Difference between revisions of "Ganden Sumtseling Monastery"
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− | The Ganden Sumtseling [[Monastery]], also known as Sungtseling and Guihuasi (Chinese: 松赞林寺 Sōngzànlín Sì), is a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monastery]] situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the city of Zhongdian at elevation 3,380 metres (11,090 ft) in Yunnan province, [[China]]. Built in 1679, the [[Monastery]] is the largest [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monastery]] in Yunnan province and is sometimes referred to as the Little [[Potala Palace]]. Located in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is also the most important [[Monastery]] in southwest [[China]]. | + | The [[Ganden]] Sumtseling [[Monastery]], also known as Sungtseling and Guihuasi ({{Wiki|Chinese}}: 松赞林寺 Sōngzànlín Sì), is a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monastery]] situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the city of Zhongdian at elevation 3,380 metres (11,090 ft) in Yunnan province, [[China]]. Built in 1679, the [[Monastery]] is the largest [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monastery]] in Yunnan province and is sometimes referred to as the Little [[Potala Palace]]. Located in the {{Wiki|capital}} of Diqing [[Tibetan]] Autonomous Prefecture, it is also the most important [[Monastery]] in {{Wiki|southwest}} [[China]]. |
− | It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] of the Gelukpa [[Order]] of the [[Dalai Lama]]. The [[Fifth Dalai Lama]]'s [[Buddhist]] visionary [[Zeal]] established the [[Monastery]] in Zhongdian, in 1679. Its architecture is a fusion of the Tibetan and Han Chinese. It was extensively damaged in the Cultural Revolution and subsequently rebuilt in 1983; at its peak, the [[Monastery]] contained accommodation for 2,000 [[Monks]]; it currently accommodates in its rebuilt structures 700 [[Monks]] in 200 associated houses. | + | It belongs to the [[Yellow Hat sect]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] of the [[Gelukpa]] [[Order]] of the [[Dalai Lama]]. The [[Fifth Dalai Lama]]'s [[Buddhist]] [[visionary]] [[Zeal]] established the [[Monastery]] in Zhongdian, in 1679. Its architecture is a fusion of the [[Tibetan]] and {{Wiki|Han Chinese}}. It was extensively damaged in the {{Wiki|Cultural Revolution}} and subsequently rebuilt in 1983; at its peak, the [[Monastery]] contained accommodation for 2,000 [[Monks]]; it currently accommodates in its rebuilt structures 700 [[Monks]] in 200 associated houses. |
− | Because of the popularity of James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon (novel) (1933), which introduced [[Shangri-La]] and is said have been written on an inspirational theme of "the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] Scriptures, where human beings, [[Animals]], and nature lived in [[Harmony]] under the rule of a Tibetan", the Chinese authorities changed the [[Name]] of Zhongdian County to [[Shangri-La]] County in 2001, basically to encourage tourism. The earlier names were – the Zhongdian (建塘镇 Jiàntáng Zhèn) to the Chinese, and Gyalthang (Standard Tibetan: རྒྱལ་ཐང་རྫོང་) also known locally as 'Xianeggelila' to the Tibetans of the town which has predominantly Tibetan population. The [[Name]] of the county's capital town was similarly changed from Jiantang to [[Shangri-La]]. The ambiance of the town is distinctly Tibetan with [[Prayer]] flags fluttering, mountains known by holy names, lamaseries and rocks inscribed in Tibetan [[Language]] with [[Buddhist]] [[Sutras]]. | + | Because of the popularity of James Hilton's {{Wiki|novel}} Lost Horizon ({{Wiki|novel}}) (1933), which introduced [[Shangri-La]] and is said have been written on an inspirational theme of "the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Scriptures]], where [[human beings]], [[Animals]], and nature lived in [[Harmony]] under the rule of a [[Tibetan]]", the {{Wiki|Chinese}} authorities changed the [[Name]] of Zhongdian County to [[Shangri-La]] County in 2001, basically to encourage tourism. The earlier names were – the Zhongdian (建塘镇 Jiàntáng Zhèn) to the {{Wiki|Chinese}}, and Gyalthang (Standard [[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|རྒྱལ་ཐང་རྫོང་}}) also known locally as 'Xianeggelila' to the [[Tibetans]] of the town which has predominantly [[Tibetan]] population. The [[Name]] of the county's {{Wiki|capital}} town was similarly changed from Jiantang to [[Shangri-La]]. The ambiance of the town is distinctly [[Tibetan]] with [[Prayer]] flags fluttering, mountains known by holy names, lamaseries and rocks inscribed in [[Tibetan]] [[Language]] with [[Buddhist]] [[Sutras]]. |
