Samye Monastery

Fast Fact:

Elevation: 3600 m

Location: Drango County, Shannan prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region

Constructed: By King Trisong Deutsen

Constructed:  779 AD

Attractions: Samye Monastery, Guru Padmasambhava, Mt. Hepori

Samye Monastery stands as the inaugural Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It was likely erected between 775 and 779 during the rule of King Trisong Detsen, who was revered by Tibetans as an incarnation of Manjushri. In fact, around 130 years prior, King Songtsen Gampo and his queens had already built Buddhist geomantic temples in Tibet. However, due to the hostility of the Bon aristocratic families, formal Buddhist institutions had yet to materialize.

When King Trisong Detsen directly faced this deep – seated opposition to Buddhism, he invited Guru Padmasambhava from Oddiyana. The guru was tasked with subduing the hostile elemental forces in Tibet and making them receptive or submissive to Buddhism. Guru Padmasambhava traveled across the entire Tibetan plateau, converting negative forces into protectors of Buddhism. He also introduced the highest tantras and their teachings to his fortunate disciples. On the summit of Mt. Hepori, adjacent to the monastery, he vanquished the local demons and consecrated the site for the construction of Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery.

From the 8th century through to the late 10th century, the preceptors of Samye Monastery were held in high regard both socially and politically across Tibet. But after the collapse of the Yarlung Dynasty and the onset of the second phase of Buddhist propagation, the monastery gradually came under the influence of other non-Nyingma traditions. Consequently, Samye Monastery became a symbol of Tibet’s national identity, attracting significant interest from the Nyingma, Sakya, and Gelug schools.

Regrettably, the original structures of Samye Monastery are no longer fully intact. They have been damaged by civil wars, fires, earthquakes, and the events of the Cultural Revolution. Renovations have been carried out over different periods.

In summary, this monastery is an unparalleled and remarkable travel destination for delving into the religious and cultural diversity within Tibetan Buddhism. To deepen your understanding of this monastery and gather information regarding Tibet spiritual tours, kindly write to us at [email protected].