Drepung Monastery in Lhasa

Chinese Name:哲蚌寺
English Name: Drepung Monastery
Location: Located in Lhasa Prefecture(拉萨市), Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Admission Fee: 45 RMB
Opening Hours: 09:00~14:00

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Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was originally named “Jixiang Yongheng Shifang Zunsheng Zhou” (吉祥永恒十方尊胜州), which translates to “Auspicious and Eternal Victory in All Directions” in Tibetan. The full Tibetan name means “Auspicious Accumulation of Rice, Victory in All Directions.”

Located about 10 kilometers west of Lhasa (拉萨), on the southern slope of Mount Gempil Uza (根培乌孜山), Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chojey (降央曲吉-扎西班丹), a disciple of Tsongkhapa (宗喀巴), the founder of the Gelug school. Before the Chinese liberation, the monastery housed over 10,000 monks, making it the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It also possessed 141 estates and more than 540 pastures, making it the largest institution of Tibetan Buddhism in terms of its physical and spiritual presence.

Historical Significance

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) is the highest-ranking monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located at the foot of Mount Gempil Uza (根培乌孜山) in the western suburbs of Lhasa (拉萨), and it is one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of Lhasa (拉萨), along with Ganden Monastery (甘丹寺) and Sera Monastery (色拉寺). The monastery’s large complex of white buildings sprawls across the mountain slopes, resembling a giant pile of rice from a distance, which is how it got its name, Drepung, meaning “Accumulated Rice” in Tibetan.

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) symbolizes prosperity and is renowned for its religious and cultural importance in the Tibetan Buddhist world.

In September 2024, the management committee of Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) was included in the “National Ethnic Unity and Progress Model Collectives” (全国民族团结进步模范集体) list.

Key Features and Architecture

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) stands as the largest and most influential monastery in the Gelugpa tradition. Its architecture features a sprawling complex of white buildings that cascade down the hillside, with intricate designs and vivid colors representing the Tibetan Buddhist culture. The monastery has several notable sites and sacred halls, including:

• Loso Lin Dzakhang (洛色林扎仓): A major section of the monastery with great spiritual significance.

• Deyang Dzakhang (德阳扎仓): Another key area within the monastery that holds religious and cultural value.

• Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿): The central assembly hall where major ceremonies are conducted.

Visitor Information

• Location: 276 Beijing West Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区北京西路276号)

• Entrance Fee: 50 RMB

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (subject to daily announcements)

• Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours

• Best Time to Visit: March to October

Cultural and Religious Importance

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) holds a special place in Tibetan Buddhism (藏传佛教). As one of the most significant centers of learning and spirituality in Tibet, it has shaped religious practices for centuries. The monastery houses important Buddhist scriptures, sacred relics, and numerous monks who contribute to the study and preservation of Tibetan Buddhism.

Before the relocation of the Dalai Lama (达赖喇嘛) to Potala Palace (布达拉宫), Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) served as the primary residence and spiritual base for many important figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Today, it continues to be a vital place for religious pilgrimage and is a rich source of Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

Overall Layout

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a gentle slope on the southern side covered by trees and shrubs. The Lhasa River (拉萨河) flows nearby, and the entire monastery is set on a wide, open valley. The monastery’s buildings are arranged in a stepwise pattern, following the natural slope of the land, with prayer halls, monk quarters, and various other buildings climbing the mountain. The layout is grand, with each building unit connected yet distinct, and the structures are arranged in a way that emphasizes the significance of the main temple.

The main buildings include Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿), Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章), the four major Zakhang (扎仓) buildings, Kang Village (康村), and the monks’ quarters. The structures are adorned with golden roofs, decorative dharmachakras (法轮), and colorful ornaments, which together create a rich and harmonious religious atmosphere. The architecture of the monastery emphasizes the elevated status of the Buddha halls, with the layout consisting of three main levels: the courtyard level, the prayer hall level, and the Buddha hall level. This creates a gradual elevation from the entrance to the Buddha hall.

