Shalu Monastery

Shalu (also: Zhalu; Tib: zha lu ) is one of the most famous monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in the village of Shalu, which is located not far from Shigatse in Tibet. It is about 4,000 meters above sea level.

History

Shalu Monastery was founded in 1040 by Sherab Cetsün Chungne ( Tib: lce btsun shes rab ' byung gnas ) was founded. In 1314 founded the 11th Abbot of Shalu, Buton Rinchen Drup, the Monastery Shalu Riphug ( Tib: zha lu ri phug ). Buton Throphu was in the Kagyu (Tib.: khro phu bka ' brgyud ) been trained, but he was particularly interested in the Mandalas of Yoga Tantra and the Kalachakra Tantra. Finally, he founded his own Shalu tradition that had influence beyond his death.

In 1333 the monastery was rebuilt and enlarged. The rulers of the Ming Dynasty (1388-1644) presented Shalu under their auspices, which is why, among other things the main temple of the monastery has a roof in chinese style. The combination of Tibetan and Chinese elements is an architectural feature of Shalu. Shalu is also famous for its murals.

A well-known teacher of Shalu in the 19th century was Losel Tenkyong ( Tib. blo gsal ​​bstan skyong ), in conjunction with Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo ( Tib. ' jam dbyangs mkhyen brtse'i dbang po) an important contribution to the Rime movement ( Tib: ris med) made ​​.

In the years 1960-1970 the monastery, which had benefited many centuries of harmony between the Chinese imperial court and the Tibetan Buddhism, has been completely destroyed by the Chinese up to the main temple.

The monastery is on the list of monuments of the People's Republic of China since 1988.