Taktsang Lhamo or “Langmusi” as it is now known in Chinese is a small village located at the border of Gansu and Sichuan in the Amdo region of Tibet. With only 4,000 residents, the town is located in a beautiful peaceful valley surrounded by alpine forests and mountains.
Setri Monastery and the surrounding town of Taktsang Lhamo
Taktsang Lhamo Setri Monastery, also known as the Golden Throne, is the smaller of the two monasteries in the area. It is located high in the mountains on the Gansu side of the village and is home to around 350 monks. Founded by the 53rd Gaden Setri Gyaltsen Sengge of Gaden Monastery in 1748, the monastery is from the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the earliest monasteries to enshrine Dorje Shugden as their Dharma Protector.
Taktsang Lhamo Setri Monastery
Dorje Shugden riding on a horse
Within Setri Monastery’s main prayer hall is a huge statue of Dorje Shugden riding a black horse, a form commonly depicted as one of Sakya’s Gyalpo Sum. The statue was commissioned by the 2nd Gyalthang Rinpoche, the traditional throneholder of Setri Monastery. Today, the presence of this blessed statue represents 200 years of historical significance for the establishment and acceptance of Dorje Shugden’s practice in great monasteries such as Setri.
Over the decades, from the time the monastery was built in the 18th Century, five different colleges were established within the monastery, focusing on debate, Tantra, the specific study of Kalachakra Tantra, Tibetan medicine and Sutra woodblock printing. As the monastery’s works to spread the Buddhadharma grew, so did its reputation and eventually it became home to 1,000 monks at its peak.
The famed golden roofs of Taktsang Lhamo Setri Monastery
During the Cultural Revolution, like most monasteries, Setri Monastery too suffered major damage and most of its original structure which held great historical significance such as the prayer hall and stupas were destroyed. The monastery was later reconstructed in 1980.
The monastery is a favourite with pilgrims
Today, Taktsang Lhamo is a popular place for pilgrims. During the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and other important festivals throughout the year, many pilgrims can be found making their way to the town. Often, the physically-able pilgrims make three full length prostrations on the ground with every three steps taken, while journeying to all the monasteries in the area. This journey can take them several weeks or even months to complete. It is truly a joy to see these monasteries continue to gain support.
Another view of Taktsang Lhamo Setri Monastery
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sonny tan
Posted on June 30, 2016 #1 AuthorThe Tibetan monastery has always catch my attention during my teenager years whenever I come across some photographs in magazines or when I happened to see it appears in other reading material these monastery photos is exuberating to view and feeling of peace always prevail over my senses whenever viewing it. I really cannot understand why even up till this moment but I have an inclination that perhaps I could have lived there in one of my past sojourn on earth
There must be something very magical about Tibet that has many truths seekers traversing this vast cold snowy land, withstanding the punishing coldness, drinking yak butter tea daily that many were not accustomed to, food that is not so agreeable to our taste buds yet this mysterious land has left many wanting more after having been there.
I had a Swiss friend name Bruno who has never failed to talk about Mount Kailash whenever we talk about spirituality and I am always left wondering in awe what this mountain really has that draws so many to her. He did mentioned that there are many living saints, gurus, masters, enlightened beings residing there, many of them have left this earthly body but continued to stay here for further spiritual cultivation. However to reach there is not an easy task and one would have to be strong physically, mentally and a stupendous yearning and a never giving up spirit to be able to access to these treacherous abode.
Yes Tibet with all her magnificent and magnetic appeal is one place I would love to visit in the near future.
Fong
Posted on July 12, 2016 #2 AuthorSuch a beautiful monastery amidst beautiful surroundings. Just looking at the photos inspire faith and awe. To think that Dorje Shugden has been enshrined here for 200 years! How blessed are the people and the land here.
Interesting to note that the monastery is of the Gelug tradition and yet have Dorje Shugden on a black horse of the Sakya tradition. So beautiful to see the melding of 2 traditions here.
Thanks for the sharing.
Alice Tay
Posted on December 20, 2017 #3 AuthorVery beautiful and peaceful monastery founded by the 53rd Gaden Setri Gyaltsen Sengge. This is one of the earliest monasteries to enshrine Dorje Shugden as their Dharma Protector until today. A huge statue of Dorje Shugden riding a black horse is placed in its main prayer hall. This statue was commissioned by the 2nd Gyalthang Rinpoche, the traditional throneholder of Setri Monastery.
Thank you for this nice sharing.