Dzongsar Monastery, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Dêgê, China
Dzongsar Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery southeast of Dêgê town, spread across a hillside with 23 temples throughout its mountainous layout. The compound houses facilities for approximately 60 students learning Tibetan medicine, astrology, and language, as well as accommodations for more than 200 resident monks.
The monastery was founded in 746 by a Bönpo Lama and underwent a significant transformation in 1275 when it became a Sakya establishment under Drogön Chögyal Phagpa's direction. This shift occurred after Phagpa's return from China and reshaped the spiritual orientation of the site.
The monastery houses texts from eight different schools of Tibetan Buddhism, reflecting the diversity of religious traditions practiced within its walls. Visitors can see this variety expressed through the architecture and daily rituals that take place across the different temples.
The monastery sits on a hillside southeast of Dêgê and requires walking through hilly terrain to explore its various temples spread across the site. Visitors should allow time to traverse the different levels and buildings, and prepare for the high altitude setting.
The monastery produces incense from herbs gathered in the highland regions surrounding the site, generating economic revenue for the community. This craft production shows how the place has linked its economic survival to the natural resources of its environment.
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