Samye Monastery

Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery to be founded in Tibet. It was built in the 8th century. It is also famous as being the site of the "Great Debate" between the Indian Mahayanists and Chinese Chán Buddhists.The mandala design of the monastery is quite notable. The central temple stands for the legendary Mount Meru, which is the center of the universe. The site attracts a great many of pilgrimages. Some of these pilgrimages travel on foot for weeks to pay a visit there. For centuries Samye has been connected with various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Padmasambhava's contribution makes Samye significant in the Nyingma school. Later, however, it was taken over by the Sakya and Gelugpa schools. Today, all Tibetans come to worship the place. The monastery is unique because it is both a monastery and a village at the same time.

If you go to Tibet, you should definitely go to visit Samye, which is situated with beautiful scenery around. The layout of the monastery forms a giant mandala. It is a representation of the Buddhist universe. The Indian temple of Odantapuri in Bihar is said to be its model. If you want to see some really beautiful murals, you can pay a visit to Mani Lhakhang. It is in the northwest of the complex. From the east of the complex, you can climb the sacred Hepo Ri. On the top of the mountain, there are splendid views. Padmasambhava is said to have subdue the local spirits and won them over to Buddhism right at this place. Address: On the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River of Zharang County.  Contact number: 0086-10-85968802  Admission Fee:CNY 30  Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00