Rela Yongzhonglin Temple
Nestled at the foot of Mount Rela in Numa Township, Namling County, Shigatse, on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, lies Rela Yungdrung Monastery, a core monastery of the Yungdrung Bon religion. At an altitude of 4,000 meters and 90 kilometers from Shigatse city, it is the largest and best-preserved Bon monastery in Tibet, hailed as the "First Monastery of Yungdrung Bon," and was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2001.
The monastery was founded in the 17th century under the auspices of the high-ranking Bon monk Dawa Gyaltsen. Through centuries of renovation and expansion, it has reached its current scale. As an important center for the later propagation of Bon, it is not only the core of Bon doctrine transmission but also a testament to the cultural fusion of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism, serving as a valuable example for the study of Bon history, doctrine, and architectural art.
The entire monastery is laid out in a terraced pattern along the mountainside, with buildings arranged in a harmonious and varied manner, combining the characteristics of Bon monasteries with Tibetan architectural styles. The core building, the Great Scripture Hall, faces south and is constructed of earth, stone, and wood. The walls, built of rammed earth and stone, are 1.5 meters thick, providing protection against the harsh high-altitude winds. The roof is covered with blue tiles, and the ridge is decorated with the iconic Bon swastika symbol and auspicious ornaments, giving it a solemn and ancient appearance. Inside, the beams and pillars are exquisitely carved and painted with Bon auspicious patterns and creation myths. Gilded statues of the Bon founder Shenrab Miwo and guardian deities are enshrined. Butter lamps burn perpetually, their incense smoke filling the air, creating a solemn atmosphere.
On either side of the scripture hall are monks' quarters, a guardian deity hall, a scripture repository, and a group of stupas. The scripture repository houses thousands of volumes of Bon scriptures, including handwritten copies and woodblock prints from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some of the palm-leaf manuscripts are considered rare treasures, possessing extremely high documentary value. The murals in the monastery's corridors are particularly precious, depicting Bon creation myths and biographies of eminent monks. Their vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes, blending the unique style of Tsang painting, remain clearly legible even after a century.
As a sacred site of Bon, the monks within the monastery practice traditional doctrines, chanting scriptures and meditating amidst the morning bells and evening drums, continuing a religious ritual unchanged for millennia. Every year in the first and sixth months of the Tibetan calendar, the monastery holds grand ceremonies, attracting believers from the surrounding areas to circumambulate the prayer wheels, pray for blessings, and dance the distinctive Bon "Cham" dance. The melodious chanting of sutras and the fluttering of prayer flags showcase the profound cultural heritage of Bon.
The surrounding scenery is magnificent. The Rela Mountain is lush with vegetation, the Yarlung Tsangpo River meanders through the landscape, and majestic snow-capped mountains rise in the distance, creating a harmonious highland panorama with the ancient monastery's red walls and blue tiles. Today, Rela Yongzhonglin Monastery maintains its tranquil atmosphere for spiritual practice while also being open to tourists. Strolling through the monastery, touching the textures of the thousand-year-old stone walls, and listening to the distant chanting of sutras, one can experience the profound and unique charm of Bon culture in the serenity of the plateau.