Samye Monastery

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Samye Monastery was built in the 8th century as the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. King Trisong Detsen tried to build it with the advice of the famous Indian abbot Shantarakshita.

But many demons caused obstacles to prevent its construction. During the day time, people worked hard to build, and at night the demons destroyed it. So the abbot advises the king to invite a famous tantric master called Padmasambhava.

This master subdued all the demons on his way to Tibet and then at Samye Monastery to build the monastery without obstacles. The Indian Abbot, the tantric master and the Tibetan King, were the three founder of this monastery, and since then, they are highly respected.

The shape of the Samye monastery is the same as the structure of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. The central building has three floors. The 3rd floor is built in Indian style to show that India is the origin of Buddhist teaching. The second floor has a Chinese style to represent a special relationship with the Chinese empire. The first floor is built in Tibetan design to show that Tibetans are faithful to Buddhism.

In terms of Buddhist cosmology, the central building represents mount Meru, and four stupas represent the four guardian kings. The eight Chapels around the main temple represent the eight sub-continents.

The first seven monks of Tibet received their Buddhist vows here from the Indian abbot, and the translation of Buddhist scripture into Tibetan are done here.

In Terms of relics, there is a holy stone statue of the Buddha as the Main statue on the assembly hall and a famous statue of Padmasambhava, which he is said to have called “looks like me”. Besides, there are also hairs and walking sticks of Padmasambhava and the skull of Shantrarakshita kept as important relics.

This monastery had been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries.

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