Nyingma Pa Monasteries

Also known as Ewam Monastery (E waM Gonpa) or Yanweng Monastery (Yan weng Gonpa), Chakra Monastery belongs to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by Tse Sa Lama – Sherab Gyatso between approximately 1187 and 1200 CE.

The name of the monastery originates from the phrase “gnam la e dang sa la waM yig tshang ba’i gnas.” Currently, the monastery houses around 90 resident monks and student monks.

It is located in the southern part of Dege County, near the Jinsha River — the natural boundary with the Tibet Autonomous Region — nestled in a mountain hollow close to the summit. It is about 35 kilometers from the county seat of Dege and is accessible by road and connected to electricity.

Chakra Monastery is an important Nyingma monastery in the Kham region and serves as a branch of the renowned Pelyul Monastery located in Baiyu County.

In summer, the area is lush with green grass and blooming flowers, offering breathtaking scenery and a serene environment. It is a sacred site for the practice of Dzogchen and Vajrayana teachings, making it not only a spiritual center for the study of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism but also a wonderful destination for sightseeing and tourism.

Chakra Legend of the Monastery’s Founding

Over 900 years ago, the Venerable Sherab Gyatso received teachings and engaged in spiritual practice under the guidance of the Venerable Tangpa Deshe, the founder of Kathok Monastery. Through his dedication, Sherab Gyatso attained both “common” and “uncommon” realizations and became one of Tangpa Deshe’s five principal disciples.

Tangpa Deshe once said to Sherab Gyatso:
“Now is the time for you to benefit sentient beings and spread the Dharma. You should go toward the direction of Dege. When you see a Dharma wheel appear in the sky with the syllable ‘E’ at its center, and on the ground an eight-petaled lotus with the syllable ‘waM’ appearing in its heart — and when these two merge together in the sky — that is the place where you are destined to build a monastery and propagate the Dharma.”

After a long and arduous journey, Sherab Gyatso arrived at a place where the surrounding peaks resembled the Eight Auspicious Symbols, the forests were lush, the springs were crystal clear, and birds gathered in harmony. At that moment, the vision described by Tangpa Deshe appeared in the sky.

Recognizing this as the destined site, Sherab Gyatso established Ewam Monastery (Chakra Monastery) there. The location is also believed to be the sacred mountain of the Dharma protector Dangjin Dorje Lingpa.

Dangjin Dorje Lingpa is considered one of the most powerful protectors within the Dzogchen tradition. For generations, the local people have passed down stories of the miraculous power of the protectors associated with Ewam Monastery.

Chakra Development and Lineage

Throughout its history, Ewam Monastery experienced both periods of prosperity and decline. After flourishing for a time, the monastery fell into decline, with the number of monks dwindling. It was during this period that a great figure emerged — Master Dangchin Jangchok. He studied at Palyul Monastery under the great tertön Gotsang Sherab, receiving the complete lineage of Palyul. He then revitalized Ewam Monastery, which from that point onward became an important branch of Palyul Monastery.

Historically, Ewam Monastery had five main assembly halls and was home to over a hundred resident high lamas. Countless accomplished masters emerged from here, including many who achieved the rainbow body. Among them were thirteen renowned masters such as Shiré Gyatso, Onchin Dorje, Zatsa Lama, Chipoma Gyentsen, and Tangpa Jangde.

It is said that every morning, these thirteen great masters would fly across the Jinsha River to practice on a sacred mountain in Tibet, returning to Ewam Monastery in the evening. Since local villagers did not have timekeeping tools at that time, they would wait to see the high lamas fly back before going home to prepare dinner.

The relic stupas of these thirteen great masters were preserved at Ewam Monastery, two of which were corporeal (containing their physical remains). Sadly, all of them were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

During that turbulent period, Ewam Monastery suffered extensive damage. Many high lamas were expelled and forced to take refuge in the mountains, where they could only practice the Dharma in secret at home.

Once religious freedom was restored, these high lamas returned to Ewam Monastery. Under the leadership of Pema Jangyong and Khenpo Pani Dorje, they began teaching the Dharma again amidst the ruins, gradually training new monks and rebuilding the monastery.

In 1994, Zewang Rinpoche, at the age of 21, completed his studies at Palyul Monastery. He was recognized by Penor Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Chiwong Tulku. Upon returning to Ewam Monastery, he was enthroned in a ceremony led by Tutsong Rinpoche. Taking charge of the monastery’s restoration, Zewang Rinpoche led the monks and devotees in tremendous efforts to rebuild.

They reconstructed the mountain paths connecting the monastery to surrounding villages, built the main assembly hall and auspicious stupas, crafted new statues, painted thangkas, and established a retreat center. There, monks began undertaking the traditional “three years, three months, and three days” retreat, as well as shorter intensive retreats.

To ensure younger monks received a proper education, Zewang Rinpoche also founded the Ewam Monastic Institute, inviting qualified teachers to provide systematic education for the young monastics.

In daily life, monks at Ewam Monastery gather in the main hall each morning and evening for prayer sessions and also recite scriptures in the protector shrine.

The protector shrine of Ewam Monastery houses deities such as Gambo Mani, Egang Zade, Tangje Lepa, Rehula, Nine Ma, Bobo Dorje Yane, mountain protectors, and wealth deities.

