Tashilhunpo Monastery — Attraction in 城西街道

May the Panchen Lama soon be released from Chinese prison.

MCLEOD GANJ, India, 25 April 2014

Tibetans marked the 25th birthday of the XIth Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, on Friday, as he remains a captive of the Chinese government.

Revered as the second in hierarchy after the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama, along with his parents, disappeared a day after the Dalai Lama recognised him as the reincarnation of the Xth Panchen Lama. He was then six years old, in 1995.

A few months later, the Chinese government appointed Gyaltsen Norbu as its own “Panchen Lama”.

The Chinese government initially denied allegations that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima had been kidnapped. A year later, in May 1996, as international pressure mounted, China admitted to holding the XIth Panchen Lama. China said that for fear of his being kidnapped by separatists, he was being held “at the request of his parents”.

Subsequently, in a series of conflicting reports, China claimed that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was living in Beijing, and in Tibet, saying that his parents wished not to be disturbed and to lead a quiet life.

Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration, said in a statement that the very existence of the Panchen Lama is in doubt as he has not been seen since being taken into captivity on 17 May 1995.

He said that recognition of reincarnations falls within the Tibetan spiritual domain, and only Tibetan spiritual leaders have this prerogative. It is not a political matter, particularly not for an atheist government responsible for destroying Tibetan culture in Tibet.

“I also directly appeal to the Chinese authorities to release Gedun Choekyi Nyima, his family, and other prisoners of conscience. This would be a large step forward to restoring China’s moral leadership in the world.”

Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in a statement on the occasion stated that the disappearance of the Panchen Lama demonstrates the extreme hostility and suspicion with which Chinese government views Tibetan religion and its clergy.

“The act also represents the manipulation of Tibetan Buddhism for political purposes as is evident in the Order no 5 issued by the Chinese government to control and institutionalize the Tibetan reincarnation system, a move that essentially prohibits Buddhist monks from reincarnating without government permission.”

Tibetan Buddhists believe that the continued disappearance of the XIth Panchen Lama continues to deprive them of their right to freedom of religion or...

Golden Buddha Statues Studded with Gems We visited Tashilhunpo Monastery, situated in the backdrop of an attractive mountain, on the clear morning of 9th June 2018. After obtaining the entry ticket (80 CNY per adult) we passed through the security gate. As we entered into the compound we encountered a grand view of the white monastic buildings topped with golden roofs. We walked along the cobbled streets on a gentle uphill slope for about 500 metres to reach the temple. On the right were two white stupas, where we saw a devotee praying whilst prostrating himself exhibiting his faith and beliefs. At the monastery complex we first entered the Maitreya temple, where there is a huge statue of sitting Maitreya Buddha with colourful decorations of gold, diamond and other precious gems. This golden statue was a grand, imposing and a splendid sight of the future Maitreya Buddha. No photos were permitted within this building. The next building we visited houses the relics of the 10th Panchan Lama. At the top of the splendidly decorated memorial stupa lies a statue of the 10th Panchan Lama also decorated in gold and colourful gems. The paintings on the ceiling and the walls too were stikingly attractive and colourful. The walls too are painted with figures of Buddha in various postures. Although photos are not permitted you are allowed to take one or two after payment. I paid 135 Yuan. The Kelsang temple that we visited next has a large courtyard surrounded by various buildings. Monks gather here for various monastic activities. In various rooms within the Assembly Hall are statues of the present day Sakyamuni Buddha, as wells as goddess Tara. There are monks continuously paying homage to these statues as well as chanting Buddhist scriptures. Although photos are not permitted within, I paid 150 Yuan for the few photos that I was permitted to take. Outside the rooms, there are rows of mounted cushions for monks to sit for meditation and attend to their monastic prayers. We also visited the courtyard of Panchan Lama’s Palace itself where successive Panchen Lamas had lived. The Monastery is open from 0900 to 1700. However it is closed during 1200 to 1400. The visitors are expected to wear decent attire as this is a place of religious worship. Admission fee is 80...

Tashilhunpo Monastery is the official seat of the Panchen Lama, who is in charge of all things religious in Tibet. It is also the largest monastery in Shigatse and one of the four holiest monasteries in Tibet.

Be prepared to spend about two hours walking through the five main chapels of the Monastery.

Photography is prohibited inside the chapels as the camera flash might cause the different artefacts to deteriorate. However, this is negotiable and you could pay a small fee, if you wish to do so. The fee for a small camera is about 150 Chinese Yuan and a bigger fee is payable for video cameras.

We paid for a guide and he provided earpieces, a comprehensive commentary and gave us enough time to walk through the chapels.

You can ring the bell once or thrice to announce your arrival in some of the chapels. The walk is mostly flat and there aren't many steps but do take care as you have to climb up a couple of 'ladder steps' and some of the paving stones were really smooth & shiny from being walked over by the hundreds and thousands of devout worshippers.

We came after 3 and it wasn't too busy. Definitely...