|
 Drepung
Monastery, situated to
the west of Lhasa city,
was founded in 1416 by
one of Tsong Khapa’s
disciples. It was the
largest and richest of
the three major Yellow
Sect monasteries in
Lhasa, and it also
became the most
powerful. It is one of
the largest monasteries
in the world.
The 5th Dalai Lama
enlarged Drepung and
ruled there while the
Potala was being built.
This magnificent
monastery was built on
an enormous scale,
resembling a huge walled
city. From its roofs,
one can enjoy a scenic
view of Lhasa city.
According to religious
records, during the
foundation of Drepung,
Tsong Khapa discovered a
magical white conch
shell with counter
clockwise whorls,
believed it to be buried
by the Buddha Sakyamuni.
Tsong Khapa bestowed
this religious treasure
to Drepung, and it can
still be seen today in
the "Great Sutra
Chanting Hall".
As the most powerful of
the "Gelukpa"
monasteries, Drepung had
seven colleges and, at
its height, housed over
10,000 monks. It owns
many splendid murals,
elaborate statues and
other rich treasures. A
giant golden statue of
Buddha "Jiangba
Tongzhenma" sits near
the precious conch
shell. |
