Milarepa's Cave, Buddhist meditation cave in Nyalam Town, Tibet
Milarepa's Cave is a natural rock shelter on a hillside above the Matsang River at 4000 meters elevation. The stone walls display religious imprints and sacred markings that reflect centuries of Buddhist practice.
The cave was established as a sacred site in the eleventh century when the Tibetan Buddhist philosopher Milarepa spent extended periods meditating there. His spiritual work transformed it into a location of lasting importance for the region's Buddhist community.
Two resident monks maintain the shrine and care for a glass-encased statue of Milarepa that draws regular visits from Buddhist practitioners. The cave serves as a place where believers come to pray and deepen their connection to Tibetan Buddhist practice.
The cave is reached via a path descending from the roadside that passes by Pengyeling Monastery, located roughly 11 kilometers north of town. Visitors should prepare for high altitude and rough terrain with appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
The rock walls bear an imprint attributed to Milarepa's meditation posture and a handprint made while assisting his student Rechungpa in supporting the cave ceiling. These marks remain visible reminders of moments frozen in stone from centuries past.
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