Narthang Monastery (Tibetan: སྣར་ཐང་གཙུག་ལག་ཁང་), widely known as the Narthang Printing Monastery, is one of the most historically significant monasteries in Tibet. Located in Narthang Village, Qumei Township, Samzhubzê District of Shigatse, the monastery lies close to the China–Nepal Highway, making it easily accessible for pilgrims and travelers exploring central Tibet.
Recognized as a protected cultural heritage site of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Narthang Monastery holds a unique place in Tibetan Buddhist history, particularly for its contributions to learning, printing, and the preservation of sacred texts.
In Tibetan, the name Narthang means “Monastery on the Flat Land Shaped Like an Elephant’s Trunk,” a reference rooted in both geography and sacred legend.
The Sacred Prophecy of Atisha
The origins of Narthang Monastery are closely tied to a revered Buddhist prophecy. According to tradition, in 1039 CE, the great Indian Buddhist master Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Śrījñāna passed through this region during his journey across Tibet.
While resting beside a nearby mountain, Atiśa asked his disciples what they observed on the plain below. They described a mountain shaped like an elephant’s trunk and a flat area where a large rock was surrounded by sixteen golden bees.
Atiśa rejoiced and declared the site extraordinarily auspicious. He explained that the sixteen golden bees symbolized the Sixteen Arhats, while the large rock represented a future monastery. He prophesied that a great center of Buddhist learning would arise here, spreading the Dharma far and wide and receiving constant blessings from the Arhats.
This prophecy later became a foundational spiritual narrative for Narthang Monastery.
Foundation and Historical Development of Narthang Monastery
Narthang Monastery was historically known by several names, including Nadang Monastery and Larlang Monastery. During the Qing dynasty, it received the Chinese name “Pu’en Monastery,” bestowed by the Yongzheng Emperor.
The monastery was formally founded in 1153 CE, nearly a century after Atiśa’s prophecy, by the eminent Kadam master Dongdun Lojö Drakpa. As a devoted follower of the Kadam School, he played a crucial role in shaping the monastery’s religious structure.
Dongdun Lojö Drakpa served as abbot for 14 years, during which he:
- Established strict monastic regulations
- Accepted and trained numerous disciples
- Taught Buddhist philosophy and practice extensively
Through his efforts, the Narthang Monastic System gradually took form, laying a strong foundation for future generations.
Life and Spiritual Journey of Dongdun Lojö Drakpa
Dongdun Lojö Drakpa was born in 1106 CE into the Dong family of Wumang Village, near the Xiage River. From an early age, he showed great dedication to Buddhist studies.
He initially studied scriptures and monastic discipline under Master Jiadu, then spent ten years in Central Tibet studying with the renowned scholar Xia’erwa, deepening his understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
Between 1141 and 1152, Dongdun Lojö Drakpa taught Buddhism in the Narthang region for twelve years, attracting many disciples and strengthening the Kadam tradition. In his later years, he traveled to Dade Quelong in Latojiang (modern-day Sakya County), where he passed away in 1166 CE at the age of 61.
Golden Age and Artistic Heritage of Narthang Monastery
At its peak, Narthang Monastery was among the largest and most influential monasteries in central Tibet. Historical records describe an impressive religious complex that included:
- 4 monastic colleges (Dratsang)
- 13 assembly halls
- More than 3,000 resident monks
According to the Records of Sacred Sites in Ü-Tsang, the monastery housed a remarkable collection of highly consecrated Buddha statues and stupas. One of the most revered images was Qumi Tara, believed to possess extraordinary spiritual power and miraculous qualities.
Another treasured statue was a bronze alloy image of Maitreya Buddha, traditionally said to have been brought from India, further enhancing the monastery’s sacred status.
The walls of the main halls and circumambulatory corridors were once covered with exquisite murals, showcasing the refined artistic achievements of medieval Tibetan Buddhist art and reflecting Narthang’s cultural prosperity.
A Center of Learning and Sacred Printing in Tibet
Beyond its architectural and artistic achievements, Narthang Monastery gained lasting fame as a major center of learning and printing. It preserved an extensive collection of thangkas and Buddhist artifacts from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, many of which were considered invaluable treasures.
The monastery attracted numerous eminent scholars and masters over the centuries. Among them was Chimü Langgaza, the principal teacher of Phagpa, who once resided and taught at Narthang Monastery.
