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The Sera Monastery at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern
suburb of Lhasa City. It is one of three famous monasteries in Lhasa
along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. The Sera
Monastery is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of
Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey, one of Tsong
Khapa's disciples built the monastery in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty
(1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the
Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses
in bloom when the monastery was built.
The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters
(28 acres). Its main buildings are the Coqen Hall, Zhacang (college) and
Kamcun (dormitory). Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues,
scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful
debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style
distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries.
Coqen Hall
The Coqen Hall, which was built in 1710, is a four-storey building in the
northeast area of the monastery. This main assembly hall where various
rituals are held is supported by 125 pillars of varying heights and
covers about 2,000 square meters (0.5 acre). It consists of five chapels
which give honor to the Maitreya, Sakyamuni, Arhats, Tsong Khapa, and
Kwan-yin with one thousand hands and eleven faces. The delicate Gangyur
of Tripitaka in Tibetan is the proudest possession of the monastery which
now holds 105 out of the original 108 volumes. These priceless volumes,
the earliest sutras printed by engraving in China, were presented as a
gift to Jamchen Chojey by Chengzhu, a Ming Dynasty Emperor.
Zhacang
Zhacang, which means Buddhist College in Tibetan, acts as the arena for
the monks to study the Buddhist Classics. There are three Zhacangs in the
monastery: Me Zhacang, Je Zhacang and Ngaba Zhacang. The oldest of these,
the Me Zhacang, was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty and features a
well-preserved fresco. In the Je Zhacang the Hayagriva displayed is
extremely famous throughout Tibet. The Ngaba Zhacang is the smallest and
newest arena where one of the monastery's founders, Jamchen Chojey, is
worshipped.
Kamcun
Kamcuns are the dormitories where the monks usually dine and sleep. The
Sera Monastery has around thirty-three Kamcuns which have a central
court-yard. They are comprised of halls to read the doctrine, houses and
tea houses. The Kamcuns range in size, as do the number of monks housed
in each one. Lamas from the same or neighboring areas of Tibet are placed
together in a Kamcun.
Sera Bengqin Festival
The Sera Bengqin Festival is a grand festival held in the Sera Monastery
on December 27 of the Tibetan calendar (about February in the Gregorian
calendar). On that day, a Dorje Pestle is carried to the Potala Palace.
The Dalai Lama prays to the Buddha to confer strength and then he blesses
the pestle. Following this, the Khenpo (president) of the Ngaba Zhacang
will place the pestle on the monks and followers who believe that the
power and support of the Buddha are transferred. Tens of thousands of
believers come to witness this event as it only occurs at the Sera
Monastery.
Debating of Buddhist Doctrines
The Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism studies Buddhist
doctrines using a step-by-step process. As a part of their study, lamas
must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to
more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera
Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. Debates
are conducted by the lamas in the monastery every day beginning at 3.a.m.
In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of
gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an
answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
For a clear view of this unique event, an early arrival is recommended.
Other Highlights in the Monastery
During the Shoton Festival which runs from June 30 to July 6 in the
Tibetan calendar (approximately August in the Gregorian calendar) the
Buddha-Unfolding Festival is held. This is a fantastic occasion to
worship the Buddha which is open to both locals and tourists. The only
celestial burial place in Lhasa is on the hill behind the Sera Monastery.
However, visitors are not permitted to witness a celestial burial due to
the local customs.
Admission Fee: CNY 55
Opening Hours: 09:00 to 16:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: Two hours
Bus Route: It costs 15 to take a taxi to go, however, you can bargain
with the taxi driver.
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