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
− | The [[Monastery]], with a group of structures packed together on a rolling farm land, located in the town of Jiantang in the Yunnan province, now renamed as [[Shangri-La]] town in the renamed [[Shangri-La]] county, is in the [[Heart]] of the mountain range known as Hengduan Mountain Range; it is part of the Mount Baimang Nature Reserve in Yunnan province but the [[Monastery]] does not have snow covered backdrop. It is delimited in the north west contiguously by [[Tibet]], to the north by Muli and Ganzi, on the west by the Salween [[River]] Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, on its south by the Lijiang; the populace is an amalgam of Tibetans, Hui, Bai, Naxi and Han. The town is located on the famous Southern [[{{Wiki|Silk Road}}]], which originates in Sichuan province in the north, crosses Yunnan province and goes to [[Vietnam]]. | + | The [[Monastery]], with a group of structures packed together on a rolling farm land, located in the town of Jiantang in the Yunnan province, now renamed as [[Shangri-La]] town in the renamed [[Shangri-La]] county, is in the [[Heart]] of the mountain range known as Hengduan Mountain Range; it is part of the Mount Baimang Nature Reserve in Yunnan province but the [[Monastery]] does not have snow covered backdrop. It is delimited in the {{Wiki|north}} {{Wiki|west}} contiguously by [[Tibet]], to the {{Wiki|north}} by Muli and Ganzi, on the {{Wiki|west}} by the Salween [[River]] Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, on its {{Wiki|south}} by the Lijiang; the populace is an amalgam of [[Tibetans]], Hui, Bai, Naxi and Han. The town is located on the famous Southern [[{{Wiki|Silk Road}}]], which originates in {{Wiki|Sichuan}} province in the {{Wiki|north}}, crosses Yunnan province and goes to [[Vietnam]]. |
− | Well established road links exist from [[Shangri-La]] to Lhasa, Litang, Dali and Tibetan Sichuan. It is 198 kilometres (123 mi) to the northwest of Lijiang. [[Shangri-La]] is also well connected by air with Lhasa and Kunming from its airport known as [[Shangri-La]] Diqing Airport, which is 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) to the south of the town in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. However, there are no rail links at present. The [[Monastery]] is an hour's walk from the [[Shangri-La]] town and is a major attraction for tourists and the change of [[Name]] of the town to [[Shangri-La]] and the impressive [[Monastery]] complex are stated to have encouraged tourism to this place. | + | Well established road links [[exist]] from [[Shangri-La]] to {{Wiki|Lhasa}}, Litang, Dali and [[Tibetan]] {{Wiki|Sichuan}}. It is 198 kilometres (123 mi) to the {{Wiki|northwest}} of Lijiang. [[Shangri-La]] is also well connected by [[air]] with {{Wiki|Lhasa}} and Kunming from its airport known as [[Shangri-La]] Diqing Airport, which is 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) to the {{Wiki|south}} of the town in the Diqing [[Tibetan]] Autonomous Prefecture. However, there are no rail links at present. The [[Monastery]] is an hour's walk from the [[Shangri-La]] town and is a major [[attraction]] for tourists and the change of [[Name]] of the town to [[Shangri-La]] and the impressive [[Monastery]] complex are stated to have encouraged tourism to this place. |
− | == History == | + | == {{Wiki|History}} == |
− | The Sumtseling [[Monastery]] belonging to the Gelukpa [[Order]] of [[Buddhism]] was established by the [[Fifth Dalai Lama]] in 1679. It was built during the rule of the Qing dynasty Kangxi Emperor (r.1662-1722). He fully patronized the development of this [[Monastery]]. It is also said that the emperor was associated in the [[Reincarnation]] search for the [[Seventh Dalai Lama]]. | + | The Sumtseling [[Monastery]] belonging to the [[Gelukpa]] [[Order]] of [[Buddhism]] was established by the [[Fifth Dalai Lama]] in 1679. It was built during the rule of the {{Wiki|Qing dynasty}} {{Wiki|Kangxi}} [[Emperor]] (r.1662-1722). He fully patronized the development of this [[Monastery]]. It is also said that the [[emperor]] was associated in the [[Reincarnation]] search for the [[Seventh Dalai Lama]]. |
