Razheng Monastery

When Master Adixa died in 1054, his leading disciple, Zhongdunba, built Razheng Monastery beside the picturesque Lhasa River in accordance with his late master's wishes. Henceforth, Razheng Monastery became the ancestral monastery of the Gedain Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Qambai Dorje enshrined in the monastery symbolizes the master, and there is also a graceful statue of the guardian of Buddhism, Qinggar Lhabaizhang. The mountain paths are rugged, and in the past the monastery was only accessible on foot or on horseback. However, there is now a highway from Lhasa to Lhunzhub County, where one crosses Mountain Kyalag and follows the Lhasa River upstream to the monastery. Shaded by trees, the monastery consists of sutra halls, Buddha halls, and dormitories for the monks. Southeast of the monastery is Yanggun Monastery which is built between the rocks. Master Zongkapa wrote his Great Exposition on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment at Yanggun Monastery. Initially, disciples of Zhongdunba served as abbots of the monastery. In the 18th century, the 7th Dalai Lama installed his sutra tutor, Ngawang Qoidain, as the Hutogtu of Razheng Monastery, and he became the first Living Buddha azheng. An incarnation system was later introduced at the monastery to select the soul boy of the deceased Living Buddha Razheng. The 5th Living Buddha Razheng, Tubdain Gyainbai Yexei, served as the Prince Regent on the death of the 13th Daial Lama. He supported the Chinese central government policy for national unity, but was eventually murdered. The monastery holds the Kuyoqoiba (Cuckoo Worshipping) Ceremony on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar. On the 15th day of the 7th month every 12 years, the monastery also stages the Pobentanggor Festival during which ten thousand believers walk around the soul rock in procession and worship Buddha statues.

Publishes at : 07-08-14 22:36

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