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Jampaling temple: Largest of its kind

(CNTV)
Updated: 2011-07-26 09:46

Today, in our special series on Tibetan Monasteries, we take a look at the Jampaling temple. Overlooking the town of Chamdo, the monastery of Jampaling is the largest of its kind in Kham, an area that features traditional Tibetan culture.

It was built in 1444 as one of the earliest institutes for Geluga, or the Yellow Hat sect in Tibetan Buddhism. As XXX tells us, in addition to an ancient history, the monastery has also embraced modern aspects.

A new day dawns at the Jampaling Monastery.

Worshiping pilgrims, monks chanting sutras. From the exterior, it may seem just like any other Tibetan Monastery.

But from the inside, the grand inner sanctum houses the statue of "Byamspa". Different from most other Buddhas, the "Byamspa" sits in a vertical position, instead of cross-legged.

Dengzeng yuanding, Monk at Jampaling Monastery, said, "Because Byams-pa is a Buddha who dominates the future. In Tibetan Buddhism, people believe in the future, and Byamspa."

Preservation work has been a priority for the monastery. A thorough restoration project was conducted in 1993.

The monastery is currently under renovation again. Many local residents have come here, to help the monks repaint the walls.

Dengzeng yuanding, Monk at Jampaling Monastery, said, "They are painting the Longevity Buddha. Local people participate in these activities voluntarily."

There are strict rules for becoming a monk in Jampaling. They have to be above the age 18, and have to be voluntary. Daily administration is also conducted with rigid discipline.

Dengzeng yuanding, Monk at Jampaling Monastery, said, "These eight men are the patrols of our monastery. The Jampaling Monastery has the most strict rules in Tibet."

In the case of Dengzeng Yuanding, he underwent a tonsure ceremony at the age of 15. He then continued his modern education at Tibet University for three years, before officially entering the monastery.

Besides being a monk, Dengzeng Yuanding is also the secretary of the temple's administrative body. He also works as a tour guide and interpreter for the monastery. He speaks both fluent Mandarin and Tibetan, and is the only monk in the monastery who can use a computer.

Dengzeng yuanding, Monk at Jampaling Monastery, said, "The computer was assigned to me by the monastery. I usually update my blog, search the Internet, listen to music and watch news online."

Dengzeng yuanding often posts introductions of the monastery and pictures of activities on his blog. He also shares his thoughts from his studies of Buddhism.

Dengzeng yuanding, Monk at Jampaling Monastery, said, "I love this job. I think Buddhism is not just about worshiping Buddha, it's the education and enlightenment that Buddha offers us.I hope many more people can introduce the monastery in Chinese, and inherit and pass on the history here."

And in addition to inheritance and history, people like Dengzeng yuanding also pass on their faith and persistence.