Discovering Chukar Long Monastery: A Tibetan Buddhist Sanctuary
Location and Founding
Chukar Long Monastery, nestled on the southern slopes of Weiri Mountain and west of Tashi Gang Township in Sakya County, stands majestically at an altitude of 4350 meters. Founded in 1298 by the revered Gyalwa Dangzhab, this monastery is a proud bearer of the Nyingma tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.
Architectural Splendor
The main structures of Chukar Long include the Main Hall, the Padmasambhava Hall, the Mandala Palace, and the Nechung Oracle Residence.
- Main Hall: This two-story building features a scripture hall and a Buddha hall. The front porch is adorned with paintings of the Four Heavenly Kings. Inside, a 1.8-meter-tall clay statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is flanked by 1.7-meter-tall gilded bronze statues of Amitayus Buddha and the Twenty-One Taras. The Buddha hall, supported by four pillars, houses a magnificent 2.5-meter-tall bronze statue of Akshobhya Buddha.
- Padmasambhava Hall: West of the main hall, this sanctuary contains a 2.6-meter-tall gilded bronze statue of Padmasambhava, with clay statues of his eight manifestations.
- Mandala Palace: With four pillars, this space features an altar and a mandala symbolizing Padmasambhava’s pure realm.
- Nechung Oracle Residence: North of the main hall, spanning eight pillars, it holds a 2.8-meter-tall gilded bronze statue of the thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara.
Resilience and Restoration
Surviving the Cultural Revolution’s destruction, reconstruction efforts in 1982 led to the new Padmasambhava Hall and the introduction of new clay statues, reviving the monastery’s spiritual and cultural essence.
Artistic Heritage
The monastery is renowned for its intricate Mani stone carvings of Buddhist deities like Shakyamuni Buddha, Vajrapani, Avalokiteśvara, Manjushri, Tara, and Padmasambhava. Highlights include the Kandro Yeshe Tsogyal carving, depicting Padmasambhava’s consort, and the Sky-Catching Birds, showcasing exceptional artisanship.
Legacy of Gyalwa Dangzhab
Gyalwa Dangzhab, the monastery’s founder, was an influential Tibetan Buddhist figure. Embracing monastic life early, he established Chukar Long Monastery, attracting a community of 500 monks, and passed away at 72, leaving a lasting legacy.
Chukar Long Monastery stands as a testament to the resilience of Tibetan Buddhism. Despite historical adversities, it remains a beacon of spiritual and cultural heritage in Tibet.
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