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The Ganden Monastery was built in 1409 Master Tsongkhapa on the hilltop about 35 kilometres east of Lhasa City. It is the first and the mother monastery of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.
About Tsongkhapa
Tsongkhapa was born in the Tsongkha area of Amdo, currently in Qinghai province. He came to Central Tibet to study Buddha Dharma from different masters of different schools at that time. After many years of study and practice. He became a famous master and established a new school of Buddhism, The Gelugpa.
History of Ganden Monastery
In 1409 Tsongkhapa organised the first great prayer festival in Lhasa. At the time, many of his students and patrons requested him to build Ganden Monastery with their support. So the construction began in the same year, and since then it became an excellent learning centre.
There are two primary collages – Shartse and Changtse, and within them, there are many Kangtsen or Houses.
For relics, there is the funerals stupa of Tsongkhapa, his teeth, and the famous Ganden Throne. The throne holder of Ganden is consider the head of the Gelugpa school. Hence, Tsongkhapa was the first throne holder, and after that, throne holders are choose through a system of scholarly examination.
There is a famous Tibetan proverb relating to systems. “If a mother’s son has wisdom, there is no owner to Ganden throne”. Therefore, the meaning of this proverb is anyone with wisdom can become the throne holder of Ganden.
The school of Ganden is the main base of the systematic teachings of Atisha and the Kadampa School. Yet Tsongkhapa emphasis strictly monastic and a highly organise curriculum of study. Monks in Gelugpa tradition study and practices the Lamrim (Gradual path to enlightenment).
Tsongkhapa wrote this thesis based on Atisha Text. They also study the general subject of Buddhist philosophy and practice.
TRAVEL GUIDE TO GANDEN MONASTERY
Ganden Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Tibet. It is located 35 Kilometers from the Lhasa city on the top of the Emphithertical valley. Making it highly recommend visiting while you are in Lhasa city.
The monastery is the beginning point of the Ganden to Samye monastery trekking route, An ancient pilgrim route between the two monasteries.
Suppose you are planning to travel to Tibet. Read the post on Travelling to Tibet.
You can read more Tibet travel guide from this link or visit our travel agency website: https://itibettravel.com
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