For many people, Tibet is a uniquely spiritual place which is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable peoples you will ever meet, so Tibet tour has become more and more popular both among domestics and foreign friends. For travelers, the easy smile of most of most Tibetans is infectious and it is rare for major cultural differences to get in the way of communication.
Buddhism is perhaps the most tolerant of the world’s religions. Wherever it has gone it has adapted to local conditions, like a dividing cell, creating countless new schools of thought. Tibetans are such a deeply religious people that a basic knowledge of Buddhism is essential in understanding their world. Buddhism permeates most facets of Tibetan daily life and shapes aspirations in ways that are often quite alien to the Western frame of mind. With such an important status, when traveling to Lhasa, tourists should not miss the chance to pay a visit to the famous temples and this maybe one of the best ways to experience the life in Tibet.
About 8 kilometers west of central Lhasa, Drepung Monastery was once one of the world’s largest monasteries. Drepung was founded in 1416 by a charismatic monk and disciple of Tsongkhapa called Jamyang Choje. Within just a year of completion the monastery had attracted a population of some 2000 monks. The word Drepung literally translates as “rice heap”, a reference to the huge numbers of white monastic buildings that once piled up on the hillside. It suffered through the ages with assaults by the kings of Tsang and the Mongols, but was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution and there is still much of interest intake. Rebuilding and resettlement continue at a pace unmatched elsewhere in Tibet and the site once again resembles a small village, with around 600 monks’ resident. The best way to visit the chapels is to follow the pilgrims or, failing that, the yellow signs.
In addition, Drepung Monastery has a collection of Buddhist scriptures "Kanjur" of more than 100, as well as mentoring and other writings of Tsongkhapa, three hundred manuscripts of the Department of Buddhist scriptures. All of these did make a great contribution to the study of Tibetan history, religion, arts.
Ganden Monastery is a national key protected institution of cultural relics located just 50 kilometers northeast of Lhasa, was the first Gelugpa monastery and has been the main seat of this major Buddhist order ever since. If you only have time for one monastery excursion outside Lhasa, Ganden would probably the best choice. With its stupendous views of the surrounding Kyi-chu Valley and fascinating kora, Ganden is an experience unlike the other major Gelupa monasteries in the Lhasa area. The monastery was founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the revered reformer of the Gelugpa order, after the first Monlam festival was performed here. Ganden means “joyous” in Tibetan and is the name of the Western Paradise that is home to Jampa, the Future Buddha.
Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery together are “the three major monasteries" in Lhasa. Emperor Shizong in Qing Dynasty had named it as Yongshou Temple. Every leader of Gelugpa Ganden Tripa is living in the temple. So after paying a visit to these temples, tourists will get a deeper understanding about Tibet custom and culture. And the unique experience in Lhasa will leave a deep impression on your mind.
If you have read all of the article ,you must want to have a Tibet Tour !