− | In the 1930s, the [[Monastery]] had provided full support to the Communist general He Long who passed through this area during his campaign. However, in 1959, the People's [[Liberation]] Army (PLA) of [[China]] bombed the [[Monastery]] during their invasion of [[Tibet]]. Since 1981, the situation has changed, the [[Monastery]] buildings have been mostly restored and normality prevails. | + | In the 1930s, the [[Monastery]] had provided full support to the {{Wiki|Communist}} general He Long who passed through this area during his campaign. However, in 1959, the People's [[Liberation]] {{Wiki|Army}} (PLA) of [[China]] bombed the [[Monastery]] during their invasion of [[Tibet]]. Since 1981, the situation has changed, the [[Monastery]] buildings have been mostly restored and normality prevails. |
== Structures == | == Structures == | ||
[[File:Zhongdian-rueda-oracion-c01.jpg|thumb|250px|A Prayer wheel at the scripture chamber]] | [[File:Zhongdian-rueda-oracion-c01.jpg|thumb|250px|A Prayer wheel at the scripture chamber]] | ||
− | The [[Monastery]] built in the 17th century as the largest [[Buddhist]] [[Monastery]] in Yunnan province, after a [[Revelation]] by the [[Fifth Dalai Lama]] is in accordance with Tibetan traditional architectural style. It has six main structures including eight colleges. The entrance gate is at the foot of the hill and provides access to the main hall of the [[Monastery]] through 146 steps. | + | The [[Monastery]] built in the 17th century as the largest [[Buddhist]] [[Monastery]] in Yunnan province, after a [[Revelation]] by the [[Fifth Dalai Lama]] is in accordance with [[Tibetan]] [[traditional]] architectural style. It has six main structures including eight colleges. The entrance gate is at the foot of the hill and provides access to the main hall of the [[Monastery]] through 146 steps. |
− | In the main hall of the [[Monastery]], more than 1500 [[Monks]] congregate to recite the [[Buddhist]] scriptures. This hall houses a plethora of scriptures written on palm leaves, a gilded statue of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] which is 8 metres (26 ft) tall at the main [[Altar]] along with paintings depicting the [[Life]] of [[Buddha]]. The [[Altar]] has permanent decorated by yak butter lamps. | + | In the main hall of the [[Monastery]], more than 1500 [[Monks]] congregate to recite the [[Buddhist]] [[scriptures]]. This hall houses a plethora of [[scriptures]] written on palm leaves, a gilded statue of [[Shakyamuni Buddha]] which is 8 metres (26 ft) tall at the main [[Altar]] along with paintings depicting the [[Life]] of [[Buddha]]. The [[Altar]] has [[permanent]] decorated by yak [[butter lamps]]. |
− | The [[Monastery]] has two major lamasery buildings – Zhacang and Jikang – apart from several smaller lamaseries. Numerous living rooms have also been built for the [[Monks]] to reside. The main [[Monastery]] structure built in Tibetan style has a gilded copper roof similar to the one at the [[Potala]] [[Monastery]] in Lhasa. The other buildings in the complex are built in Han Chinese style. | + | The [[Monastery]] has two major lamasery buildings – Zhacang and Jikang – apart from several smaller lamaseries. Numerous living rooms have also been built for the [[Monks]] to reside. The main [[Monastery]] structure built in [[Tibetan]] style has a gilded copper roof similar to the one at the [[Potala]] [[Monastery]] in {{Wiki|Lhasa}}. The other buildings in the complex are built in {{Wiki|Han Chinese}} style. |
− | The road from the old town of the city, leads to the [[Scripture]] chamber (Gucheng Zangjingtang), which was earlier a Red Army Memorial hall to commemorate the Red Army's long march in the 1930s. At the opposite end of this hall, across the street is the Gulshan Park (Gulshan Gongyuan), which has a [[Monastery]] with a commanding view of the town and its surroundings. Further along the road, known as the 'Changzeng [[Lu]]' (2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long north-south trending street with intersecting roads laid in grid pattern) to the extreme south, is another temple. Passing through this street leads to [[Gardens]] and a pavilion; and further to the north on a hill, there is a [[Chorten]] (Tibetan [[Stupa]]). The east west road 'Tuanje Jie' leads to many smaller temples at the south end around the old town. | + | The road from the old town of the city, leads to the [[Scripture]] chamber (Gucheng Zangjingtang), which was earlier a Red {{Wiki|Army}} Memorial hall to commemorate the Red Army's long march in the 1930s. At the {{Wiki|opposite}} end of this hall, across the street is the Gulshan Park (Gulshan Gongyuan), which has a [[Monastery]] with a commanding [[view]] of the town and its surroundings. Further along the road, known as the 'Changzeng [[Lu]]' (2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long north-south trending street with intersecting roads laid in grid pattern) to the extreme {{Wiki|south}}, is another [[temple]]. Passing through this street leads to [[Gardens]] and a pavilion; and further to the {{Wiki|north}} on a hill, there is a [[Chorten]] ([[Tibetan]] [[Stupa]]). The {{Wiki|east}} {{Wiki|west}} road 'Tuanje Jie' leads to many smaller [[temples]] at the {{Wiki|south}} end around the old town. |
