Ralung Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Gyangzê County, China
Ralung Monastery sits on a high mountain surrounded by peaks and glacial fields, serving as a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. The complex spreads across multiple levels with temples, residential buildings for monks, and courtyards nestled between the rock formations.
Tsangpa Gyare founded this monastery in 1180 as the main seat of his Buddhist school in Tibet. It has continued to serve as a pilgrimage destination and training center for monks following this path ever since.
The monastery serves as a spiritual center for followers of the Drukpa Kagyu school, with sacred images that appear to shift mood depending on where you stand. Visitors can observe how monks use the spaces for daily worship and meditation.
The monastery is located in an isolated mountain region, so proper gear and acclimatization are important before visiting. It helps to allow extra time for the journey and check local conditions beforehand.
The surrounding mountains form eight sacred Buddhist symbols, including a white conch, a precious parasol, and an overflowing vase. Pilgrims regard this natural arrangement as a cosmic sign of the holiness of this place.
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