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Sera Monastery was founded in 1419, by Jamchen Chojey, who was a disciple of TsongKhapa. It is located at the foot of a mountain about 5 kilometers north of Lhasa.

Brief

The origin of the name ‘Sera’ derived from the fact that the original site was surrounded by “Wild Roses”, which in Tibetan language read as “Se” & “Ra”. It had three main colleges that are as follows:
-1), “Sera Mey Dratsang” provided basic instructions to the young monks and was built in 1419.
-2), “Sera Jey Dratsang,” the largest, was built in 1435, reserved for wandering monks.
-3), “Ngagpa Dratsang” was built in 1559 with the purpose of teaching the Gelug pa tantra.

It also has the most famous debating training class across Tibetan Cultural Area. The debate was held in the debate hall in the far north of the monastery. There are so many people who come to witness the debating training, suggesting to arrive earlier for a good spot for visiting.

It is recommended to carry flashlight or headlights for visiting the well-preserved old murals. The Sky-funeral ground is on the mountain behind main assembly Hall, however, in order to respect the customs of local Tibetan people, the local authority does not allow travelers to watch it. Although you can not see the funeral, but there is a nearby rock field worth to pay a visit, from which a panorama view of Lhasa is visible.

How to get to there

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The monastery is located in the northeast of Lhasa city, it can be reached easily with bus or taxi;

By bus 

By line 6, 16,and 24, get off at bus stop “Se-La-Si-Stop”

The Four Major Sects of Tibetan Buddhism

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Ganden Monastery’s full name is Ganden Namgyeling Monastery which is translated as, “Continent of Completely Victorious Happiness.” It was traditionally considered the seat of Gelug pa administrative and political power. It used to house about more than 2,000 monks, and now there are about 200-300 monks

Brief

Ganden Monastery was founded in 1409 AD by Tsongkhapa – the founder of the Gelug pa. After Tsongkhapa died there in 1419 AD. His preserved body was entombed at Ganden by his disciples in a silver and gold encrusted tomb.

Location

Ganden monastery is about 57 km East of Lhasa along the road that follows the south bank of the Kyi Chu river. The road turn-off is at road marker “4591” where a small village is at the road junction. From here a curved road leads onto the mountain for approximately 15-17 km. The monastery is near the top of Wangbu Ri on the mountain ridge of Gokpo Ri . Its altitude is 4,750 meters. It is one of the ‘Great Three’ Gelug pa monasteries in the central Tibet. The other two are Drepung monastery and Sera monastery. It denotes the Paradise of Tushita and the abode of Jampa, which is the future buddha.

Buildings

Ganden contained more than 18 major chapels, each is with large Buddha statues. Among of which, the four main chapels are

• Serdung Lhakhang, the chapel contains The Gold Tomb of Tsongkhapa
• Ser Tri Khang, the chapel of Tsongkhapa’s Gold Throne. It also contains one Kagyu Library
• Ngam Cho Khang, the chapel where Tsongkhapa taught
• Amdo Khangtsen, the chapel used by monks coming from Amdo. This chapel contains wall paintings of 35 Buddhas of confession and the 16 Arhats, and the protector of Amdo which is called “Anima Ja”

How to get to there

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There are 4 buses to Ganden monastery daily departured from Lhasa East Bus Station,
The 1^st departure: 06:30 am
The last return bus: 15:00-16:00 pm
Ticket Rates: RMB 10 per person – one way | Round trip – RMB 20 per person

Or, you surely can choose to rent a taxi to this monastery, the price for renting a vehicle is about RMB 200-300 round trip, private transportation

The Four Major Sects of Tibetan Buddhism

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Kirti Monastery is one Gelug pa monastery, was founded in 1870 and being built on the northwestern corner of Aba (Ngawa) City, Sichuan Province.

Brief

It occupies an area of 18,000 square meters, houses about 1,800 monks, and one attached monk school; It is the largest Tibetan Monastery in Ngawa. There are many (approximately 30-40) smaller monasteries affiliated with the Kirti Monasteries spread throughout Aba county.

Different names

The name of “Kirti” in Tibetan also pronounce “Ger-deng”, in Chinese Pin Yin, it is called “Ge-Er-Deng”. Local people use “Kirti” or “Ge-Er-Deng” to refer this monastery. Its altitude is about 3,300 meters above sea level.

Why become popular

It becomes well-known for its 30 meters high white chorten known as the Dudul Chorten which has chapels on various floors respectively dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, Mahakarunika, and the Three Deities of Longevity, Tsongkhapa and Sitatapatra. This enormous pagoda has 120 pillars, and some of the statues are 8 meters height

How to get to there

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Kirti Monastery is actually located in the center area of Aba county, which the No. 503 road passing through; you will first need to get to Aba county by either flight or bus