== Festivals == | == Festivals == | ||
− | The Gedong Festival is held in the precincts of the [[Monastery]] annually on 29 November when devotees from the region attend to worship and also to witness the religious mask dances – the [[Cham]] dance – that are performed by the [[Monks]] in colourful costumes depicting [[Deities]], [[Ghosts]] and [[Animals]]. | + | The Gedong {{Wiki|Festival}} is held in the precincts of the [[Monastery]] annually on 29 November when {{Wiki|devotees}} from the region attend to {{Wiki|worship}} and also to {{Wiki|witness}} the [[religious]] mask dances – the [[Cham]] dance – that are performed by the [[Monks]] in colourful costumes depicting [[Deities]], [[Ghosts]] and [[Animals]]. |
− | A three day '[[Horse]] Racing Festival' also known as 'Heavenly Steed Festival' is held at Zandiaong, some [[Time]] in June (according to the lunar [[Calendar]]: 5th day of the 5th month), to the south east of the town, which involves [[Dancing]], singing and eating, in addition to the racing of horses. [[Horse]] traders assemble here in their finest attire of furs and silks. Families of villagers camp in tents at the designated [[Horse]] racing meadow land at an elevation of 3,288 metres (10,787 ft). | + | A three day '[[Horse]] Racing {{Wiki|Festival}}' also known as '[[Heavenly]] Steed {{Wiki|Festival}}' is held at Zandiaong, some [[Time]] in June (according to the lunar [[Calendar]]: 5th day of the 5th month), to the {{Wiki|south}} {{Wiki|east}} of the town, which involves [[Dancing]], singing and eating, in addition to the racing of horses. [[Horse]] traders assemble here in their finest attire of furs and silks. Families of villagers camp in tents at the designated [[Horse]] racing meadow land at an elevation of 3,288 metres (10,787 ft). |
− | A new festival introduced in 1990s is called the 'Minority Festival' held in September when artists from neighbouring districts and [[Tibet]] participate to present their [[Art]] forms. | + | A new {{Wiki|festival}} introduced in 1990s is called the 'Minority {{Wiki|Festival}}' held in September when {{Wiki|artists}} from neighbouring districts and [[Tibet]] participate to present their [[Art]] [[forms]]. |
{{W}} | {{W}} |
Latest revision as of 13:40, 9 February 2016
The Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, also known as Sungtseling and Guihuasi (Chinese: 松赞林寺 Sōngzànlín Sì), is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the city of Zhongdian at elevation 3,380 metres (11,090 ft) in Yunnan province, China. Built in 1679, the Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan province and is sometimes referred to as the Little Potala Palace. Located in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is also the most important Monastery in southwest China.
It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelukpa Order of the Dalai Lama. The Fifth Dalai Lama's Buddhist visionary Zeal established the Monastery in Zhongdian, in 1679. Its architecture is a fusion of the Tibetan and Han Chinese. It was extensively damaged in the Cultural Revolution and subsequently rebuilt in 1983; at its peak, the Monastery contained accommodation for 2,000 Monks; it currently accommodates in its rebuilt structures 700 Monks in 200 associated houses.
Because of the popularity of James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon (novel) (1933), which introduced Shangri-La and is said have been written on an inspirational theme of "the Tibetan Buddhist Scriptures, where human beings, Animals, and nature lived in Harmony under the rule of a Tibetan", the Chinese authorities changed the Name of Zhongdian County to Shangri-La County in 2001, basically to encourage tourism. The earlier names were – the Zhongdian (建塘镇 Jiàntáng Zhèn) to the Chinese, and Gyalthang (Standard Tibetan: རྒྱལ་ཐང་རྫོང་) also known locally as 'Xianeggelila' to the Tibetans of the town which has predominantly Tibetan population. The Name of the county's capital town was similarly changed from Jiantang to Shangri-La. The ambiance of the town is distinctly Tibetan with Prayer flags fluttering, mountains known by holy names, lamaseries and rocks inscribed in Tibetan Language with Buddhist Sutras.
