Chokorgyel Monastery
Chokorgyel Monastery is a significant Gelugpa Buddhist monastery located in Gyatsa County, Tibet. Founded in 1509 by Gedun Gyatso, the 2nd Dalai Lama, it holds historical importance as a meditation site and a vital stopping point for senior lamas journeying to the sacred lake Lhamo La-tso. The monastery was severely damaged multiple times throughout its history, notably by Dzungar Mongols in 1718 and almost completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but has since seen partial rebuilding and renewed monastic residency.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1509 by Gedun Gyatso, the 2nd Dalai Lama, as a hermitage.
- ›Located at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) near the sacred lake Lhamo La-tso.
- ›Historically served as a halting-place for senior lamas seeking visions at Lhamo La-tso for reincarnation guidance.
- ›Severely damaged in 1718 by Dzungar Mongols and rebuilt by Regent Kangchene.
- ›Completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, with only roofless walls remaining.
- ›The main hall has been rebuilt, and a few monks have reoccupied the site.
Important Relationships
- Gedun Gyatso (2nd Dalai Lama)
- Palden Lhamo
- Regent Kangchene
Meditation Cave of the 2nd Dalai Lama, Footprint of Damchen Choje, Lukhang Temple, Tsuklakhang Temple, Shinje Melong
- Founded By Gedun Gyatso
- Severely Damaged By Dzungar Mongols
- Rebuilt Immediately By Regent Kangchene
- Completely Destroyed During the Cultural Revolution
Tibetan
About Chokorgyel Monastery
Chokorgyel Monastery is a historically significant Gelugpa Buddhist monastery situated in Gyatsa County, Tibet, China. Its origins trace back to 1509 when Gedun Gyatso, the 2nd Dalai Lama, established a meditation cave and a hermitage on the site. The monastery is strategically located at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) and is a four-hour hike from the sacred lake Lhamo La-tso, a site renowned for its role in seeking visions for the reincarnation of high lamas.
History and Resilience
The history of Chokorgyel is marked by periods of destruction and rebuilding. In 1718, the Dzungar Mongols inflicted severe damage upon the monastery, though it was promptly rebuilt by Regent Kangchene. A more devastating blow came during the Cultural Revolution, which led to its complete destruction, leaving only roofless walls. Despite these setbacks, the main hall has since been reconstructed, and a small number of monks have returned, signifying a resurgence of its monastic life.
Surroundings and Symbolism
The monastery's location is geomantically significant, nestled between three mountains—Mount Zhidag, Shridevi, and Mount Begtse—and situated at the confluence of three rivers. These natural features, along with the surrounding mountains representing different protector deities, are symbolically integrated into the monastery's original triangular design. This form reflected the conjunction of water, earth, and fire, and the feminine principle of the protectress Palden Lhamo.
Notable Features and Spiritual Significance
Chokorgyel served as a crucial halting-place for senior lamas traveling to and from Lhamo La-tso, where they would meditate to discern future reincarnations, particularly for the Dalai and Panchen lamas. Among its features are the remains of a temple containing the footprint of Damchen Choje, and a surviving footprint of the 2nd Dalai Lama in stone. The Lukhang, the temple of the Serpent Protectors, was built over the original hermitage, and murals, though damaged, can still be observed on the walls of the Tsuklakang temple. A unique feature is the Shinje Melong, a polished granite stone believed to be used for reading horoscopes and in rain-making ceremonies.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chokorgyel Monastery founded?
Chokorgyel Monastery was founded in 1509 by Gedun Gyatso, who was the 2nd Dalai Lama at the time. He established it as a hermitage and meditation cave.
What is the significance of Chokorgyel Monastery in relation to Lhamo La-tso?
The monastery is situated a four-hour hike from the sacred lake Lhamo La-tso. It was an important stopping point for senior lamas who would meditate at the lake to seek guidance on reincarnations through visions.
What happened to Chokorgyel Monastery during the Cultural Revolution?
During the Cultural Revolution, Chokorgyel Monastery was completely destroyed. Every bit of wood was removed from the buildings, leaving only roofless walls.
Is Chokorgyel Monastery still active?
While the monastery was largely destroyed, the main hall has since been rebuilt. A few monks have taken up residence once again, indicating a partial revival of its monastic function.
What are some of the notable natural surroundings of Chokorgyel Monastery?
The monastery is nestled between three mountains: Mount Zhidag to the north, Shridevi to the south, and Mount Begtse to the east. It is also located in the 'geomantically powerful confluence of three rivers'.
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