Zhaibung Monastery：Mother Monastery of Dalai Lama
( 2005-10-27 )

Zhacang colleges are where Gelug monks studiedBuddhism. In the early days of its construction, the Zhaibung boasted seven Zhacangs that were put under the seven major disciples of Jamyang Qoigyi. With the increase in the number of monks hailing from other monasteries for study in these Zhacangs, the seven Zhacangs were condensed into the Losailing, Gomang, Deyang, and Ngaba Zhacangs based on the contents of the disciplines, as well as on the students' origins. The first three Zhacangs are for the study of the open school of Tibetan Buddhism, and the fourth is Tantric College.

Southwest of the monastery is the Gandain Phodrang Palace, residence of the 2nd to the 5th Dalai Lamas.

All the buildings of the Zhaibung Monastery are closely laid out. Each building is composed of a courtyard, a Sutra hall, and a Buddha hall. The terrain rises from the gate to the Buddha halls to highlight the position of these halls. The Coqen Hall is the largest; the Deyang Zhacang is unsophisticated in layout; the Ngaba Zhacang is compact; and the Gandain Phodrang is the most magnificent. All the buildings have golden tops, Dharma wheels, and other religious objects.

The Zhaibung Monastery preserves close to 10,000 ancient classics, more than 100 volumes of Gangyur, and 100 volumes of Dangyur, as well as hundreds of volumes of hand-copied works by Zongkapa and two of his disciples. Lifelike Buddha statues enshrined in various Buddha halls represent a high level of sculpturing in Tibet. Color frescoes in these halls are elegant. All these resources are valuable for study of Tibetan history, religion, and art.

During the Shoton (Sour Milk Drinking) Festival held by the Zhaibung Monastery on the 30th day of the 6th month in the Tibetan calendar, a huge portrait of Sakyamuni (Buddhism founder) will be hung from Genewoze Hill. Tens of thousands of Buddhist followers and visitors come to worship during the grandest event of the year at the monastery.