Geography
The Monastery, with a group of structures packed together on a rolling farm land, located in the town of Jiantang in the Yunnan province, now renamed as Shangri-La town in the renamed Shangri-La county, is in the Heart of the mountain range known as Hengduan Mountain Range; it is part of the Mount Baimang Nature Reserve in Yunnan province but the Monastery does not have snow covered backdrop. It is delimited in the north west contiguously by Tibet, to the north by Muli and Ganzi, on the west by the Salween River Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, on its south by the Lijiang; the populace is an amalgam of Tibetans, Hui, Bai, Naxi and Han. The town is located on the famous Southern [[Silk Road]], which originates in Sichuan province in the north, crosses Yunnan province and goes to Vietnam.
Well established road links exist from Shangri-La to Lhasa, Litang, Dali and Tibetan Sichuan. It is 198 kilometres (123 mi) to the northwest of Lijiang. Shangri-La is also well connected by air with Lhasa and Kunming from its airport known as Shangri-La Diqing Airport, which is 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) to the south of the town in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. However, there are no rail links at present. The Monastery is an hour's walk from the Shangri-La town and is a major attraction for tourists and the change of Name of the town to Shangri-La and the impressive Monastery complex are stated to have encouraged tourism to this place.
History
The Sumtseling Monastery belonging to the Gelukpa Order of Buddhism was established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679. It was built during the rule of the Qing dynasty Kangxi Emperor (r.1662-1722). He fully patronized the development of this Monastery. It is also said that the emperor was associated in the Reincarnation search for the Seventh Dalai Lama.
In the 1930s, the Monastery had provided full support to the Communist general He Long who passed through this area during his campaign. However, in 1959, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China bombed the Monastery during their invasion of Tibet. Since 1981, the situation has changed, the Monastery buildings have been mostly restored and normality prevails.
Structures
The Monastery built in the 17th century as the largest Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan province, after a Revelation by the Fifth Dalai Lama is in accordance with Tibetan traditional architectural style. It has six main structures including eight colleges. The entrance gate is at the foot of the hill and provides access to the main hall of the Monastery through 146 steps.
In the main hall of the Monastery, more than 1500 Monks congregate to recite the Buddhist scriptures. This hall houses a plethora of scriptures written on palm leaves, a gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha which is 8 metres (26 ft) tall at the main Altar along with paintings depicting the Life of Buddha. The Altar has permanent decorated by yak butter lamps.
The Monastery has two major lamasery buildings – Zhacang and Jikang – apart from several smaller lamaseries. Numerous living rooms have also been built for the Monks to reside. The main Monastery structure built in Tibetan style has a gilded copper roof similar to the one at the Potala Monastery in Lhasa. The other buildings in the complex are built in Han Chinese style.
The road from the old town of the city, leads to the Scripture chamber (Gucheng Zangjingtang), which was earlier a Red Army Memorial hall to commemorate the Red Army's long march in the 1930s. At the opposite end of this hall, across the street is the Gulshan Park (Gulshan Gongyuan), which has a Monastery with a commanding view of the town and its surroundings. Further along the road, known as the 'Changzeng Lu' (2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long north-south trending street with intersecting roads laid in grid pattern) to the extreme south, is another temple. Passing through this street leads to Gardens and a pavilion; and further to the north on a hill, there is a Chorten (Tibetan Stupa). The east west road 'Tuanje Jie' leads to many smaller temples at the south end around the old town.
Festivals
The Gedong Festival is held in the precincts of the Monastery annually on 29 November when devotees from the region attend to worship and also to witness the religious mask dances – the Cham dance – that are performed by the Monks in colourful costumes depicting Deities, Ghosts and Animals.
A three day 'Horse Racing Festival' also known as 'Heavenly Steed Festival' is held at Zandiaong, some Time in June (according to the lunar Calendar: 5th day of the 5th month), to the south east of the town, which involves Dancing, singing and eating, in addition to the racing of horses. Horse traders assemble here in their finest attire of furs and silks. Families of villagers camp in tents at the designated Horse racing meadow land at an elevation of 3,288 metres (10,787 ft).
A new festival introduced in 1990s is called the 'Minority Festival' held in September when artists from neighbouring districts and Tibet participate to present their Art forms.