Location and Founding Dralha Gangpo Monastery, known in Tibetan as Sgam-po-dgon-pa, is situated approximately 4 kilometers northwest of Ji Township in Gyaca County. Perched atop the Dralha Gangpo Mountain at an elevation of 4150 meters, the monastery was founded in 1121 by Tabu Raje. It is the ancestral monastery of the Tagpu Kagyu sect (dwags-po-bkav-brgyud-pa) of Tibetan Buddhism, boasting a history of over 800 years.
Architectural Layout The monastery’s structures are distributed along the east-west axis of the mountain. The main buildings are located on the cliff top and the mid-slope foothills, spanning approximately 200 meters in length and 50 meters in width, covering an area of over 10,000 square meters.
Key Buildings and Features
- Mountain Top Constructions: Two significant buildings on the mountain top include Tabu Raje’s meditation chamber, a two-story structure with 12 pillars, built with stone blocks and accessible by a narrow path. Another is the “Zubu De,” a two-story communal monks’ assembly and meditation hall, of which only the ground floor remains.
- Foothills Constructions: The primary structures of Dralha Gangpo Monastery are located here, extending from west to east. This includes a stupa grove, a Buddha hall, the Kunkang Nima, the Rabu Jong, a scripture hall, and the Dukang Grand Hall, all showcasing grandeur and architectural magnificence.
Stupa Grove: Situated at the westernmost end of the main buildings, the stupa grove consists of seven stupas arranged in an “L” shape, constructed with uniformly cut stone blocks. Each stupa comprises a base, body, and top.
Buddha Hall: Located east of the stupa grove, the hall faces east with a porch area of about 100 square meters (9m wide, 12m deep). It adjoins a larger area of 3500 square meters with 40 pillars. The south side of the hall houses the Tsangpa Buddha Hall and the Dabu Kuowalangsong Hall, while the north side features the Qiji Duoje Tsang Hall and the Protector Deity Hall. A golden top adorns the upper level.
Tabu Raje Hall: This hall within the Buddha Hall contains eight gilded reliquaries of the monastery’s successive reincarnated lamas. The hall’s walls are adorned with murals depicting the monastery’s construction history. Though the original structure is lost, the remaining components reveal intricate lion head and cloud scroll carvings on the tie beams, indicating significant artistic value.
Rabu Jong (Lama Jong): Located northeast of the Buddha Hall, this structure, approximately 500 square meters in area and built of stone, stands as a remnant with walls 8 to 10 meters high.
Dukang Grand Hall: At the easternmost end of the complex, this hall of about 700 square meters is built of rammed earth and stone, with only remnants remaining.
Recent Additions: A new Rakang (Lakang) has been constructed southeast of the original Buddha Hall, housing more than ten thangkas and bronze Buddha statues. The thangkas featuring Tabu Raje are particularly exquisite, showing various mudras and surrounded by vividly depicted landscapes and animals.
Dralha Gangpo Monastery, with its rich history and unique architectural features, remains a testament to the ancient and enduring heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dralha Gangpo Monastery: A Tibetan Buddhist Treasure
Geographic Setting and Historical Significance Dralha Gangpo Monastery (sgam-po-dgon-pa), located about 500 meters east of the main temple on a hillside, is home to a famous Tibetan sky burial site covering around 70 square meters. The monastery’s importance in Tibetan Buddhism is underscored by the fact that it has witnessed the reincarnation of eight successive lamas, including Tabu Raje, Tashi Langje, Gönpo Tsewang Lopu, Ugyen Jundui Lunba, Gelsang Chule Langje, Tuden Xizhu, and Gama Xizhu. Notably, Gama Xizhu was recognized as a reincarnated child at age three and was personally ordained by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (bstan-‘dzin-rgya-mtsho), who bestowed upon him the religious name “Tuden Xizhu.”
Archaeological Discoveries and Artifacts In 2002, a Tibetan archaeological team conducted an excavation at Dralha Gangpo Monastery, unearthing 357 artifacts. These items mainly included exquisite Buddhist gold and copper statues, religious ritual instruments, architectural components, and a few daily utensils. The gold and copper statues represent Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Gurus, and Wrathful Deities, featuring figures like Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Amitayus, and many more. The religious instruments include vajras, butter lamps, and drum decorations, primarily made of alloys. Additionally, the excavation revealed 11 stupas made of alloy and red copper, containing sacred relics.
Highlight: Tabu Raje (dwags-po-lha-rje, 1079–1153) Tabu Raje, also known as “Dapo Laje” or “Gangbu Jie” and fully named “Tabu Raje Sonam Rinchen” (bsod-nams-rin-chen), meaning “Fortune Jewel,” was the founder of the Tagpu Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and a renowned scholar during the Song Dynasty. Born in the southern Tibetan region of Tabu, Ne (Longzi), he belonged to the Snye clan. Initially a physician known for his expertise, he later turned to Buddhism.
At 20, following his wife’s demise, he became a monk under the guidance of Xianba Lingba. He studied the “Sheng Le” and “Da Bao Liu Zhuang Yan Mu” initiations from Maru Lodan and learned the teachings of the Kagyu sect from various masters. His spiritual awakening during a thirteen-day meditation under the tutelage of Ajari Jiangqu Sanhua is particularly noteworthy.
In 1110, at age 32, he traveled to the “Zhen” region (near Nyalam) to study the chakra fire channel method with Milarepa, experiencing profound visions. He then settled in the Gangbu region, where he founded the Gangbu Monastery (sgam-po) in 1121, giving rise to the Tagpu Kagyu lineage. He spent over 30 years at the monastery, teaching and spreading the Dharma. His unique approach blended the Ganden and Mahamudra teachings, contributing significantly to the Kagyu tradition. His influential works include the “Jie Tuo Dao Zhuang Yan Lun,” “Ga Dang Jiao Fa Ci Di Lun,” and “Marba and Milarepa Biography.”
Dralha Gangpo Monastery, with its rich history and spiritual heritage, remains an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism, showcasing the region’s profound religious and cultural legacy.
