SamyE Monastery

at a glance

The primary goal of the Mahaguru, the Abbot and Dharma King was the establishment of monastic institute known as Samye (The Inconceivable). Hailed by those who followed as the “unchanging, spontaneously accomplished temple,” Samye’s importance to the history of Tibet cannot be overstated, for here the Tibetan Buddhadharma was established, tested, defended, and upheld for well over a millennium. The story of its founding is the story of the introduction of the Dharma to Tibet.

the story

With his heroic taming of Tibet’s malicious gods and spirits, Guru Padmasambhava had now cleared the spiritual ground for the firm foundations of the sacred Dharma to be laid in the Land of Snow. The goal was clear: to establish a grand monastery dedicated to the way of Buddha Shakyamuni, where the sacred Dharma would be taught and the tradition of the monastic Sangha faithfully upheld. By the blessings of the Mahaguru, the construction of Samye monastery with its surrounding temples, sanctuaries, and stupas thus began with rapid speed. The heart-wish of Dharma King Trisong Detsen was finally being fulfilled. Establishing such a sanctuary, as sacred as it would be, was not enough, however. The teachings of the Buddha were at this point only accessible through the instructions of Guru Padmasambhava and Abbot Shantarakshita; the scriptures themselves remained in foreign tongue. Translation into the Tibetan language was still of primary importance, for only then would the full scope of the Dharma be made available to the Tibetan people and permeate the culture for the benefit of future generations. Thus, the brightest and most promising youths were assembled, trained, and sent to Greater India, to bring back not only precious scriptures, but also siddhas and panditas in order to deepen their understanding of the Buddha’s words. The Snowy Land of Tibet was awakening to the Dharma and, although many obstacles and challenges had to be overcome and mastered, the Tibetans persisted. They pursued this virtuous path and eventually rose victorious to establish the Buddha’s teachings on a truly vast scale. So vast a scale, in fact, that we are still reaping the fruits today—a path of practice that leads us, too, to realize the wisdom, love, and dignity of Guru Padmsambhava, the Second Buddha of our age.

Words from the Masters

Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa’s Barche Lamsel

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s A Beautiful and Wondrous Udumbara Garland

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé The Nucleus of Blessings

How to get there

Samye Monastery (29°19'35.5"N 91°30'09.0"E) is situated in Lhoka, Tibet, on the northern side of the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. The drive to Samye from Lhasa is around 2 hours along the main highway, or around 45 minutes from Tsetang (where foreign visitors must first register their permits). The timing will depend on whether or not the major tunnel south of Lhasa is open. Returning from Samye to Lhasa can take up to 6 hours, travelling via the town of Tsethang. 

While at the main site

Modeled after the Indian monastery Uddandapura the entire complex of Samye consists of many temples built in the form of a mandala, the world-system according to ancient Buddhist cosmology. The central and largest temple is built in the form of Mount Meru with two temples on its side, resembling the sun and moon. Four temples are built to represent the four main continents and eight further temples symbolize the eight subcontinents. Furthermore, many smaller ritual buildings are erected within the complex. Skilled artisans of Nepal, Chinese and Tibetan work side by side, bringing about a unique blend of architecture. The top storey of the central temple was designed according to the Indian, the middle according to the Chinese and the lower according to the Tibetan tradition. This diversity of styles was designed to reflect the confluence of the three Buddhist cultures in both time and place, at Samye. Surrounding the entire compound, a gigantic wall was erected crested with stupas, representing the enlightened mind of the Buddha.

Beyond the main site

Mindroling Monastery:

One of the “Six Mother Monasteries” of the Nyingma tradition, Mindroling Monastery is located on the southern side of the Yarlung Tsangpo. If the traveler has hired a car and driver, it is easy to stop by Mindroling on the way to Samye.

Keru Lhakhang:

Keru Lhakang is a small temple on the northern side of the Yarlung Tsangpo, dating from around 1000-1111 AD. This temple contains a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which Jowo Atisha is said to have stayed at this temple, and his room can be visited.

Tsogyal Lhatso:

The Birthplace of Yeshe Tsogyal.

Next stop on The Journey: → Zhotö Tidro