Shide Dratsang, Buddhist monastery in Lhasa, China
Shide Dratsang is a Buddhist monastery situated at an elevated location in the heart of Lhasa, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture with white walls and gilded roofs. The complex includes multiple temples, residential quarters for monks, and study halls that together form a functioning religious community.
The monastery was established in 1755 and represents an important part of Tibet's religious development during that period. It received national heritage protection status in 2013, reflecting its significance in understanding Tibetan history and Buddhist traditions.
The monastery serves as a center for the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, where monks perform daily rituals and study religious texts that shape the rhythm of monastic life. These practices reflect how Buddhism continues to guide the community that inhabits and maintains this place.
Visitors must obtain special permits before entering the monastery grounds. The optimal time to visit is between April and October when weather conditions are stable and access is not hindered by snow or adverse conditions.
The monastery complex preserves an important collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts written in both Tibetan and Sanskrit. These texts have been carefully maintained across generations by monastic scholars, offering insight into the deep intellectual tradition of Buddhist learning.
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