Architectural Structure

The architectural design of Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) is well-organized, with interconnected halls and tiered buildings. Each unit is typically divided into three levels: the courtyard, the prayer hall, and the Buddha hall. This design underscores the sacred position of the Buddha hall. Among the monastery’s remarkable structures are Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿), which is grand and solemn; Deyang Zakhang (德阳扎仓), which is ancient and robust; Amadaba Zakhang (阿马巴扎仓), which is imposing and majestic; and Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章), a symbol of grandeur. The external decor includes golden roofs, dharmachakras, and representations of the Eight Auspicious Symbols (八宝), enhancing the solemn Buddhist atmosphere and making the architecture appear even more magnificent.

In 1464, Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) established its monastic school, where Buddhist scriptures were taught. The monastery consists of four major Zakhang (僧院) and 29 Kang Village (康村). The main sections of the monastery include Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿), the four major Zakhang (罗赛林扎仓, 德阳扎仓, 阿巴扎仓, 郭芒扎仓), and Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章).

Notable Buildings

The monastery is home to many halls, each with its own religious and political significance. Among the most famous is the “Qiangba Tongzhen” Hall (强巴通真殿), dedicated to Maitreya Buddha (弥勒佛) and known for housing an eight-year-old statue of Maitreya. Devotees frequently visit this hall to pay their respects. The hall’s door is adorned with a plaque in Chinese characters, reading “Mulong Yuanshan” (穆隆元善), which was engraved with seals dated to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (大清道光丙午年孟秋印), reflecting the Qing government’s support of Tibetan Buddhism.

Inside, the monastery houses a white conch shell, a revered relic believed to have been given by Tsongkhapa (宗喀巴) during the construction of the monastery. This conch shell is considered a spiritual treasure and is kept in the Maitreya Hall.

Other significant halls include the six main prayer halls, which are:

1. Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章)

2. Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿)

3. Esoteric Hall (密宗院)

4. Loso Lin (洛赛林院)

5. Guomang Hall (郭芒院)

6. Deyang Hall (德阳院)

The monastery also houses various important Buddha statues, including Maitreya Buddha, Vajrapani (金刚怖), and Immovable Buddha (不动佛). The collection includes numerous golden Buddha statues, thangkas (唐卡), and priceless scriptures, all significant relics in Tibetan Buddhism.

Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿)

Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿) is the most prominent structure in Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) and serves as the main temple. Located at the heart of the monastery, it covers an area of nearly 4500 square meters. A wide stone plaza (200 square meters) leads to 17 steps leading up to a gallery supported by eight columns. The prayer hall has 221 rooms and 183 columns, covering approximately 1800 square meters. The hall features a magnificent design, with beams and columns painted with intricate carvings. Brightly colored curtains hang down, and golden copper statues are placed throughout the space, contributing to the grandeur.

Inside the hall, visitors can find exquisite statues of Buddhas, especially the prominent statues of Guangshu Bodhisattva (广殊菩萨) and Great White Umbrella Buddha Mother (大白伞盖佛母), which are both large and delicate in form. The artistic quality of these sculptures is considered rare and exceptional.

The back of the hall houses the “Du Song Lakang” (堆松拉康), the Three Buddha Halls. This structure has three main sections and reaches up to two stories. The statues of the three Buddhas and their two attendants are housed in a unique tower-like structure. The hall also features exquisite murals and inscriptions, including a plaque from the Tongzhi period (同治年).

Noteworthy Sections

• Miwang Lakang (弥旺拉康) is located to the left of the Du Song Lakang and features a 12-foot-tall statue of Qiangba Buddha (强巴佛), funded by a generous benefactor. The sculpture is detailed and lifelike.

• Lunbeng Lakang (伦崩拉康) is on the right side of the Du Song Lakang. It contains three silver stupas, one of which houses the Third Dalai Lama (第三世达赖), Fourth Dalai Lama (第四世达赖), and the Regent of Tibet (摄政王).

