Tsepak Lakhang

Its full name is “Shidey Amitayus Monastery of Immortal Bliss“

The Tibetan name “Tsepak Lakhang” means “Palace of the Buddha of Longevity,” with the main deity being Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Life, who presides over the Western Pure Land.

It is located at 29 Xiaozhaosi Road in Lhasa, is a Gelug pa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism

Historically, this monastery was managed by Zhide Dratsang

Introduction

Tsepak Lakhang is adjacent to the Ramoche Temple, just south of the temple gate,

In front of Tsepak Lakhang, there is a incense burner, often enveloped in fragrant smoke.

At the entrance of the monastery, there is the “Tsepak Lakhang Butter Lamp Shop.”

Inside the courtyard of Tsepak Lakhang, immediately to the left upon entering, there is a semi-underground room containing numerous perpetually burning butter lamps.

Tsepak Lakhang has only one shrine hall, dedicated to Amitabha Buddha. People come here mainly to pray for peace, longevity, and health.

The walls of the shrine hall are lined with prayer wheels, with 16 on each wall.

It is said that this statue of Amitabha Buddha is the most efficacious in Lhasa and is also the largest Amitabha Buddha statue in the city.

Circumambulation

Despite its small size, this monastery is bustling with activity, with a constant stream of people circumambulating. Devotees pray, make offerings, and prostrate themselves before beginning the circumambulation, known locally as “Langre.”

Local Tibetans refer to the circumambulation here as “Langre.” It must be done in a clockwise direction, following the path around the shrine hall. The number of circuits should match the age of the devotee to ensure the practice’s effectiveness in bringing peace and longevity.

Another method is to circumambulate according to one’s capacity, such as three or seven circuits, to pray for health, peace, and longevity.

Every day, a steady stream of people circumambulates the “Langre.”

There is also a place in the side hall where butter lamps can be lit, and the rows of butter lamps present a spectacular sight.