Serrezhude Monastery: An ancient Gelugpa monastery near Lhasa
Nestled in a valley in Lhasa's Duilongdeqing District, a simple and ancient Gelugpa monastery, its red walls and gray tiles hidden among the green trees, is Serrezhude Monastery. Located more than 20 kilometers from Lhasa city at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters, it boasts centuries of religious tradition and exquisite Tibetan architectural art, making it a little-known but tranquil sanctuary in the suburbs.
Founded in the 17th century by high-ranking Gelugpa monks, the monastery has retained its traditional Tibetan architectural style despite numerous renovations. As a Gelugpa monastery, though small in scale, its layout is meticulous, showcasing the solemnity and tranquility of Tibetan monasteries, and serving as an important example for studying the development of the Gelugpa school in the Lhasa suburbs.
The entire monastery is laid out in a terraced pattern along the mountainside. The core building, the main prayer hall, faces south, its walls constructed of stone and adobe bricks, thick and sturdy. The roof of the prayer hall is covered with blue tiles, and the ridge is decorated with auspicious symbols such as the Dharma wheel and golden deer, simple yet dignified. The beams and pillars inside the main hall are carved with auspicious patterns such as lotus flowers and scrolling foliage, their colors ancient and simple. Statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Master Tsongkhapa are enshrined there, and butter lamps burn eternally, their incense smoke rising in a solemn atmosphere.
On either side of the main hall are monks' quarters, a protector deity hall, and a scripture room. The scripture room houses dozens of handwritten Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, their characters neat and their binding ancient, possessing significant documentary value. The murals in the corridors depict stories of the Buddha's life and biographies of Gelugpa monks, their brushstrokes delicate, the colors still faintly discernible despite the passage of time, showcasing the traditional charm of Tibetan painting.
As a pure and spiritual practice center, the monks follow the teachings of Master Tsongkhapa, chanting and meditating amidst the morning bells and evening drums, continuing a religious ritual unchanged for millennia. During important Tibetan festivals each year, the monastery holds small ceremonies, attracting believers from the surrounding area to circumambulate and pray for blessings. Prayer flags flutter, and the chanting of sutras resounds, demonstrating the power of faith.
The monastery is surrounded by serene scenery, with lush forests and babbling brooks in the valleys. In the distance, expansive river valleys and farmlands offer picturesque views of barley fields and Tibetan-style houses. Here, there are no bustling crowds, only the tranquility of nature and the peace of religion. Strolling through the monastery, touching the mottled stone walls, and listening to the distant chanting of sutras, one can feel the profoundness and purity of the Gelugpa culture in the serenity of the plateau.