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.
Leave a Reply