Litang Monastery in Litang County, Garze

Litang Monastery (长青春科尔寺), also known as Changqingchun Ke’er Monastery, is located to the north of Litang County (理塘县) in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province. Founded in 1580 during the Ming Dynasty, this monastery is the oldest and largest Yellow Sect (Gelug) monastery in the Kham (康区) region. It holds significant cultural and religious importance for Tibetan Buddhism.

The monastery's name, "Changqingchun Ke’er", can be translated as the Wheel of Maitreya Buddha (弥勒佛法轮), symbolizing the continuous turning of the Dharma wheel and the eternal truth.

History

The monastery was established in 1580 by the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso (索南嘉措), during the Ming Dynasty. Initially, the monastery had a small community of over a hundred monks and limited resources. With the help of the Mongolian King Qiche Aiden and the Naxi chieftain in Lijiang, the monastery expanded and constructed key buildings such as the Great Hall and King Wu Hall (吴王殿).

During the Qing Dynasty, the monastery became a prominent place for both religious pilgrims and government officials. Under the Qianlong Emperor, it saw further expansion and was known as a spiritual center. In the 18th century, it was reported that there were over 1,800 monks residing here. The monastery also became a well-known religious site for the Tibetan Buddhist Yellow Sect (黄教).

In the 1970s, Sichuan Provincial Government approved the monastery as a key site for public visitation, which helped fund repairs and maintenance. In 1983, the main Golden Roof Hall was reconstructed, including its main hall and surrounding courtyards, covering an area of 5.5 acres.

Architecture

Litang Monastery follows traditional Tibetan Buddhist architectural styles. It covers an area of 333,400 square meters (33.34 hectares) with a built-up area of about 66,600 square meters. The monastery is characterized by its wooden and stone structures, surrounded by walls adorned with small white stupas that form a stupa wall.

The monastery has been expanded several times and consists of the following major components:

• Main Hall (大如来佛殿): A central hall dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha.

• Tsongkhapa Hall (宗喀巴殿): Honoring Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

• Great Hall (大殿): The largest prayer hall within the complex.

• Sutras Library (藏经阁), Thousand Buddha Hall (千佛殿), and Shakyamuni Hall (释迦牟尼殿) are also situated behind the main hall.

• The northernmost area houses the Buddhist College (佛学院), a place of study and spiritual development for monks.

Symbolism of the Name

The name Changqingchun Ke’er is significant in Tibetan culture. "Changqing" (长青) refers to Maitreya Buddha (弥勒佛), the future Buddha, symbolizing hope and continuity. "Chun Ke’er" (春科尔) refers to the Dharma Wheel (法轮), representing the constant turning of the teachings of Buddha. Hence, the full name symbolizes the eternal presence of the Buddha’s teachings.

Cultural and Religious Activities

One of the most significant religious events at Litang Monastery is the Zhu Bi Ri Ga (祝毕日嘎) festival, which takes place every year in the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar (around July 10th in the Gregorian calendar). This grand religious gathering is held to worship the sacred mountain near the monastery, involving prayers and pilgrimages.

The monastery is renowned for its connection to Tibetan Buddhism and its teachings on the Kalachakra Tantra (时轮宗), which are symbolized in the "Ten Aspects of Liberation" (十相自在图) found in the monastery's murals and scriptures.

Notable Relics and Cultural Treasures

Litang Monastery is home to a variety of valuable cultural relics, including:

• Mani stones (嘛呢经文石): Stones inscribed with sacred mantras.

• Golden Saddles (金色马鞍), Copper Ring on Kirin Horns (麒麟号角上的铜箍), and the Throne of the 10th Panchen Lama (十世班禅大师的坐床).

• Ancient copies of the Kangyur (甘珠尔) and Tengyur (丹珠尔) scriptures, along with prayer wheels and sculptures.

• Murals and intricate paintings that depict Buddhist stories, featuring vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Legends and Folklore

One popular local legend tells that the 3rd Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, after a spiritual journey through Amdo (青海), stopped in Litang due to the auspicious signs he encountered. As he observed the surrounding mountains, he saw images of sacred figures:

• North-facing mountains that resemble a seated figure of a god.

• West-facing mountains resembling a giant bird preparing to take flight.

• East-facing mountains resembling a giant elephant lying down, with rivers flowing from the elephant’s trunk.

Overwhelmed by these signs, Sonam Gyatso decided to establish Litang Monastery at this holy site, which became an important place of worship and pilgrimage in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Cultural Value

As a cultural heritage site, Litang Monastery is a treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist art, history, and culture. The monastery’s murals, statues, and ancient manuscripts offer an invaluable glimpse into the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. It remains a key religious and cultural hub for Tibetan people and visitors from around the world.

Preservation and Protection

On March 5, 2013, Litang Monastery was officially included in the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units (第七批全国重点文物保护单位) by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. This recognition underscores its importance as a national cultural heritage site and ensures the preservation of its cultural and religious significance for future generations.

Visitor Information

Location: Litang Monastery is located in Litang County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province (四川省甘孜藏族自治州理塘县), about 5 km north of the town center. It is easily accessible by car or local transportation.

Visitors can explore the monastery's unique architecture, participate in religious ceremonies, and enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding the monastery. It is an excellent destination for those interested in Tibetan culture, Buddhist history, and spiritual experiences.