conditions are quite difficult, with only one rural road connecting it to the outside world, allowing it to maintain an extraordinarily pristine atmosphere for spiritual practice.

The living facilities in the monastery are simple, and the monks continue to follow the traditional Tibetan way of life, which remains pure and authentic.

Bana Gonpa is situated in Balang Village, a typical plateau area in Kangding, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands. The scenery is majestic and untouched.

This isolated environment imparts a unique sense of tranquility and mystery to Bana Gonpa, making it an ideal place for practitioners to focus on their spiritual journeys.

The natural surroundings not only enhance the spiritual atmosphere of the monastery but also make Bana Gonpa a hidden cultural treasure.

However, due to the limited contact with the outside world, the monastery has preserved its traditional appearance, while its recognition in modern society remains limited.

Religion and Culture

The Nyingma sect is one of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its oral transmission of “terma” (hidden treasures) and “mind transmission” teachings.

As a Nyingma monastery, Bana Gonpa upholds the sect’s spiritual traditions, primarily practicing Dzogchen (“The Great Perfection“), which emphasizes direct realization of the mind’s nature and the attainment of enlightenment within this lifetime.

The monks of Bana Gonpa continue this ancient religious tradition through scripture recitation, meditation, and tantric rituals.

The monastery hosts resident monks engaged in Buddhist studies year-round and regularly organizes various religious ceremonies, including pujas, prayer rituals, and debate sessions.

Additionally, Bana Gonpa preserves a vast collection of precious Buddhist scriptures, thangkas, and statues, showcasing the distinct religious art of the Nyingma tradition.

Pilgrimage and Travel Experience

Due to its remote location and difficult access, Bana Gonpa has remained largely untouched by outside influences. However, devoted pilgrims still undertake long journeys to visit this sacred site.

Visitors to the monastery can admire its architectural style, which reflects the unique characteristics of the Nyingma school, including traditional assembly halls, stupas, and shrine rooms dedicated to revered deities.

Moreover, travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tibetan Buddhist practices, experience the serene monastic lifestyle, and take in the breathtaking highland scenery surrounding the monastery.

Bana Gonpa is more than just an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery—it is a sanctuary of spiritual retreat, carrying centuries of religious faith and cultural heritage. Hidden in the vast landscapes of Kham, it remains a radiant yet secluded gem of Tibetan Buddhism.

Khordo Gonpa

March 2, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Khordo Gonpa, located in Niumai Village, Keluodong Township, Dege County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a historically significant Sakya pa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

Founded in the year 1255 AD, the monastery has stood for over seven centuries, accumulating profound cultural heritage and religious traditions, making it an important Buddhist sanctuary in the Dege region.

Geographically, Khordo Gonpa is situated approximately 23 kilometers from Dege County, with convenient transportation access. It is located near National Highway 317 and has access to electricity, providing modern support for the monastery’s daily operations and pilgrims’ visits. These modern connections allow the ancient monastery to maintain a degree of interaction with the outside world.

The establishment of Khordo Gonpa dates back to the mid-13th century, a period of flourishing development for various Tibetan Buddhist schools.

As a monastery of the Sakya tradition, it upholds the school’s emphasis on the study of scriptures, esoteric practices, and the unique hereditary transmission of its teachings.

The Sakya school is well known for its distinct “Path and Fruit” teachings and vibrant, multicolored thangka paintings. As a representative of this lineage, Khordo Gonpa has endured the passage of time while preserving its religious and cultural distinctiveness.

Although historical records do not explicitly name the monastery’s founder, it is likely that Khordo Gonpa was established by a highly learned Buddhist master or a noble figure, with the primary intention of providing a space for local practitioners to cultivate their faith and to spread the teachings of the Sakya school.

Nestled in the natural surroundings of Niumai Village, the monastery is embraced by rolling mountains and picturesque landscapes. This location, harmonizing with nature, aligns with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of integrating monastic sites within the environment.

Beyond its role as a religious center, the monastery serves as a spiritual refuge for the local Tibetan community.

During major religious festivals and ceremonies, devotees from surrounding villages gather at the monastery to participate in chanting, circumambulation, and other sacred rituals. This has made Khordo Gonpa a bridge between the community and their faith. The accessibility of roads and electricity has further allowed the monastery to blend traditional practices with certain modern conveniences, facilitating greater interaction with the outside world.

As a monastery founded in the 13^th century, Khordo Gonpa has witnessed the historical transformations and cultural evolution of the Dege region. It stands not only as a vital institution for preserving the Sakya teachings but also as a testament to Tibetan architectural artistry and Buddhist philosophy.