The founder of the Gelug School, Je Tsongkhapa, is recorded to have visited Narthang Monastery twice, highlighting its importance across different Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Most notably, Gedun Drubpa (1391–1474), later recognized as the First Dalai Lama, received his monastic vows at Narthang Monastery. He went on to study Buddhist philosophy and spiritual practice here for 17 years, making the monastery a crucial chapter in the early history of the Dalai Lama lineage.
Narthang Monastery: A Center of Learning, Discipline, and Sacred Printing
For centuries, Narthang Monastery stood as one of Tibet’s most influential centers of Buddhist learning. The monastery preserved a vast collection of cultural relics, including precious thangkas and Buddhist artifacts dating from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These treasures reflect Narthang’s long-standing role in safeguarding Tibetan religious heritage.
Many eminent Buddhist masters taught and practiced here. Among them was Chimü Langgaza, the principal teacher of Phagpa, who once resided at Narthang Monastery. The founder of the Gelug School, Je Tsongkhapa, is also recorded to have visited the monastery on two occasions, highlighting its importance across different Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Most significantly, Gedun Drubpa (1391–1474)—later recognized as the First Dalai Lama—received his monastic vows at Narthang Monastery. He went on to pursue in-depth Buddhist studies here for an impressive 17 years, making Narthang a foundational site in the early history of the Dalai Lama lineage.
A Renowned Vinaya Center of the Kadam Tradition
Narthang Monastery earned widespread recognition as a major Vinaya (monastic discipline) center within the Kadam tradition. The monastery preserved and transmitted the Vinaya lineage of Kache Panchen Shakya Shri, who entered Tibet in 1204, reinforcing strict monastic discipline and ethical practice.
Beyond Vinaya, Narthang upheld the Kadam Scriptural Lineage, establishing itself as one of the most authoritative Kadam monastic institutions in central Tibet.
According to tradition, the monastery’s third abbot, Duzhi Drakpa, experienced a sacred vision of the Thirty-Five Buddhas of Confession, with Shakyamuni Buddha presiding at their head—an event that further enhanced the monastery’s spiritual prestige.
Later developments continued to shape Narthang’s influence. The scholar Drakpa Sengge founded the Tsanni Dratsang, the monastery’s College of Buddhist Logic and Debate. Jöden Rèzhi oversaw the creation of a monumental statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, while Abbot Langzapa constructed the Nyingma Lhakhang. His disciple Menlang Chuchen later built the Great Assembly Hall, expanding both the architectural scale and religious importance of the monastery.
The Legendary Printing House of Tibet
The most celebrated feature of Narthang Monastery is undoubtedly its Printing House, which occupies an unparalleled place in the history of Tibetan woodblock printing.
In 1730, during the 8th year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign, the Tibetan regent Polhané Sönam Topgyé initiated the construction of the printing house with the goal of rescuing and preserving ancient Buddhist scriptures. The project was monumental, requiring 20 years to complete.
Polhané summoned master calligraphers, woodblock carvers, and painters from across Tibet to work at Narthang. At the same time, a new generation of young artisans was trained in sophisticated woodblock carving techniques, ensuring the continuity of this sacred craft.
Through decades of dedicated effort, the Narthang Printing House produced:
- 108 complete sets of the Kangyur (50,019 woodblocks)
- 215 complete sets of the Tengyur (76,726 woodblocks)
- Numerous major Tibetan works, including The Hundred Deeds of the Buddha
- Multicolor woodblock prints used for illustrated religious texts
Because of these extraordinary achievements, Narthang Monastery became revered as “The Library of Tibet.”
From Destruction to Revival
Originally affiliated with the Kadam School, Narthang Monastery later became part of the Gelug tradition. During the Cultural Revolution, the monastery suffered extensive damage, and many structures were destroyed.
In 1987, restoration efforts began, leading to the reconstruction of three main halls. Gradually, monastic life resumed, with a small but dedicated community of nearly 20 monks returning to the monastery.
Today, Narthang Monastery continues to preserve several invaluable relics, including:
- Seven stone carvings of the Sixteen Arhats
- The footprint relic left by the Eighth Abbot, Gyüden Menlang Tsöchen
- 8,800 original Tengyur woodblocks
These surviving treasures testify to Narthang’s irreplaceable role in the history of Tibetan Buddhist printing, scholarship, and monastic discipline.
Visitor Tips for Narthang Monastery
Entrance Fee: RMB 25 per person (for reference); voluntary offerings are welcome
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Transportation:
- Located about 20 km from Shigatse
- Accessible by chartered car or self-drive
- A round-trip taxi from Shigatse costs approximately RMB 200 (for reference)