• Ganjur Lakang (甘珠尔拉康), located on the second floor of the hall, is home to numerous sacred texts, including rare editions of the Kangyur (甘珠尔) scriptures, inscribed during the Qing Dynasty.

• Qiangba Tongzhen Lakang (强巴通真拉康) on the third floor contains a giant copper statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist art. This statue is said to represent the Buddha at the age of eight.

Four Major Zakhang (四大扎仓)

The Zakhang (扎仓) in Tibetan Buddhism refers to the monastic units of learning and the management institutions of the Gelug (格鲁) sect. The Zakhang buildings are considered second in importance only to the Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿). The Zakhang is comprised of two primary sections: the great prayer hall (大经堂) where monks gather, and the Buddha halls (佛殿). Beneath each Zakhang is a Kang Village (康村), a smaller residential unit for monks. In the context of old Tibet, monasteries functioned like universities, with Zakhang representing the departments and Kang Village serving as classes or groups.

Initially, Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) had seven Zakhang, each headed by one of Tsongkhapa’s (宗喀巴) seven primary disciples. As more monks joined, the Zakhang were divided and restructured into the four major Zakhang we see today: Loso Lin Zakhang (罗赛林扎仓), Guomang Zakhang (郭芒扎仓), Deyang Zakhang (德阳扎仓), and Abba Zakhang (阿巴扎仓). The last is dedicated to esoteric practices.

Loso Lin Zakhang (罗赛林扎仓)

Loso Lin Zakhang is the largest of all Zakhang in Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺), with an area of about 1860 square meters. It contains a prayer hall with 102 columns and a total area of 1053 square meters. The prayer hall is lined with scripture racks, which stretch over 60 meters, holding a vast collection of Buddhist texts. The hall’s decor is comparable to the Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿) itself. Behind the prayer hall is the Qiangba Buddha Hall (强巴佛殿), which houses various statues of Buddha.

This Zakhang is home to the highest number of monks, most of whom come from the Kham region (康区) and Yunnan Province (云南). Loso Lin Zakhang oversees 23 Kang Villages (康村), each with its own prayer hall and monastic residence, further divided into smaller units called Mi Village (米村).

Guomang Zakhang (郭芒扎仓)

The Guomang Zakhang is the second-largest Zakhang, with a structure similar to Loso Lin, including a prayer hall of 985 square meters and 102 columns. This Zakhang contains three Lakang (拉康) halls: Qieba Lakang (且巴拉康), Minzhu Lakang (敏主拉康), and Zhuoma Lakang (卓玛拉康). Guomang Zakhang oversees 16 Kang Villages, with some of the larger villages further subdivided into Mi Villages.

Deyang Zakhang (德阳扎仓)

Deyang Zakhang, the smallest of the four major Zakhang, has an area of 952 square meters. It includes a prayer hall with 62 columns and an area of 375 square meters. Behind the prayer hall is the Buddha hall. Despite its smaller size, Deyang Zakhang remains an essential part of Drepung Monastery’s structure.

Abba Zakhang (阿巴扎仓)

Abba Zakhang is the esoteric school (密宗学院) of Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺). Esoteric teachings are practiced here, and all monks from other Zakhang who wish to study these teachings come to Abba Zakhang. It is located to the rear right of Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿), with a closed courtyard at the front, surrounded by monk residences. The prayer hall here has 48 columns and an area of 467 square meters, with walls adorned with esoteric murals.

Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章)

Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章), also known as the Palace of Ultimate Bliss, was built in 1530 by the second Dalai Lama (第二世达赖喇嘛), Gendun Gyatso (根敦嘉措), during his time as the 10th Abbot (堪布) of Drepung Monastery. Later, the third, fourth, and fifth Dalai Lamas resided here and served as the Abbots of the monastery.