Having endured over 700 years of trials and change, Khordo Gonpa remains a steadfast guardian of faith and culture in this land.

Today, whether for pilgrims seeking blessings or travelers exploring the history of Tibetan Buddhism, Khordo Gonpa continues to radiate an air of solemnity and serenity. Its timeless presence stands as a cultural treasure of Dege County, offering a glimpse into the enduring spiritual legacy of the region

Dandalun Temple

March 2, 2025 by Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Dandalun Temple, a historically significant monastery belonging to the Nyingma school (Red Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, is located in Xisuo Village, Barkham City, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, approximately 16 kilometers from the city center of Barkham.

With over 600 years of history, this temple once served as the family monastery of the “Zhuokeji Tusi (local chieftain)” and played a vital religious and social role during the era of “Tusi” governance in the region.

Tusi

The “Tusi system” was a form of local governance and institutional structure established by the Yuan (1271-1368 AD), Ming (1368 – 1644 AD), and Qing (1636 – 1912 AD) dynasties in regions inhabited by ethnic minorities. “Tusi,” also known as “native officials,” were local leaders appointed and enfeoffed by the central dynasties of ancient China. A key characteristic of this system was the “hereditary office, hereditary land, and hereditary people,” referring to the hereditary right to political rule, the hereditary ownership of jurisdictional land, and the hereditary authority over the peasants tied to that land.

Historical Background

The Nyingma school is the oldest sect of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing esoteric practices and the tradition of “terma” (hidden treasures). The establishment of Dandalun Temple, affiliated with this sect, dates back to the Ming Dynasty. At that time, the local Tusi, a devout follower of Tibetan Buddhism, constructed the family monastery within his domain to enshrine Buddhist statues, conduct religious rituals, and pray for the prosperity of his clan.

Under the patronage of the Zhuokeji Tusi, the temple flourished and became a symbol of the integration of local politics and religion. During the height of the Tusi system, Dandalun Temple was not only a spiritual center for the ruling elite but also drew pilgrims, merchants, and artisans, evolving into a religious hub with broad social influence.

Architectural and Artistic Features

Though modest in scale, Dandalun Temple boasts an elegant architectural style. Built against a hillside, it exemplifies the traditional layout of Tibetan monasteries. Inside, the temple houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, all crafted with solemn and dignified forms that reflect the distinctive religious aesthetics of the Nyingma school.

The temple’s most breathtaking feature is its murals. These vividly colored and fluidly drawn artworks depict Buddhist sutra transformation stories, esoteric practice imagery, and protector deities. With lively character portrayals, they bring to life the rich mythological world and religious narratives of Tibetan Buddhism. These murals are not only of exceptional artistic quality but also exceedingly rare across the Tibetan region, possessing immense artistic and cultural value.

Current Status and Religious Activities

Over the course of history, the role of Dandalun Temple has evolved. Although the Tusi system has long been abolished, the temple remains a vital place of worship for the local community and now serves as the heart of daily religious activities for the residents of Xisuo Village.

Villagers gather here for Buddhist ceremonies to pray for blessings and avert misfortune. The temple regularly hosts dharma assemblies and organizes grand celebrations during major Buddhist festivals such as the Tibetan New Year and Saga Dawa. Monks and devotees come together to recite scriptures and perform rituals, preserving the traditions of the Nyingma school.

The temple continues to attract pilgrims from surrounding areas, particularly Nyingma practitioners and scholars who come to study Buddhist teachings and participate in dharma gatherings. This ensures that Dandalun Temple maintains its unique standing within the Nyingma lineage.

Cultural Significance

From its origins as a Tusi family monastery to its present role as a center of faith for villagers, Dandalun Temple is not only a sacred religious site but also a cultural heritage site rich with historical significance.

Its long history, precious murals, and deep-rooted spiritual traditions make it an important venue for studying Tibetan Buddhism, the Tusi system, and Tibetan art.

With the rise of tourism, the cultural value of Dandalun Temple has gained increasing attention from the outside world. Its historical importance and the uniqueness of its mural art have begun to draw cultural researchers and travelers. For those passionate about Tibetan culture and Buddhist art, this ancient, though small-scale, monastery is undoubtedly a destination worth exploring.

Dandalun Temple is not only one of the significant monasteries in the Barkham region but also a vessel for the faith and cultural memory of the local people. Amid the progress of modern society, it continues to serve as a vital source of spiritual solace and cultural preservation.

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