Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is one of the six main monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelug sect, located on the northern outskirts of Lhasa. It is an ancient monastery with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Not only thousands of Vajrapani Buddha statues, including the famous Mahakala, are preserved here, but it is also one of the must-see places for tourists visiting Lhasa.
History of Sera Monastery
The history of Sera Monastery dates back to the 15th century, when monks from places such as Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple built the monastery to commemorate the birth of Gautama Buddha. Over time, Sera Monastery gradually became one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect and one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa.
Architecture of Sera Monastery
The architecture of Sera Monastery is unique, located between mountains and next to a river, with an impressive scale. The architectural style combines Tibetan and Chinese elements, with a rational design that reflects the strict religious thought of the Gelug sect. The decorative details inside the monastery are exquisite, both the Buddha statues and the wall paintings, which are full of strong religious color and unique artistic style.
Statue of Mahakala
The most famous statue within Sera Monastery is the Mahakala, which is the treasure of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Mahakala is an important protective deity in Tibetan Buddhism, known for his ability to eliminate evil, protect against disasters, and ensure safety. Every year, on Mahakala's birth day on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, Sera Monastery holds a grand memorial ceremony that attracts numerous believers and tourists to offer worship.
Statues of Vajrapani Buddhas
In addition to the Mahakala statue, Sera Monastery also houses many statues of Vajrapani Buddhas, including many sculptures from the Ming and Qing dynasties that have high artistic value. In addition, the monastery preserves a large number of ancient wall paintings and tangkas, all precious jewels of Tibetan Buddhist art.
Monks’ Debating
Sera Monastery is also an important cultural center of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, where various religious activities take place, the most famous being the monks’ debating. Monks’ debating is a way in which Tibetan monks study the Dharma, deepening its understanding and realization through the debate of Buddhist principles. The scene of monks’ debating at the Sera Monastery is spectacular, attracting numerous tourists to witness it.
In short, Sera Monastery is an ancient monastery full of mystery and rich cultural heritage. Both the valuable artifacts and works of art and the exciting scenes of text disputes and religious activities have left a deep impression on visitors. If you are visiting Lhasa, it would be a good idea to visit Sera Monastery and experience the religious and cultural atmosphere here, you may have some unexpected surprises!