During the fifth Dalai Lama’s reign, Ganden Pöjang became the political center of Tibet as the Dalai Lama used this location to manage governmental affairs, leading to the creation of the Ganden Pöjang Government (甘丹颇章政权). It remained the center of political power in Tibet until the Dalai Lama relocated to the Potala Palace (布达拉宫) in 1645.

Ganden Pöjang is situated to the left side of the monastery and has a fortress-like design with tall surrounding walls. The structure was originally known as Duokang Omu (多康俄姆), a residence for local Tibetan officials, and was later donated to the second Dalai Lama in 1518 by the 11th official of the Pazhu (帕珠) family. The palace was expanded during the third Dalai Lama’s time.

The building consists of three levels. The first level is a large courtyard with 27 stone steps leading up to the main hall. The second level houses the administrative offices of the Dalai Lama, and the third floor is where the Dalai Lama resided.

Debating Grounds (辩经场)

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) is renowned for its debating grounds (辩经场), where monks engage in rigorous Buddhist debates to hone their knowledge and understanding of the teachings. Every Zakhang (僧院) has two such debating areas, typically located near the Zakhang. These spaces feature raised platforms where monks sit in a hierarchical order during the debates.

Debates are an integral part of monastic education, and only those monks who have mastered Buddhist philosophy and scriptures can advance to higher debating platforms. Ultimately, monks who succeed in these debates can achieve the title of Geshe (格西), the highest academic degree in Tibetan Buddhism.

Drepung Monastery’s debating grounds are not as famous as those in Sera Monastery (色拉寺), but you can still witness these debates at various times of the day, especially in the afternoon around 2:30 PM.

Historical Background (历史沿革)

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chöje (降央曲吉扎西班丹), a disciple of Tsongkhapa (宗喀巴), with the support of the noble family of Langga Sang (朗嘎桑). Originally named “Bai Deng Zhe Bang Monastery” (白登哲蚌寺), the name was later simplified to Drepung (哲蚌寺). In Tibetan, “Bai Deng” signifies auspicious and dignified, while “Zhe Bang” means “pile of rice,” symbolizing prosperity.

After its completion, Drepung quickly became the most powerful monastery of the Gelug Sect (格鲁派) and grew into the largest monastic institution in Tibet. In 1409, Tsongkhapa held the first Great Prayer Assembly (传昭大法会) at Jokhang Temple (大昭寺) in Lhasa, establishing the Gelug Sect as a prominent Buddhist school. Drepung was built to support the growing Gelug influence, with Jamyang Chöje overseeing its establishment and seven major disciples managing the seven Zakhang (monastic learning sections).

The Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章) at Drepung, which was constructed under the direction of the second Dalai Lama (第二世达赖喇嘛) Gendun Gyatso (根敦嘉措), became the primary residence of the Dalai Lamas. Drepung was also the seat of Tibetan political and religious power, especially after the fifth Dalai Lama (五世达赖喇嘛) moved to the Potala Palace (布达拉宫) to rule Tibet from 1642 onwards.

In 1464, Drepung established monastic institutions to teach Buddhist scriptures, becoming a center of religious learning. At its peak, Drepung housed almost 10,000 monks. In the Ming Dynasty (明代), it continued to thrive, and in the Qing Dynasty (清朝), it became a symbol of religious and political power.

Political and Religious Influence

In 1642, the fifth Dalai Lama Lobsang Gyatso (罗桑嘉措) established the Ganden Pöjang Government (甘丹颇章政权) in Drepung, marking the beginning of formal Tibetan religious participation in politics. After relocating to Potala Palace, Drepung remained the largest and most influential of the three great monasteries in Lhasa.

During the Qing Dynasty, Drepung gained immense power and prestige, managing vast estates, including 185 years of land (溪卡185年) and 50,000 acres of farmland (土地5万1千亩). It also had 300 pastoral fields (牧场) and 40,000 cattle (牛4万头), alongside 2,000 serfs (农奴2千人). It collected 280 million kilograms of grain (每年收取地租粮280万公斤) and 133,000 kilograms of butter (酥油13.3万公斤).

