Serje Tsongkhapa

Nestled in the secluded landscape of Qiangdui Township, Bailang County, Shigatse City, eight kilometers north of Yalong Village, stands Serre Zhude Monastery, a testament to a thousand years of history, embodying the devout faith of the Nyingma school and the brilliance of Tibetan culture. Founded in 892 AD, over 1100 years of weathering the elements have not diminished its solemnity and gentleness, but rather deepened its profound cultural heritage. As an important monastery of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, Serre Zhude Monastery has nurtured numerous influential monks throughout its history. Masters such as Shabten Gyaltsen and Nyudong Sangye dedicated their lives to preserving the Dharma, making this ancient monastery an irreplaceable spiritual sanctuary for local believers. The monastery's architecture blends the essence of Tibetan style. The thick, solid walls exude a sacred solemnity, while the golden Dharma wheels and banners on the rooftops gleam in the sunlight, proclaiming the supreme glory of faith. Every carving on the eaves and every decorative pattern on the doors and windows is a testament to the ingenuity of Tibetan artisans. Serre Zhude Monastery is most renowned for its exquisite murals. As the culmination of the Chintse school of painting, the murals were personally painted by the school's founders, Gongga Gangdui and Chintse Chinmo, leading their teams, marking a milestone in Tibetan art history. The murals depict Buddhist stories and the deeds of past sages, with rich yet warm colors, flowing and delicate lines, and lifelike figures. They showcase not only superb artistic skill but also profound religious connotations. Stepping into the monastery is like opening a door to a thousand years of Tibetan art. For local believers, Serre Zhude Monastery has long transcended its religious significance, becoming a spiritual refuge integrated into their lives. Amidst the morning bells and evening drums, monks diligently practice their faith, chanting sutras and praying for blessings. Their devout chants echo through the valleys and resonate across the snowy plateau. Believers travel from afar, offering incense and prayers, presenting khatas (ceremonial scarves), and sharing their wishes amidst the swirling incense smoke, experiencing the compassion and peace of Buddhism. For millennia, this faith has never been interrupted, becoming a spiritual bond connecting humanity with nature, tradition with the present. Today, Serre Zhude Monastery remains as serene as ever, unassuming and unassuming. Far from the hustle and bustle, it safeguards the peace of Tibet with its ancient chants, transmits cultural genes through exquisite murals, and nourishes the hearts of all beings with its devout faith. This ancient monastery, with its thousand-year history, is not only a witness to the transmission of Nyingma Buddhism but also a carrier of Tibetan art and humanistic spirit, quietly telling an eternal story of faith, tradition, and time on the snowy plateau.