Further ahead of the Zharu Horse Trail, you will find an orchard enclosed with stub fences, inside which is the Zharu Monastery. Against green mountains and facing the Baojing Cliff, it sits in stretches of orange-colored fruit trees and green woods. The religious banners are waving in the winds, praying blessing for local folks. The monastery is of both strong Zen coloring and primitive native religion.
Built of wood and clay, the Zharu Monastery is a typical Tibetan monastery, comprising of six parts: the Main Hall, Scripture Tower , Music Platform, Tea House and GuestHall, with lamas living in their apartments. The Main Hall has three golden roofs and four golden bells, and in the front is a gold wheel which symbolizes the life-and-death transformation. On the wheel is a pair of divine goats. The Statue of Sakyamuni is placed at the center of the Main Hall, with religious instruments on the altar, and wool blankets on the ground. Every early morning, lamas come for their religious service, and the tiny Barnes from the butler-oil lamps shine up their pious eyes which open and shut alternatively. Cadence of their chanting is lingering in the hall.
This grant event takes place four times a year, the largest on May 15 of the Chinese lunar calendar. “Mazi” is said to be a god of the Benbo Religious Sect, responsible for driving out monsters. This fair is so established in his honor. It is also a grand religious event in the Zharu Monastery, as well as the biggest occasion of Jiuzhaigou. Three days from the fair, all the monks will have to fast and chant religious scriptures. On the day of the fair, Tibetan folks will gather around to exchange kha-bhags, and watch shows. Young people take this day as the lime to express affection to their lovers. On the bank of the Feicui (Emerald) River, they take a solemn pledge of love and wish to live a very long life with their sweethearts. |
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