The Cultural Revolution and After

After 1951, the government focused on preserving Drepung’s historical sites and recovering its treasures. Following the Democratic Reform (民主改革) of 1959, feudal privileges were abolished, and the monastery was restored as a place for both religious and public activities. In 1962, Drepung was listed as a Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (重点文物保护单位) by the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区) and later became a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位) in 1982.

Between 1980 and 1989, more than 1.62 million yuan was invested in restoring Drepung, and it became a prominent pilgrimage site for Buddhists and tourists alike.

Treasures and Artifacts

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) houses an extensive collection of priceless artifacts, including ancient porcelain (瓷器), Tangkas (唐卡), and Buddha statues (佛像). Some of the notable items include:

• Porcelain: Many pieces date back to the Song Dynasty (宋代) and are mainly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (明清), including small bowls (小碗) and cups (压口杯).

• Tangkas: The monastery contains hundreds of Tangkas, with many works from the Ming and Qing periods. The Chokchin Hall (措钦大殿) displays a series of four Tangkas featuring the Four Treasures of the Study (文房四宝), which are especially delicate.

• Copper Statues: Drepung has thousands of copper statues (铜造像), including some of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, with many pieces from the Yongle Era (永乐年间).

• Ancient Weapons: There is a significant collection of ancient Tibetan weapons (古代兵器) and armor (铠甲), which provide valuable insight into Tibetan cultural and military history.

Unique Attractions and Experiences

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) offers an array of unique experiences for visitors:

• Buddha Painting Display During the Shoton Festival: Each year, Drepung hosts the Shoton Festival (雪顿节), during which a massive Buddha Thangka (唐卡) is displayed on the hillside. Pilgrims and tourists flock to the monastery to witness this majestic event and to pray for blessings. This event, which involves the display of a huge Buddha Thangka (巨幅佛像唐卡), has become a major cultural and religious spectacle.

• Ganden Pöjang (甘丹颇章): Located near Drepung, Ganden Pöjang was once the residence of the Dalai Lamas (达赖喇嘛). It is a prominent site in the monastery, with its three floors and beautiful gardens. The third Dalai Lama (三世达赖喇嘛) and fourth Dalai Lama (四世达赖喇嘛) once lived here before the fifth Dalai Lama (五世达赖喇嘛) moved the administration to the Potala Palace (布达拉宫).

• Buddhist Debates: Drepung also hosts regular Buddhist debates (辩经场) where monks engage in intellectual discussions. Visitors can observe these debates and learn more about Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. These debates are often held in the afternoon and provide deep insights into Tibetan monastic life and teachings.

Major Festivals

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) celebrates several important religious festivals:

• Shoton Festival (雪顿节): Also known as the Yogurt Festival, this is the most significant religious celebration at Drepung. Initially a purely religious event, it now combines both religious and entertainment activities, making it one of Tibet’s largest festivals. It includes the display of a giant Buddha Thangka (巨幅佛像唐卡) and performances of Tibetan opera (藏戏), celebrating Tibetan culture and religion.

• Monastic Celebrations: Major Buddhist commemorations are held on the 15th and 30th of each Tibetan month, alongside numerous celebrations that attract both monks and the general public. These celebrations involve ceremonies, prayers, and community events where both monks and locals gather to worship and share blessings.

Location

Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) is located at:

• Address: 276 Beijing West Road (北京西路276号), Chengguan District (城关区), Lhasa City (拉萨市), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区), China (中国).

Honors and Recognition

In September 2024, the Drepung Monastery Management Committee (哲蚌寺管理委员会) was named as one of the “National Model Collectives for Ethnic Unity and Progress” (全国民族团结进步模范集体). This prestigious honor acknowledges the monastery’s continued role in Tibetan culture, religion, and community development.