About ten monks are designated to perform daily rituals — in the mornings, they offer fire pujas and chant prayers for the Wealth Deity, Tara, Long Life, and Auspiciousness; in the afternoons, they recite protector prayers. These rituals are dedicated to the peace and prosperity of the nation, favorable weather, and the well-being of all. They also offer blessings to the lay supporters who contributed to rebuilding the monastery, praying for their success, peace, and good fortune in all endeavors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Muya Monastery is located in the Geri Ma Village of Tagong Town, the entire village and monastery are nestled at the foot of the Yala Snow Mountain, with abundant cattle and sheep, offering a picturesque and deeply imbued Tibetan cultural atmosphere.

It is an important temple of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The name “Muya” represents the ancient and historical Tibetan region, holding significant importance in both the Tubo Kingdom history and the “Epic of King Gesar.” The old translation for “Muya” was “Mi Yao.” Today, it serves as both the name of an ancient tribe and a regional designation.

This is perfectly exemplified in the Geri Ma Village. Here, the people are simple, tourists are few, and there is almost no commercialization. The few visitors that do come are quiet and mainly take photographs. The monks in the monastery move through the village seemingly unaffected by the gaze of outsiders.

Muya monastery of Tagong is divided into a complex of buildings including the Buddhist Institute, Lama Temple, Jomu Temple, and Tibetan Hospital. In the village, one can see the Jomu Temple and other buildings, while the main monastery building is situated on the mountain behind the village, offering a view of the Yala Snow Mountain.

The walls of the monastery are adorned with numerous plaques inscribed with the six-syllable mantra, creating a unique and densely packed visual spectacle. Below the plaques are golden prayer wheels, which are almost always being spun by local Tibetans and monks.

Looking out from Muya Monastery towards Geri Ma Village, the houses are more scattered and colorful. In front of the monastery, there is a huge Mani stone Piles, consisting of millions of stacked Mani stones.

The Mani pile is a unique form of Tibetan culture and a manifestation of the Tibetan people’s devotion to Buddhism. The characters and patterns inscribed on the Mani stones are derived from the six-syllable mantra found in Buddhist scriptures, serving as sacred objects for devout Buddhists.

Kunu Gonpa, also known as “Kunu Yontan Rinchen Phelgya Ling,” belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery follows the teachings and practice traditions of the Nyingma school. It emphasizes the practice of Dzogchen, the transmission of esoteric teachings, and the culture of terma (hidden treasures).

It was established around 1700 AD and is located in Chaya Village, Seka Township, Dawu (also “Tawu” or “Daofu”) County, approximately 85 kilometers away from the county town, and with altitude around 4700 meters above sea level on the south side of the top of the mountain. The monastery is accessible by road but does not have electricity.

In 1983, it was approved for opening by the People’s Government of Tawu (Daofu) County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

In August 1996, it was officially registered in accordance with the “Regulations on the Management of Religious Activity Sites”.

Sangdak Monastery was built in 1782 AD and belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery is situated in Yasuo Village, Tongxiao Township, Xinlong County, approximately 58 kilometers from the county seat. It is accessible by road and has electricity.

Brief

Located in Tongxiao Township, Xinlong County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the monastery is a branch of Katok Monastery’s lineage.

Later, the great rainbow body achievement master, Pema Dundul of Xinlong Garong Monastery (Kalzang Monastery), personally restored the monastery. He bestowed it with a pair of terma “conch shells” and again named it “Songao Sangdak Duga Choling,” meaning “Secret Mantra White Conch Meditation Forest,” commonly referred to as “Sangdak Monastery.” The monastery has a history of over 300 years.

Currently, the monastery is home to more than 70 monks.

Religious Ceremonies

• Summer: Guru Rinpoche’s Birthday Puja
• Winter: Subjugation Ritual (Dramatic Dharma Protector Ceremony)
• Vajrasattva Group Practice of One Hundred Million Recitations (lasting approximately 40 days)
• Tsok Offering Puja & Great Fire Puja for Liberation through Hearing (lasting approximately 30 days)

Do Gongma Monastery, also known as Dragkar Lhari Gonpa, is a Nyingma monastery of Tibetan Buddhism that is part of the Katok Monastery system in Dege County.

According to legend (although unverified by historical records), the monastery was founded by “Tsora” or “Chatong Dekyok” around 1840 or 1860. It originally served as a monastery for the “Nida Tribe” or the nine small tribes of “Shamopa.”

The monastery is located 31 kilometers north of Do Gongma Township in Banma County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, near the “Madan Nga Gorge” in present-day Do Gongma Township, right next to the roadside.

Brief History

Before 1958, the monastery had one prayer hall with three rooms, 22 monks’ quarters with 46 rooms, and housed 40 monks.

In 1958, the monastery was closed.

On August 22^nd, 1984, it was approved for reopening, with an authorized number of 20 monks.

Currently, the monastery has one prayer hall with six rooms, three prayer wheel halls with five rooms, and 28 monks’ quarters. There are 42 monks in total, and the living Buddhas include Chupei (Ala O’ang), Latsam (Gyome Dorje), Bansan (the monastery’s management committee director), and Labao.

The monastery occupies an area of 25 acres, and its management committee consists of five members.